Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Sit in the front row to watch a unique spectacle of nature. You will visit the Mata de Plátano Nature Reserve which houses in one of its caves an estimated population of 300 thousand bats and you will have the privilege of observing the impressive exit of these from the cave, to go in search of food in the sunset.
You will be accompanied by Certified Interpreter Guides and biologists, who will explain the different species of bats that inhabit the cave and the importance of these in nature. With the departure of the bats, you can also observe the interaction of the endangered Puerto Rican Boa, Chilabothrus inornatus, feeding on them. A unique experience of contact with nature, which has been filmed for TV documentaries.
With your participation in this tour in the Mata de Plátano Nature Reserve, you will help its maintenance and conservation.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
San Juan Metro Region
Hotel pickup or San Juan area AirB&B
Arecibo
You will explore the Mata de Plátano Nature Reserve in Arecibo, an enclave of great relevance to various fields of science and conservation. This magical place was the scene of documentary filming presented on Discovery Channel, where you will be part of an exclusive event that only here you can witness. We will walk 30 minutes and delve into the history and wealth of the Mata de Plátano Nature Reserve, visiting the enigmatic Cueva Culebrones. This cave is a key area for bat conservation, due to its role as a refuge for an estimated population of more than 300,000. You will be able to observe closely the behavior of the endangered Puerto Rican Boa, Chilabothrus inornatus, in its predation of bats that emerge in large groups of Culebrones Cave. In addition, you will discover the importance of the Karso ecosystem and understand why its protection is vital.
Options
Cave, Bats, No Transp
Duration: 4 hours Tour without Transportation: Ideal if you have rented car. We will meet at a safe meeting point and follow me to the Nature Reserve.
Cave, Bats and Boas-Visit Nature Reserve, Puerto Rico
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Transportation (pick-up from hotels in metropolitan area) air-conditioned vehicle
Hull for cave exploration, lamp for the hull.
Tips
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bucket list, once-in-a-lifetime
LucasTMe,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A once-in-a-lifetime experience, and this is the only place in the world where this is known to happen. I was speechless. I've been on several wildlife tours in many places, and this experience was top-notch and low-key at the same time. Total bucket list experience. Albert was knowledgeable about the species we saw (and heard!). It was well worth the price, and the funds go to support the reserve and the local tour operator. After the boas and bats, we explored and looked for nocturnal species a bit longer than planned because we were a very small group and were interested in seeing as much as we could. As a scientist and conservationist, I loved that we took precautions to respect the animals we were observing, and we avoided disturbing the natural behaviors of the animals. Yet we were still close enough to see every detail and enjoy the experience. We were so close we felt the wind generated the bats flying overhead which cooled us off in the hot, humid forest. Pictures do not do justice for this experience because the bats fly so quickly. Video recording is needed. I will definitely be back again. Lucas
Over the top experience!
Jon H,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you are a nature lover, this is probably the most outstanding activity in Puerto Rico. I have travelled all over the world, but haven't experienced anything like this. The guide Albert was extremely knowledgeable and personable. A truly one-of-a-kind and memorable experience. I should add, this is the only outfitter authorized to provide this tour to this private reserve.
Nature lovers dream come true!
Q3982ZQemilyt,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was amazing. We hiked down to the edge of a cave just before dusk. We sat on the ground outside the cave and watched bats exit the cave for more than 30 minutes. While the bats were exiting we also watched boas hunting the bats. It was one of the coolest things I have experience and a true nature lovers dream. Durning the hike the guide also pointed out various insects and animals in addition to plants we encountered in the rainforest. It was an unforgettable experience and I highly recommend going on this tour.
Amazing Guided Jungle Tour – Great for Kids and Adults Alike!!
TahinaM,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Puerto Rico, this cave and forest excursion is an absolute must. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure from start to finish. Our guide, Alberto, was exceptional. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient with every question, and especially great with kids. From the moment we started, we felt completely safe and well taken care of. He went above and beyond to ensure everyone in the group was comfortable and accommodated, which made the entire experience even more enjoyable. The hike itself was relatively easy, even with some wet conditions, but I would recommend caution if you have mobility challenges. There are sections that are steep or require navigating uneven terrain. That said, for most people with moderate fitness, it’s very manageable and well worth it. What made this excursion truly special was the timing. Much of it took place at dusk and into the night, which completely transformed the experience. Being immersed in the Puerto Rican jungle after dark was nothing short of magical. As the forest came alive, we encountered bats, boas, frogs, insects, birds, and lizards, and heard the incredible symphony of nocturnal wildlife awakening around us. It felt like stepping into an entirely different world. If you’re looking for something beyond the typical tourist experience—something immersive, unique, and unforgettable—this is it. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
One-of-a-kind Experience
718mz,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Albert picked me up around noon in Condado, San Juan, and drove me about 1 hour to the Mata de Plátano Nature Reserve near Arecibo. This is where the caves are. In short, the experience was fantastic, unlike anything I have ever experienced. It is a magical feeling to sit at the edge of a cave, as tens of thousands of bats come pouring out, and Puerto Rican boas hang off rocks, vines and trees and try to snag them. Albert is friendly, enthusiastic, conscientious and knowledgeable, and a fantastic guide. Well worth the money.
Wow! What an incredible experience!
Thi B,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What an experience! It’s thrilling to witness in person 300,000+ bats taking flight into the night and some being captured by preying boas. We must have counted at least 10 boas hanging from vines, cave nooks, tree branches that were all interested in capturing a tasty snack. My children said they really enjoyed this experience. Albert, our guide, did an excellent job explaining and pointing out various birds, spiders, frogs, and creatures of the night. I highly recommend this tour because I’ve been to many caves, but have never seen this in person before. 100% would do this tour again!
Truly Wild Wildlife - A Must See!
Christopher O,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you have ever wanted to feel like you're in the TV show "Planet Earth," you MUST do this tour. We saw majestic caves, all manners of frogs and insects, and the main attraction: a flurry of bats running a gauntlet through a curtain of boa constrictors. Albert was kind, observant, funny, and an excellent teacher. Definitely worth the time and money. Don't miss it.
Incredible adventure - highly recommend!!!
Jessica C,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I are nature lovers, and we booked this unique experience for one of the last nights of our trip to Puerto Rico. It was worth every penny!!! Albert is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife and the area you’re exploring. Between exploring a cave, watching the bats and boas up close, and seeing nighttime wildlife during your hike back — this experience is unforgettable, and we can’t recommend it enough!! If you’re on the fence, you will regret not doing this — we still can’t stop talking about this experience. Photos don’t do this once in a lifetime experience justice - trust us.
Unforgettable, unique adventure in the forest!
codye412,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is an incredibly unique and stunning experience that exceeded any expectations I could have had. Still pictures cannot adequately show how amazing it is to be surrounded by a seemingly endless stream of bats emerging from a cave. It appeared as if a hundred bats were leaving the cave every second over the span of 2 hours, and you have a literal front row seat. There are an estimated 300,000 bats in the cave, and it certainly seemed like that amount during out tour! Our group was small, only 6 in total including our guide. The overall length of the tour was long but well worth it. We got picked up in San Juan around 2:30pm and didn't return until close to midnight, so plan accordingly. There is a pit stop before the forest where you can grab some food and use the restroom. Our guide, Albert, was incredibly knowledgeable, pleasant, and enthusiastic and I would love to go on another tour with him. We hiked a bit to the cave with Albert pointing out various plants and critters. You sit at the cave at dusk for a couple hours as the bats emerge and the forest transforms. We saw about a dozen boas hanging from vines and the cave walls as they snatched several bats. The sounds of the forest change as birds, insects, and frogs all start making noises and you go into a sort of zen mode watching the bats as light fades. The walk back to the car was equally exciting with headlamps equipped as you search for critters. Being in a dark forest would usually be unnerving, but I felt totally relaxed and safe and more like an observer of the stunning nature surrounding me. Albert, being an expert guide, definitely helps with this. If you have the chance to take this tour and have any interest in nature, absolutely jump on this opportunity - there is nothing else like it.
Great trip
Cassidy Y,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a great trip. Albert and Wesley were great guides and provided lots of cool information about all the critters we saw on the hike. Not a ton of walking, just the relatively short hike to the cave and back. We sat next to the cave and watched as hundreds of bats flew out. A tree above the cave was home to around a dozen Puerto Rican boa snakes. You’ll definitely see a boa get its dinner. Also enjoyed all the frogs and other wildlife. Very peaceful and off the grid. The stars were very pretty as well. I recommend.
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Operated by NaturHabitat Ecotours