Natural Bridge Caverns
San Antonio, TX, 70°F inside, from $25
A Bat Conservation International preserve where you watch the bats pour out of the cave at dusk from viewing areas. Summer evenings only, by reservation; the 2026 season is over.
The story
Bracken Cave is the summer home of more than 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats, which Bat Conservation International describes as the world's largest bat colony and largest known bat maternity colony. The cave sits on private land owned, managed and protected by BCI. BCI bought the cave and a small surrounding parcel in 1992 and later built a much larger preserve around it as a buffer against development.
History source: batcon.org.
Tickets and timing
- How long it takes
- About 2–3 hours per flight evening
- Hours
- Bat flights roughly May–September; July and August are best. Registration usually opens in early April.
- Booking
- Advance reservations required for everyone, including children. BCI members get 50% off.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- About half a mile on gravel trails to bench seating.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Dogs
- Not allowed (service animals only).
Before you go
- No coolers, food, alcohol or flash photography.
- Not recommended for children under 6.
Questions people ask
How long does a visit to Bracken Bat Cave take?
About 2–3 hours per flight evening
Are dogs allowed at Bracken Bat Cave?
Not allowed (service animals only).
Do you need to book Bracken Bat Cave in advance?
Advance reservations required for everyone, including children. BCI members get 50% off.
Checked on 2026-10-22 against batcon.org (Visit Bracken Cave Preserve page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.