Ted Turner Expeditions now offers an immersive eco-adventure that lets guests witness the seasonal Armendaris Bat Flight in New Mexico. This carefully curated nature and wildlife experience highlights the dramatic nightly emergence of bats from lava caves on private ranchland.
The Armendaris Bat Flight tour gives visitors access to Ted Turner’s private Armendaris Ranch, where roughly 1.6 million bats—primarily Mexican free-tailed bats—stream out of two large lava tube caves at dusk. From June through September, the bats take to the sky each evening in a spectacle often described as a “river of bats,” offering a rare chance to observe these animals in their natural environment.
The outing is a five-hour expedition that departs from the Sierra Grande Lodge in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, with a typical departure time of 4:30 p.m. Expert guides lead small groups across parts of the 360,000-acre Armendaris Ranch to reach the cave viewing areas. Along the way, guests may also spot other resident wildlife, including bison, pronghorn and oryx that inhabit the Chihuahuan Desert, providing additional natural history context and photo opportunities.
Group tours start at $275 per person and include a packed dinner. For travelers seeking a more private experience, private tours are available for an additional $150 per trip. Guides provide interpretive commentary about bat behavior, conservation, and the ranch’s landscape to enrich the visit.
This excursion blends responsible wildlife viewing, expert interpretation and access to remote private lands, making it an appealing choice for travelers interested in eco-tourism, wildlife photography and nocturnal animal behavior. The seasonal timing—from early summer through the beginning of fall—aligns with the bats’ feeding patterns, ensuring guests experience the dramatic emergence at dusk. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance, dress for variable temperatures, and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance to the bats and other wildlife.