# Natural Florida Up Close on a Babcock Ranch Eco Tour *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated July 2024* I visit Florida at least a couple times per year and we generally spend time enjoying the sand and water on the edges of the state. Seldom do we get to explore the swamps and murky water where the wild things roam. It's a shame really, Florida is mostly swamp and Forrest land that is filled with wild animals. That land played an essential role in the creating of the state that we know today. From alligators to hogs brought by the Spanish to cows brought by the Crackers there's way more to Florida's rich history and natural beauty than just it's spectacular beaches. We got a chance to explore some of this with Babcock Ranch Eco Tours and their one-of-a-kind "swamp buggy" ... Our journey through the swamp unexpectedly began with one of the best lunches I've ever had on a fam trip. It wasn't fancy but it authentic. You can't get much better than southern comfort food including sides that depend on what the cook felt like making that morning. This is especially true if you are dining inside a shack surrounded by acres of swamp land where the fried gator you are enjoying might actually have been living a few hours or days earlier. Guys Trip Destinations and Getaway Ideas FLOWMEDIAMARKETING [What Do Gen Z Travelers Think About Cruising And Where Do They Want To Go Next?](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflowmediamarketing.com%2Finsights%2Fwhat-do-gen-z-travelers-think-about-cruising-and-where-do-they-want-to-go-next.html&id=654&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflowmediamarketing.com%2Finsights%2Fwhat-do-gen-z-travelers-think-about-cruising-and-where-do-they-want-to-go-next.html&id=654&type=blog&site=mantripping) MANTRIPPING [Awesome Ideas For Single Guys To Explore In The Philippines](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fawesome-ideas-for-guys-to-explore-in-the-philippines.html&id=371&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fawesome-ideas-for-guys-to-explore-in-the-philippines.html&id=371&type=blog&site=mantripping) MANTRIPPING [Hunting American Bison: How And Where To Hunt Buffalo In The United States](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fwhere-you-can-legally-hunt-american-bison-in-the-united-states.html&id=370&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fwhere-you-can-legally-hunt-american-bison-in-the-united-states.html&id=370&type=blog&site=mantripping) FLOWMEDIAMARKETING [How I Use AI to Transform Social Media Comments Into Blog Posts That Drive Traffic](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflowmediamarketing.com%2Farticles%2Fturn-social-media-comments-into-blog-posts-with-ai.html&id=649&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflowmediamarketing.com%2Farticles%2Fturn-social-media-comments-into-blog-posts-with-ai.html&id=649&type=blog&site=mantripping) MANTRIPPING [Beyond Detroit: Best Places In Michigan For A Guys Trip](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fbeyond-detroit-best-places-in-michigan-for-a-guys-trip.html&id=349&type=blog&site=mantripping) [Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fbeyond-detroit-best-places-in-michigan-for-a-guys-trip.html&id=349&type=blog&site=mantripping) We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. After our lunch, we headed out to meet our guide and her [Babcock Ranch](https://babcockranchecotours.com) "Swamp Buggy", a converted school bus painted khaki and with side windows removed. While I'd never have considered a bus like this something to ford streams and muddy roads - I was impressed. Along the tour, guests learn about the history of the land from the origin of Babcock Ranch in 1914 as part of Edward Babcock's timber empire to create pitch used to ward off termites in the diamond mines of South Africa. In 2006, 80% the 91,000-acre ranch was sold to the State of Florida who agreed to preserve the 73,000 acres of land as a mixture of ranching and eco tours to help Floridians and guests better understand the ecosystem here. The 90-minute [Babcock Ranch Eco Tour](https://babcockranchecotours.com) travels through the working cattle ranch, gator filled swamp lands, through forests, and open prairie land. We were thrilled to see a wide range of wild animals including alligators, owls, wild turkeys, deer, horses, cattle, and many wild birds.  It was one of the most fun excursions that I've done in a long while and a must for anyone who loves nature, history, or just taking photos. ## Photos From Our Babcock Ranch "Swamp Buggy" Eco Tour Babcock Ranch Eco Tour, Punta Gorda Florida Photo Gallery Guys Trip Articles and Ideas: [MANTRIPPING Detroit Sports Guys Weekend: Top 10 Must-Do Activities for a Legendary Motor...   Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fdetroit-sports-guys-weekend-must-do-activities-for-a-legendary-motor-city-getaway.html&id=347&type=blog&site=mantripping) [MANTRIPPING How To Plan The Perfect Ranch Bachelor Party Guys Trip   --- {"html":""} --- Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fhow-to-plan-the-perfect-ranch-bachelor-party-guys-trip.html&id=369&type=blog&site=mantripping) [MANTRIPPING Beyond Detroit: Best Places In Michigan For A Guys Trip   Read More →](https://ads.flowmediamarketing.com/api/flowads/click/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mantripping.com%2Ftravel%2Fbeyond-detroit-best-places-in-michigan-for-a-guys-trip.html&id=349&type=blog&site=mantripping) We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Details Written by: James Hills Last Updated: 26 July 2024 ### 🚢Ready To Book A Vacation? Let us help you plan a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or tour for your next guys trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway. Click here to [**Book Your Next Vacation**](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html). #### Alaska's Cultural Side: Why Cruising the Last Frontier Is More Than Just Scenery Feb 23, 2026 [Alaska's Cultural Side: Why Cruising the Last Frontier Is More Than Just Scenery](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/alaska-more-than-just-natural-beauty-wonder-unique-culture-traditions.html) [Plan Your Next Vacation Today!](https://www.mantripping.com/vacation-planning.html) #### Spring Cleanup Done Right: Plano Storage Trunks and Shelving Reviewed Mar 02, 2026 [Spring Cleanup Done Right: Plano Storage Trunks and Shelving Reviewed](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/spring-cleanup-done-right-plano-storage-trunks-and-shelving-reviewed.html) #### How to Pick the Right Generator for Tailgating and Camping Feb 21, 2026 [How to Pick the Right Generator for Tailgating and Camping](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/how-to-pick-the-perfect-generator-for-tailgating-and-camping.html) #### UGREEN's New AI NAS Lineup Is What Power Users Have Been Waiting For Feb 19, 2026 [UGREEN's New AI NAS Lineup Is What Power Users Have Been Waiting For](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/ugreens-new-ai-nas-lineup-is-what-power-users-have-been-waiting-for.html) ### Related Articles #### Orlando Golf Trip? Here's Why Florida's Cannabis Laws Will Catch You Off Guard [Orlando Golf Trip? Here's Why Florida's Cannabis Laws Will Catch You Off Guard](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/florida-cannabis-laws-visitors-snowbirds-orlando.html) #### 8 World-Class Events To Plan Your Miami Sports Mancation Around in 2026 [8 World-Class Events To Plan Your Miami Sports Mancation Around in 2026](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/world-class-events-miami-sports-mancation.html) #### Miami's Ultimate Sports VIP Experiences: Where Championship Access Meets Tropical Luxury [Miami's Ultimate Sports VIP Experiences: Where Championship Access Meets Tropical Luxury](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/miami-guys-getaway-sports-vip-experiences.html) #### The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island: A Great Place for a Florida Guys Weekend Getaway [The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island: A Great Place for a Florida Guys Weekend Getaway](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/amelia-island-a-great-place-for-a-florida-guys-weekend-getaway.html) #### Dad Called And Said He Wanted A Florida Vacation For Father's Day [Dad Called And Said He Wanted A Florida Vacation For Father's Day](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/fathers-day-getaway-ideas-in-florida.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html?view=html&id=1) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Gift Guides & Roundups Submission Form](https://www.mantripping.com/roundups-form.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) {"html":""} --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. She helps travelers plan cruise vacations tailored to their specific needs — whether it's choosing the right ship, coordinating a group, or finding the best itinerary for your budget and interests. **Get in touch:** - [Request a personalized quote](https://mantripping.com/book-with-heather?ref=agent) - Email: heather@flowmediamarketing.com --- **About mantripping.com:** Men's travel, lifestyle, and adventure since 2010. Honest reviews from 20+ years of travel experience. *Source: [Natural Florida Up Close on a Babcock Ranch Eco Tour](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/babcock-ranch-eco-tours.html) — mantripping.com* **Related content you may find useful:** - [Travel guides and destination reviews](https://mantripping.com/travel/) - [Men's lifestyle and gear reviews](https://mantripping.com/mens-lifestyle/)