Top Texas Nature and Wildlife Tours

Embark on a 45-minute adventure aboard a comfortable boat from Pier 21, Galveston. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and families, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to observe dolphins in their natural habitat. With all seats providing great views, you can relax and enjoy the experience without the need to rush on board. The knowledgeable captain navigates to prime dolphin-watching spots, ensuring an engaging and memorable outing. Whether you're short on time or seeking a quick escape, this tour delivers an unforgettable glimpse into Galveston's marine life.

Look out for the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins that thrive along the coast of South Padre Island on a wildlife boat tour from Sea Ranch Marina. Cruise past the US Coast Guard Station, Boca Chica Beach, and other local attractions with a comfortable seat on a wildlife-watching boat. The vessel is equipped with a wildlife-safe viewing net so you can see South Padre sea life up close.

While in southern Texas, visit the San Antonio Zoo to see thousands of animals from around the globe. Encounter majestic lions in Big Cat Valley or marvel at rhinos and zebras in the all-new habitat. San Antonio Zoo blends conservation, education, and fun, offering affordable entertainment year-round. Streamline your visit by booking your ticket in advance, so you don’t leave anything to chance, and bypass the long lines.

While in San Antonio, enjoy a guided walking tour of Texas’ largest commercial cavern — Natural Bridge Caverns. During the 75-minute tour, your experienced guide takes you as far as 180 feet (55 meters) underground to see the caverns up close. Hear about the history of the caverns and the geological forces that shaped their curious rock formations during your tour of the stunning cave chambers. Above ground you can try other activities such as ziplines and adventure ropes courses or panning for gold.

This Animal Encounter offers a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife on a 75-minute animal encounter tour. Located on over 100 acres in Texas, guests can meet and feed the tower of 5 giraffes, get up close and touch one of the 3 resident rhinos while engaging with animal care specialists who share insights on conservation efforts. This memorable experience includes animal feedings, photo opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art animal care facilities. Perfect for families and small groups, this tour fosters a deeper understanding of wildlife and the importance of conservation. - Interact with resident giraffes and rhinos. - Guided by animal care specialists with Q&A sessions - Limited to 12 participants for a personalized experience - Daily tours at 11am and 2pm on weekends - RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Discover the breathtaking underground world of Natural Bridge Caverns on the Hidden Wonders Tour. Explore newly opened chambers adorned with delicate formations and experience an engaging sound and light show that narrates the geological wonders of this natural marvel. The tour features the exclusive B.A.T. (Belt Assisted Transport), a unique conveyor ride that ensures a convenient exit from the cavern. Led by expert guides, this 70-75 minute adventure offers insights into the cavern's history and formation, making it perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike. - Immerse in a 70-75 minute guided tour through stunning subterranean chambers - Experience the exclusive B.A.T. conveyor ride for a smooth exit - Enjoy a captivating sound and light show highlighting geological stories - Suitable for families; comfortable walking shoes recommended due to stairs and wet surfaces

Rather than joining a guided tour and rushing through Big Bend National Park’s dramatic local landmarks, explore the area at your own pace with this self-guided audio tour. Pause whenever you like to take in towering cliffs and rugged canyons, hike through trails such as along the Rio Grande River, keep an eye out for local wildlife, and much more.

Avoid traffic and swap busy city sightseeing tours for something a bit more peaceful—a relaxing sunset cruise on Lake Austin. This tour showcases views of Mount Bonnell, Mr “Alright, Alright, Alright’s” Lake House, and a place nicknamed “Little Venice” with luxurious mansions. Ride in a comfortable pontoon boat equipped with a cooler and ice, so you can BYOB and enjoy a laid-back ride on the lake.

A truly unforgettable day awaits you in the Texas Hill Country! Join us for one of Fredericksburg’s top-rated experiences, hosted at Grapetown Vineyard & Farm, a hidden gem and working ranch with an animal rescue sanctuary. Guests will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at daily ranch operations while experiencing an incredible Giraffe Experience & Safari Wine Tour. Depending on your ticket selection, you may enjoy a wine tasting, meet and feed a giraffe, then relax aboard our safari-style tram as a guide escorts you around the property. Along the way, you may meet and feed kangaroos, alpacas, goats, deer, possibly pet a camel, and even see a zebra. These animals are part of our extended family—many of them rescued—and their care and stories are at the heart of this experience. After your safari tour, return to Grapetown Vineyard to enjoy great Texas wines, plus beer and cocktails at our full bar, all while soaking in scenic Hill Country views.

Step into the Wild West spirit of the Fort Worth Stockyards on a guided walking food tour filled with Texas history, legendary stories, and plenty of local flavor. Follow your local guide along brick-lined streets and past iconic landmarks as you hear the stories of the cattle drives, cowboys, outlaws, and larger-than-life characters who helped shape this legendary city within a city. There will be plenty of great photo stops along the way. Along the route, enjoy curated tastings at beloved local restaurants featuring Texas favorites and dishes inspired by the flavors of the region. Come hungry! Your tastings are designed to add up to a satisfying meal, with something sweet for dessert to finish the experience. Want even more of the Stockyards experience? Arrive early or stay after your tour for the chance to see the famous Texas longhorn cattle drive make its way down Exchange Avenue at 11:30 AM or 4:00 PM.

Set sail for a day of bay fishing on the Danny B, a 50 ft. party boat with room for up to 43 anglers. Cast your line into the waters of South Padre Island, where you can catch species like whiting, sand trout, black drum, and shark. This experience not only offers fishing but also provides opportunities for dolphin watching and enjoying the stunning Texas coast. With fishing gear included and a knowledgeable crew ready to assist, this adventure is perfect for both seasoned fishermen and beginners alike.

Enjoy well-researched and fascinating spooky stories in a fun and informative environment while you see the city at the same time. Learn all about Fort Worth’s allegedly ghostly past, from Miss Molly’s Hotel and Downtown Cowtown to the infamous Isis and Scott Theaters, with the help of a passionate tour guide who can’t wait to give you a scare.

Experience South Padre Island at its most beautiful. This dolphin watch takes you onto the bay during the golden hour—when the light is softer, the views are stunning, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Enjoy a more comfortable, uncrowded cruise as dolphins swim and play in their natural habitat. With fewer guests onboard, you’ll have more space to take in the scenery, capture incredible photos, and truly unwind on the water. Cruise into the dolphins’ natural habitat and enjoy incredible up-close encounters with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they swim and play in the bay. This tour goes beyond dolphins, offering views of coastal birds, marine life, and iconic sights along the way—including the southernmost U.S. Coast Guard Station, Boca Chica Beach, the SpaceX launch site, and the South Padre Island Jetties—the gateway to the Brownsville Ship Channel. Perfect for couples, families, and special occasions

Eighty feet below the surface in Texas Hill Country lies the Cave Without a Name, an extraordinary underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones, cave drapery, and other terrestrial formations formed over thousands of years. Come early, pack a picnic, and enjoy on-site amenities such as a hiking trail, gift shop, and a gemstone/fossil sluice.

Relax at our cozy cat café, home to 20+ adorable, adoptable rescue cats. Sip on coffee as you enjoy 30 or 70 minutes of cuddles, and playtime. All guests must be 6+ and have a paid ticket—no exceptions. The purr-fect spot to unwind or meet your future feline friend!

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle to make the most of your US Southwest road trips through Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas and Utah. From the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley to Utah’s Mighty 5 of Arches, Zion and more, and the dazzling dunes of White Sands - this bundle covers the region’s most iconic landscapes. Along the way, hear stories play automatically as you explore canyons, deserts, and red rock landscapes, with driving and walking tours that ensure a memorable adventure through the Southwest. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use No time limits or expiry, and free updates Like having a tour guide with you Purchase one bundle per vehicle.

This tour is for the guest looking to spend some quality time with baby goats! Come meet the entire goat herd at Grapetown Vineyard and any newborn babies. You will see, pet and cuddle with their herd of Nigerian and African Pygmy Goats. These tiny bundles of joy are born instant acrobats and are so much fun to watch. The tour will last approximately 30 minutes. If it is raining, the Baby Goat Experience takes place inside the barn. The barn is not climate controlled, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Length of Tour: We look forward to having you at the farm. The timing of this specific tour is at 5PM on Saturday. Please make note of this for your upcoming visit. What Should You Wear? Wear clothes that can get dirty. Closed-toed shoes. Baby goats stepping on your bare toes hurts. Hair ties, a hat, or a hoodie. If you have long hair, you need to be warned - baby goats love chewing on long hair. As few strings or tassels as possible.

Going out on the San Marcos River at nighttime can be a difficult task if you don’t know the river well. This San Marcos River Clear Lighted Kayak Sunset Eco Tour makes it easy to explore in the dark with a guide leading the way in clear kayaks equipped with glow lights. Keep an eye out for fish, bats, deer, and more as your guide points out and tells you about the wildlife of the river ecosystem.

Save on costs without sacrificing quality on this small-group Lake Austin boat tour. Enjoy a social atmosphere as your captain shares insightful commentary and enhances your experience on the water. Cruise past top landmarks such as the Austin Country Club, Emma Long Metropolitan Park, and Tom Miller Dam while you relax and take in the beautiful lakeside scenery.

Ride into Adventure with K Bible Guided Trail Rides! Looking for something unforgettable to do in Waco? Come saddle up with us and experience the Downtown Chisholm Trail Ride, where history and adventure meet as we ride through the heart of town just like the cowboys of old! Or escape into nature with your Reynolds Creek Trail Ride at Lake Waco—a peaceful getaway with winding trails, beautiful lake views, and plenty of fresh air. Whether you’re a first-time rider or an experienced horse lover, your rides are safe, fun, and full of memories waiting to be made. Families, friends, couples—everyone’s welcome to come ride with us! Don’t just explore Waco—experience it on horseback! Book your adventure today and let’s hit the trail together.

Get more from a tour of Galveston when you take this Galveston History Private Carriage Tour. You can ride the city in a carriage as you learn about its impressive and resilient history. See main sights as your guide tells stories. Plus, because it’s a nighttime tour, you can bring drinks on the carriage as long as you notify the guide in advance.

There are many people who go out on the water to take in views of Austin and its popular bat colony, but this Austin Skyline and Bats Giant Glow Paddleboard Sunset Tour takes you out on the water after most people have already been out and lets you stay out longer than other experiences, too. Head out on a giant paddleboard with provided glow lights and enjoy the stunning views of Austin.

Save on visiting top San Antonio attractions with a San Antonio CityPASS® that lets you choose the places you want to visit—with options ranging from the San Antonio zoo to river cruises and more. While booking each place individually would be pricy, this customizable pass cuts costs without giving up any flexibility. Since you have nine days to use the pass, you can explore at your own pace.