Imagine a place where time slows down, and the boring world fades away. A place where you can dive into a bubbling hot tub with two of the most adorable creatures on the planet. A place that gives you a slice of African vibes in the backyard of central Texas. Welcome to the Blue Hills Ranch Resort, where magic happens, and otters steal the show. Here we are taking you into ‘a better world’ where you can play, feed, and swim with otters in Texas.
Where?
Blue Hills Ranch, a family-owned hidden gem in McGregor, Texas is more than just a ranch—it’s a unique sanctuary for an array of exotic wildlife, including zebras, deer, kangaroos, emus, donkeys, giraffes, and our otterly adorable otters. This 150-Acre property boasts with lots of great views of rolling hills and a small lake where the sun sets behind. All animal lover’s dream come true as soon as you arrive at the ranch that creates a perfect backdrop for an otherworldly experience. Their mission centers around dedication to the conservation and protection of animals. Their passion reflect on the ranch’s remarkable growth over the past 5 years.
Blue Hills Ranch is conveniently located just outside of Waco, TX, about two hours from both Austin and Dallas.
Address: 2032 Blue Cut Rd. N. McGregor, TX 76657
Meet Otto & Sweet Pea: The Otter duo
Otto and Sweet Pea, the Asian small-clawed otters, are the stars of this aquatic adventure. These small sized water acrobats are more charming than a sunrise over the Texas hills. These charming creatures will surely stole your heart instantly. They greet with curious eyes and playful antics. These charming creatures are not only incredibly cute but also surprisingly sociable. The ranch offers a unique otter encounter. They allow visitors to interact and play with otters. The sessions are safe and enjoyable for both the visitors and the otters. Its like meeting old friends.
Private hot tub
You swim with them in their private bubbling hot tub. Imagine warm water, steam rising, and the delightful sound of giggles echoing off the walls. Otto and Sweet Pea paddle and swim around, their tiny paws creating ripples. Sweet Pea push your leg, invite you to play. Otto is more reserved of the duo, watch your aquatic skills. You just need to match their skill.
Play and Feed
And then comes the best part: feeding time. You hold out a fish popsicle, and Otto’s eyes widen. He snatches it from your hand, crunching it with gusto. Sweet Pea prefers shrimp, and her delicate jaws enjoy each bite. You’re not just a visitor; you’re sharing a meal with new found friends.
Laughter and Joy
The experience is pure joy. Otto does somersaults, and Sweet Pea performs underwater ballets. Their laughter—yes, otters laugh—fills the air. You forget about deadlines, bills, and responsibilities. Here, your worries dissolve. It’s just you, the otters, and the bubbling water. Make sure you are wearing fitting clothes as those Otters go everywhere looking for food 😉
Asian Small-clawed Otters
According to- Smithsonian’s National Zoo
- Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of all 13 otter species and are native to Asia
- They are found in southern India, southern China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines
- These otters live in small streams, rivers, marshes, rice paddies, seacoasts and in mangroves.
- Well adapted to life in the water, these social, intelligent animals spend a majority of their time on land.
- Their coat of tightly packed under-fur and long guard hairs are water repellent. Air pockets within their coat keep them insulated and dry while under water
- They have vocabulary of at least twelve different vocalizations. Vocalizations are used for contact, summons, greeting, threat and alarm calls
The Social Media Splash
The swim with otters in Texas has become an Instagram and TikTok sensation. The Ranch’s feed overflows with adorable videos: Sweet Pea doing backflips, Otto stealing hearts, and guests smiling like kids in a candy store. It’s not just a swim; it’s a memory in pixels and shared across the digital ocean.
Some key details
Here are some useful information for those, planning to book a session of – Swim with otters in Texas.
You can book here: Blue Hills Ranch
What’s more..
Apart from a joyful swim with otters in Texas. The Blue hills Ranch offers something unique for everyone:
- Dining with Giraffes:
- Experience a one-of-a-kind meal with giraffes.
- Share your table with these gentle giants as they stretch their long necks to join you.
- Capture unforgettable moments while enjoying delicious food.
- Safari Ranch adventure:
- Explore the vast 150-acre ranch on a safari-style adventure.
- Encounter a variety of animals, including giraffes, otters, camels, and more.
- Observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- Baby Camel Bottle Feeding:
- Connect with adorable baby camels during feeding sessions.
- Hold a bottle and watch as these curious creatures eagerly drink.
- Feel the warmth and trust of these gentle animals.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours:
- Gain exclusive access to areas not typically open to the public.
- Learn about animal care, conservation efforts, and the daily routines of the resident animals.
- Interact with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating insights.
- Unique Cabins:
- Blue Hills Ranch provides cozy cabins where you can rest and rejuvenate overnight.
- Wake up to scenic views and enjoy the tranquility of the Texas Hill Country.
- Events Management:
- You can celebrate birthdays, retirement parties, Baby showers, Christmas parties, Corporate events and photo shoots.
Conclusion: A Day to Remember
As you towel off and bid farewell to Otto and Sweet Pea, you realize this wasn’t just a swim. It was a soul-warming escape, a chance to connect with nature’s gift. So, if you find yourself near Austin or Dallas, follow the scent of adventure to the Blue Hills Ranch Resort. Dive in, laugh, and let the otters remind you that life is better when you swim with joy.
Disclaimer: No otters were harmed during the making of this blog. They were too busy stealing hearts.
If you are an adventure lover and already tried this- swim with otters in Texas. Now is the time to move a step further. Swim With Devil