Half-Day Private Bird Tour of Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg – 2 Person Max

Explore the abundant avian life of Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg, Florida, on a personalized half-day bird tour. Designed for a maximum of two participants, this intimate experience provides a closer look at the park’s seabirds and wildlife. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of nature at your own pace. With light snacks, bottled water, and a shared eBird checklist, you’ll have everything you need for an unforgettable morning of birdwatching. But the true highlight? Witnessing the incredible diversity of feathered creatures that call this coastal paradise home.

Key Points

• This private bird tour at Fort De Soto Park is limited to a maximum of 2 participants for an intimate and personalized experience.
• The 4-hour tour focuses on observing seabirds and other wildlife, with light snacks and bottled water provided.
• The tour starts early at 7:00 AM to take advantage of optimal birding conditions and involves moderate physical activity, including up to 2 miles of walking.
• The meeting point is at Phila Deli in Tierra Verde, FL, where participants can access lunch options before or after the tour.
• The tour is priced at $325.00 per person and offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start, as well as a lowest price guarantee.

Overview of the Tour

The private bird tour at Fort De Soto Park provides a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts and photographers to explore the diverse wildlife and seabird habitats of this picturesque coastal destination.

Limited to a maximum of 2 participants, the 4-hour tour focuses on observing and documenting seabirds and other wildlife within the park’s five interconnected islands.

Designed for moderate fitness levels, the tour includes snacks, bottled water, and a shared eBird checklist, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural setting.

Lunch options are available at the nearby Phila Deli, though not included in the tour price.

Inclusions and Amenities

To enhance the overall experience, the tour includes a selection of light snacks and beverages. Participants can enjoy granola/power bars, chips, and nuts to sustain their energy levels. Bottled water, both still and sparkling, is provided to keep them hydrated throughout the excursion.

Inclusions	Availability
Snacks	Granola/power bars, chips, nuts
Beverages	Bottled water (still and sparkling)
Shared eBird Checklist	of bird species observed
Lunch Options	Available at Phila Deli (not included in price)

The shared eBird checklist allows participants to track the bird species they encounter during the tour, providing a valuable resource for their personal records and future reference.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants meet at the Phila Deli Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, located at 1120 Pinellas Bayway S STE 106, Tierra Verde, FL 33715, USA.

They’ll be picked up in an orange Honda Element with the company logo. The tour concludes back at the meeting point.

Pickup is convenient, as the deli offers food and refreshments for participants to enjoy before or after the tour.

The easy access and centralized location make this an ideal starting point for the half-day private bird tour of Fort De Soto Park.

Tour Schedule and Fitness Level

Although the tour starts early at 7:00 AM, this is an optimal time for birding and wildlife viewing at Fort De Soto Park.

Guests should expect a moderate level of physical activity, including:

• Walking up to 2 miles on flat, sandy trails
• Stopping frequently to observe birds and other wildlife
• Navigating uneven terrain and occasional slopes
• Carrying lightweight optics, cameras, and other gear

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but individuals with varying fitness levels can participate.

Guests should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather to ensure an enjoyable and productive birding experience.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The tour is priced at $325.00 per person.

Customers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour starts. This ensures flexibility for those with last-minute changes in plans.

Plus, the company offers a lowest price guarantee, giving customers peace of mind that they’re getting the best deal.

For added convenience, the tour has a Reserve Now and Pay Later option available.

Reviews and Feedback

One review for the half-day private bird tour at Fort De Soto Park highlights the exceptional birding experience and diverse wildlife sightings.

The reviewer, Lisa_M, raved about the tour, praising the knowledgeable guide and the abundance of species observed.

The review noted:

• A variety of seabirds, shorebirds, and wading birds, including pelicans, herons, egrets, and plovers
• Glimpses of land birds such as warblers, sparrows, and woodpeckers
• Sightings of other wildlife, including dolphins, crabs, and butterflies
• The educational value of the tour, with the guide providing informative commentary on the local ecosystem and bird behaviors.

Highlights of the Birding Experience

As the review by Lisa_M suggests, the half-day private bird tour at Fort De Soto Park offers an exceptional birding experience, with participants rewarded with sightings of a diverse array of seabirds, shorebirds, wading birds, and land birds.

The tour guide’s expertise helps identify a wide range of species, from majestic brown pelicans and graceful reddish egrets to vibrant painted buntings and elusive mangrove cuckoos.

The natural setting of the five interconnected islands provides ample opportunities to observe birds in their native habitats, making this tour an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

What to Expect on the Tour

Participants can expect a personalized, immersive experience on the half-day private bird tour at Fort De Soto Park. The knowledgeable guide will lead the small group of up to 2 people on a journey through the park’s diverse ecosystems, focusing on spotting a variety of seabirds and other wildlife.

The tour includes:

• Traversing the five interconnected islands to discover the best birding hotspots
• Learning about the local avian species and their behaviors from an expert guide
• Capturing stunning photographs of the birds and scenic vistas
• Receiving a shared eBird checklist to document the species observed

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Binoculars Should I Bring?

To enjoy the best birding experience, guests should bring binoculars with at least 8x magnification. Compact or full-size binoculars work well, providing a clear, bright view of the diverse seabirds and wildlife at Fort De Soto Park.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own camera equipment on this private bird tour. The guide welcomes photographers and will provide tips to help you capture the best shots of the seabirds and wildlife in the park.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour isn’t recommended for children. It requires a moderate fitness level and focuses on seabirds and wildlife, which may not be of interest to younger participants. The guide can provide more details on the suitability for families.

Are There Restroom Facilities at the Park?

Yes, there are restroom facilities available at Fort De Soto Park. Visitors can find public restrooms and changing rooms located throughout the park, providing convenient access during the tour.

Do I Need a Permit to Photograph Wildlife?

No, you don’t need a permit to photograph wildlife at Fort De Soto Park. However, it’s important to follow park rules and avoid disturbing the animals. The tour guide can provide more information on responsible wildlife photography during the tour.

Sum Up

This private bird tour provides a personalized and immersive experience in the stunning Fort De Soto Park. Visitors can expect to see a variety of seabirds and wildlife while enjoying moderate walking along scenic trails. With a maximum of two participants, the tour offers an intimate and focused outing, complete with light snacks and bottled water. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of this remarkable park.