If you are traveling to Southwest Florida or if you are a current resident, you simply have to go visit Babcock Wilderness Adventures. Nestled off of State Rd. 31 in Punta Gorda is the Babcock Ranch full of Florida wildlife and landscaping. The Babcock Ranch has been a place I have visited several times since I was in high school many, many moons ago, and it has been neat to see the changes over time.
When you first arrive you encounter some ferocious wildlife right off the bat. Mason is staring down a Florida Panther; however, this is the last stuffed animal we encountered and found much more ferocious wildlife later on.
Bug spray and sunscreen applied, the family and I embarked on our journey into the Florida Ecosystem on our very own guided buggy.
We were high off of the ground which gave us a great view of the surrounding flora and critters roaming about.
Then once in a while the guide would stop the buggy and pass around objects to inspect in our own hands. This really amazed Jakobi to be able to hold the flora we were passing on his own.
This is basically what Florida forests look like. I love the unique way the palm tree has grown. Babcock Wilderness uses prescribed controlled burning to keep the forests around the area from catching on fire when it gets into the dry season.
A fire through a forest the size of the one at the ranch would burn really hot and really fast destroying a complete ecosystem that much wildlife has come to depend on.
And look at all of the beautiful animals we encountered along the trails at the Babcock Ranch.
At one point we got out of the buggy and walked along a boardwalk to see this beautiful cat! Meow!
We even got to see two gators mating!
Then the kids got to touch a real live Florida Alligator.
We learned that this area turns into a swamp during the rainy season. You can see the water line on the trees.
These pictures are not even 1/4 of the collection I gathered from our trip. We had such a great time and will be returning again to see what it looks like in the rainy season!
All Tours REQUIRE Reservations and are filled on a first call, first served basis. Additional tour times may be added to meet demand. Please mention if you have any special needs or requests (i.e. Handicap accessible). Walk-ins are welcome, but to ensure a seat on the tour, we suggest you make a reservation.
Reservations & Information:
To make a reservation online, please click here or call 1-800-500-5583
Fax reservation requests to 1-941-637-4611
Admission Prices for the 90-minute Eco-Tour:
| Adults (13 and older): | $22.00 |
| Seniors: (65 and older): | $21.00 |
| Kids (3-12): | $14.00 |
| Lap Babies (0-2): | Free |
