Bird Watching Tours
Florida is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats, that attract hundreds of bird species. Whether you’re a seasoned ornithologist or a casual enthusiast, this guide covers the best bird-watching tours in Florida, the operators who provide them, and nearby attractions to enhance your visit.
Northwest Florida
1. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
- Location: St. Marks, FL
- Tour Operators:
- St. Marks Refuge Association Tours
- Birding with David Simpson
- Bird Highlights: Red-cockaded woodpeckers, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl.
- Nearby Attractions:
- San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park: Explore the area’s rich history.
- Wakulla Springs State Park: Known for its wildlife and river tours.
2. Apalachicola National Forest
- Location: Near Tallahassee, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Florida Birding Adventures
- Panhandle Birding Tours
- Bird Highlights: Bachman’s sparrow, wood storks, and Swainson’s warbler.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Tallahassee Museum: Outdoor exhibits showcasing local wildlife.
- Gulf Specimen Marine Lab: Marine life exploration.
Northeast Florida
3. Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM Reserve)
- Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
- Tour Operators:
- EcoMotion Tours
- GTM Guided Bird Walks
- Bird Highlights: Roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, and snowy egrets.
- Nearby Attractions:
- St. Augustine: Historic landmarks like the Castillo de San Marcos.
- Vilano Beach: A peaceful coastal retreat.
- Location: Amelia Island, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Amelia Island Nature Center Tours
- Kayak Amelia (birding by kayak)
- Bird Highlights: Painted buntings, ospreys, and warblers.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Fernandina Beach: Quaint shops and dining.
- Fort Clinch State Park: Hiking and historic tours.
Central Florida
5. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Location: Titusville, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Space Coast Birding Tours
- Merritt Island Wildlife Association
- Bird Highlights: Florida scrub-jays, peregrine falcons, and reddish egrets.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Kennedy Space Center: Space exploration exhibits.
- Canaveral National Seashore: Scenic beaches and trails.
- Location: Lakeland, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Polk Nature Tours
- Florida Eco Adventures
- Bird Highlights: Limpkins, sandhill cranes, and black-bellied whistling ducks.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Hollis Garden: Beautiful botanical gardens.
- Safari Wilderness Ranch: African safari experience in Florida.
Southwest Florida
7. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Location: Sanibel Island, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Tarpon Bay Explorers
- Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society Tours
- Bird Highlights: White pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and mangrove cuckoos.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Sanibel Island Beaches: Renowned for shelling.
- Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: Explore the world of shells.
- Location: Naples, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Guided Tours
- Everglades Area Tours
- Bird Highlights: Wood storks, barred owls, and red-shouldered hawks.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Naples Botanical Garden: Stunning plant collections.
- Everglades National Park: Perfect for nature exploration.
Southeast Florida
9. Everglades National Park
- Location: Homestead, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Flamingo Adventures
- Audubon Everglades Tours
- Bird Highlights: Snail kites, roseate spoonbills, and great egrets.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Shark Valley: Tram tours and observation towers.
- Big Cypress National Preserve: Scenic drives and trails.
10. Wakodahatchee Wetlands
- Location: Delray Beach, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Palm Beach Bird Walks
- Birding Adventures with Brian Rapoza
- Bird Highlights: Purple gallinules, anhingas, and wood storks.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: A tranquil escape.
- Delray Beach Downtown: Dining and shopping.
Florida Keys
11. Key West Wildlife Center
- Location: Key West, FL
- Tour Operators:
- Florida Keys Audubon Society Tours
- Wild Bird Center of the Keys
- Bird Highlights: White-crowned pigeons, black-whiskered vireos, and migrating warblers.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Mallory Square: Sunset celebrations and local culture.
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park: Beach and snorkeling.
12. Dry Tortugas National Park
- Location: 70 miles west of Key West
- Tour Operators:
- Yankee Freedom Ferry (guided tours available)
- Dry Tortugas Adventures
- Bird Highlights: Sooty terns, brown noddies, and frigatebirds.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Historic Fort Jefferson: Learn about this 19th-century fort.
- Snorkeling Areas: Explore coral reefs and marine life.
Plan Your Bird-Watching Adventure
Whether you’re seeking rare species or simply want to enjoy Florida’s rich avian diversity, these bird-watching tours and nearby attractions will make your visit unforgettable. Use this guide to plan your perfect birding getaway in the Sunshine State.
