Are you looking to learn about one of Mississippi’s most unique animal species from an up close and personal perspective? If so, then Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Tours in Moss Point is a must-visit.
The Gulf Coast gem prides itself as the state’s lone alligator ranch, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in the presence of the reptiles while simultaneously trekking the open waters on Mississippi’s only airboat tours that allow visitors to witness alligators in their natural habitat.
Ranch history
The Jackson County ranch, located just off U.S. 90, was initially utilized to raise alligators for food, but a change of ownership right before Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005 converted the facility into a sanctuary for the reptiles. A tour guide at the ranch told SuperTalk Mississippi News that approximately 250 alligators once called the facility home, but the floodwaters of the natural disaster washed all of the animals away.
Following the hurricane, the alligators were spotted in yards, near businesses, and were deemed a public nuisance. Local officials then permitted residents to use lethal force against the alligators if they were on the residents’ private property. This prevented the ranch from recovering an overwhelming majority of the alligators.
Nonetheless, the show went on and nothing put the coastal gem on the map quite like the hit Animal Planet reality series “Gator Boys,” starring Paul Bedard and Jimmy Riffle, eyeing the ranch for a few episodes in the show’s second season. In addition to filming, the show hosts were also invited to train ranch employees on how to wrestle the alligators to amuse audiences.
Riffle began to hold wrestling shows where he tussled with an 8-foot-6, 200-pound alligator while also reiterating that the purpose was to entertain the audience and simultaneously highlight the importance of conservation and the ranch’s efforts to rescue the reptiles.
Though the shows no longer take place at the ranch, the public can explore the many offerings of the resurrected facility that has since overcome the devastating effects of Katrina. The sanctuary, now holding more than 80 adult alligators in its lagoon, serves to shelter reptiles that have been injured and cannot live in the wild. The offspring of alligators at the ranch are raised on-site and given a permanent home at the facility.
Walking tour
When entering Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Tours, visitors will walk into an older-looking building with alligator-themed wall art outside the establishment. After checking in, visitors will be guided to the back door where an oasis of alligators awaits — within secured enclosures, of course. A narrow pathway leads guests along a gravel trail where they can view baby alligators being raised in smaller enclosures on one side and a lagoon rife with adult alligators on the other side.
Those seeking an interactive experience at the ranch have the opportunity to feed the gargantuan beasts and to physically touch and hold one of the smaller reptiles on site. Guests wanting to watch the alligators open their large mouths and chow down are given a cup filled with pellets resembling charcoal. Those pellets are then to be thrown over the fence into the lagoon for the alligators to enjoy as a snack.
For those interested in holding one of the ranch’s gators, an on-site handler will give simple instructions for guests to follow as a lightly-weighted alligator, with tape keeping its mouth shut, is handed over for the patron’s enjoyment.
Airboat tour
The cherry on top is an airboat tour allowing visitors to experience the fun of traveling through an unspoiled marshy wilderness with an expert guide. The tour guides, versed in everything pertaining to alligators, will lead guests through 105 acres of Moss Point’s swamps, where spectators will witness alligators, birds, and marine life in their natural habitat as they learn more about the wild animals.
As a safety precaution, the ranch does prohibit pregnant women or children under 4 years old from venturing on one of the airboat tours.
Hours of operation and cost of admission
Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Tours is open all seven days of the week, with the following hours of operation:
- March 16 through November 4 — Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sundays, the ranch runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with airboat tours beginning at noon.
- November 6 through March 15 — Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sundays, the ranch runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with airboat tours beginning at noon.
The cost of a walking tour alone is $8 per person. An additional $5 is tacked on to feed the alligators and another $5 fee is added to hold one of the reptiles. Airboat tours are $35 for those ages 10 and up, and $20 for ages 4-9. Taxes are not included in the general pricing.
A reservation is not necessary as the ranch welcomes walk-in visitors. However, those looking to plan ahead can book their tours and find out more information about Gulf Coast Gator Ranch and Tours here.
The above article is one of eight stories that will be presented by SuperTalk Mississippi News throughout the summer months, highlighting some of the gems that make Mississippi a great place to live, work, and play.
