Have we gone batty or is this one of the most amazing things that can happen in nature? There are limited spots in the world where you can see 10 to 12 million bats fill the night sky as the search for food. We just find it amazed at the amount. Where else can you see a million of anything, anywhere at one time? Think about it, even the largest aquarium in the world in Hengqin China, the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Whale Shark Exhibit Aquarium (珠海长隆海洋王国), holds 800 species of aquatic life and those are housed in separate areas. 10 million fish aren’t swimming at you all at once. They’re divided by species into different tanks and you walk around to check them out. A well-spent day, but not the same experience.
This experience, oh man, this experience is a once-in-a-lifetime view of nature’s awesomeness! Look at what people who used our friends at Frio Bat Flight Tours and have witnessed it are saying on TripAdvisor.
Trip Advisor Reviews
We loved seeing the Millions of bats emerge from this cave and fly directly overhead us, covering us like a blanket which nature created and the owners of this place are gracious enough to share with the public. The guide told us that this is the second largest gathering of one type of mammal in one concentrated place. Pretty cool stuff. The guide was Excellent, his love for these animals was evident. Some helpful tips when visiting:
– No restrooms, so plan accordingly.
– There is a small poster at the gate with the tour company logo, we missed it when we first passed by. Drive by slowly and you should see it.
– There is a dirt road from the entry gate for about a mile to drive through to get here, so take it slow (especially if you have a smaller car) so that you don’t bump up your car.
– There is a paved pathway to climb up a small hill. It wasn’t too bad at all. I was out of breath when I got to the top, but if you take it slow and steady, it should be okay. (Wear comfortable shoes!) It will be worth it as the cave opening is at the top of the hill, from which the bats emerge and you see them flying into the sky from atop the hill. Best view of the place in my opinion.
– The bats don’t come out on queue, so there is a bit of waiting at the beginning where the guide provides commentary. There is a small stadium of rocks where you can sit to wait. Take some lawn chairs, it will make it a much more enjoyable wait.
– There is water and gatorade for sale there. But I saw some visitors take a small cooler. We took a water bottle ourselves.
If you’re in the area, take a chance and come check this place out. It’s way cool! :
We travelled from a long way especially to see the bat’s emergence from the cave. We were not disappointed. A truly memorable experience to see a phenomenon of nature. Our guide was informative and we learnt alot about these fascinating creatures, we were so close we could see the Bat’s features as they flew out of the cave. Went with a 6 & 8 year old who were amazed. Thank you Frio Bat flight for a great experience.
Loved seeing thousands of bats flying directly overhead. Bain Walker is extremely informative and does an awesome job of educating folks on the bats and their habits.
About the bats
The stars of the show! These amazing flyers are incredible creatures and are found in the western United States, south through Mexico, Central America and into northern South America. They’re a medium sized bat. Their fur is reddish to dark brown or gray in color. They have broad, black, forward pointing ears, and wrinkled lips. Their tails extend more than one third beyond the tail membranes; most other bats have tails that are completely enclosed within the tail membranes. Their wings are long and narrow.
They are snowbirds. They’ll hang with us for a while (more about that later) but most of these bats migrate south to Central America and Mexico during the winter where they probably have time-shares or a second property like most snowbirds do.
Their preferred real estate is a cave, but they will also choose attics, hang out under bridges, or in abandoned buildings. They choose roosts near water. The water attracts the insects they eat, as well as allowing them the opportunity to drink.
The western part of the United States, south through Mexico, Central America and into northern South America is where you’ll find them. They can have a lifespan of up to 18 years. They aren’t currently a threatened or endangered species which makes everyone pretty happy and we hope never to see them on this list. We mean, they’re kinda cut in their own batty way.
These guys fly through the night to look for their favorite foods – moths and other insects. The colony that we are privileged to have here in Concan can consume up to 250 tons of insects EVERY NIGHT!
You know what that means right? Your Frio vacation is relatively pest-free thanks to our neighbors – nature’s exterminators. Can we get a WOO HOO?!
Tour information
It’s on private land so we suggest you contact (888) 502-9387, and check out www.friobatflight.com. Bain Walker or Lee Haile of Frio Bat Flight Tours will be your guides and you can read all about them on the bat tour website. It’s great for kids and is also handicapped accessible
Location
Happy viewing! We’d love to hear from you and how much you enjoyed the bat flight experience. We know it’s something you’ll never forget!