The Refuge Tour explores the habitat of Laguna Atascosa along Bayside Drive, the Laguna Atascosa, and Bahia Grande Unit. Winding and weaving past brushlands, wetlands, and the Laguna Madre, this interpretive tour is a great way to see what is truly a piece of living history and the largest federally protected area in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Fall and winter sightings may include osprey, redhead ducks, sandhill cranes, reddish egret (we have many white phase), tri-colored heron, shorebirds, snow geese, white tailed deer, nilgai antelope, bobcat, coyote, javelina, western diamondback rattlesnake, Texas tortoise, and American alligator.  

Tour Vehicles

Our buses can accommodate up to 10 visitors and have 1 wheelchair accessible area. 
No open air trams currently available. 

Schedule

November - March
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
8:15 AM and 1:00 PM 

Tours last approximately 2 - 3 hours, restroom facilities are not available along the tour except on the Bayside Tour.

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the morning tour and an hour before the afternoon tour to have enough time to park, purchase your tickets and use the restroom.  Allow extra travel time as there is road construction.  Check our "Plan Your Visit" section for up to date directions.

 Tours are by reservation only, please call ahead for availability. 

Cost: CASH OR CHECK ONLY $4.00 per adult (ages 16+); $3.00 for 62 and older; FREE for children (15 and under)

Other:

• Refuge entrance fees ($3 per vehicle) are in addition to the  tour fees. 
• Binoculars are highly recommended, so bring yours along.  The visitor center has a limited number of binoculars to loan.
• After rains, the mosquitos can be quite numerous and insect repellent is recommended.