Birding and Eco Tours in Central Florida

Activity/Tour

Bird Watching in Florida is Incredible! Experience Birding like never before through our guided kayak and hiking tours. You will have the opportunity to see favorites such as the Purple Gallinule, Florida Scrub-Jay, Tri-colored Heron and many more. Our area is the gateway to the Ocala National Forest, located just W. of Daytona Beach, N. of Orlando, near the town of Mt Dora in beautiful Lake County, FL.
We offer packages for birders, photographers, kayakers, hikers and everyone in between. Florida is the migratory path for many birds and we have the ability to get up close and personal with them. There are many springs and rivers that flow through Central Florida, some of which parallel wildlife sanctuaries that are stopping points for many of the migratory birds both high land and low land. Our guides are birders and well versed in the plant and animal life that roams this great state. We invite you to join us as we guide you on an Eco Journey that will introduce you to some of our finest feathered friends. Bring your binoculars, it's a beautiful site! Central Florida Nature Adventures, LLC will facilitate a trip that you are sure to enjoy!

Typical Day

Choose from many different tours or create your own!

Dora Canal
A local icon, old Florida cypress swamp. Blink your eyes and you are in Seminole Indian country. Big trees, lots of birds. The Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Osprey, Tri-colored & Night Herons, Anhinga and Cormorants all nest in these beautiful tall trees. The sounds of the rookery let us know that Spring has sprung! A real nice 2-3 hour getaway from it all!!!!
Level of Difficulty: No Experience Necessary $59.00

Wekiva River
Three springs pour into this pristine river. The Great Egret, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Pileated Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Kite, Tricolored & Green Heron as well as many other Herons and waterfowl flourish on this river. The Ivory-billed Woodpecker at one time called this home.
Level of Difficulty: No Experience Necessary $59.00 or $89.00 depending on the tour you choose

Lil’ Amazon
Come paddle one of Lake County’s hidden gems. This river lazily takes you back in time. With Emeralda Island Bird Sanctuary to the East and Lake Griffin to the West, it’s a wildlife odyssey. All forms of wading birds make this area home for the winter. Look close for rarities such as Black Crowned Night Herons, Limpkins, White Pelicans, Wood Storks and maybe even a Purple Gallinule, they are all here! Bald Eagles, Red Tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks and Owls of all sorts are often seen as well. If you want to see the other Florida, this is it!
Level of Difficulty: No Experience Necessary $89.00

Silver River
Exceptionally scenic! Some twists and turns of this river can reach depths of over 25 ft and it’s so clear that you can see the bottom at any depth. You will definitely hone your paddling skills going upstream but a first magnitude spring makes the trip back a breeze! You’ll have a chance to see lots of wildlife; otters, wading birds, hawks, owls, raccoons, wild pigs and more. See giant garfish, armored catfish, bowfin and maybe even a monkey or 12. This is a beautiful 5-7 hour paddle!
Level of Difficulty: Must be In Good Shape or you will be when you’re done $99.00

Photographers Tour
This is a tour for the serious photographer. We have the ability to access some of the most pristine waterways early in the morning and late in the evening when photo taking is at it's best. So, for the photographer who wants to hire a guide for the day, we offer a package that includes being introduced to the wildlife and waters in our tandem kayak. You paddle very little if at all, let the guide take you to the birds and you take the photographs!
Half day $100.00 Full day $200.00

To prepare for your excursion, here is a quick checklist of items you will need to bring:

1. Binoculars
2. Your lunch (depending upon trip time and duration)
3. Non-alcoholic beverages
4. Sun block and maybe a hat
5. Sun glasses
6. Proper attire and water shoes (old sneakers will do just fine)

Also, it's always good to dress in layers. That is a great way to maximize your comfort. During the warmer months, you might want to bring an extra set of clothes with you and a towel. That way you are prepared if you decide to cool off in the water.

Your guide will provide:
A cooler with ice to store your lunch and beverages, dry bags, a first aid kit, drinking water, the kayaks, paddles, PFD (life jackets), narration and education of Florida's diverse flora and fauna, some peace & quiet and a great time!

Age range, type of group

We have packages for all ages

Sleeping and meals

If you are staying in the area, there are many sleeping accommodations. There are hotels as well as bed & breakfasts here in the Mt. Dora area. You can also camp in the RV parks or in the Ocala National Forest. This area offers everything from fine dining, relaxing meals on the river or lakes, to cozy taverns. Please see our blog links for recommendations.

Restrictions

There are no alcoholic beverages allowed on our tours