Florida

Tour Code: USA02

Escape the British winter with some Florida sunshine and experience the wide variety of birdlife that inhabits its woodlands, wetlands and sawgrass prairies.

10 days from
£2,495 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£2,195
book now

Highlights

Summary

Summary

Florida is one of the best birdwatching locations in North America: the perfect place for an introduction to American birds, as well as for a temporary escape from the British winter! This 10-day ‘Bargain Birdwatching tour’ begins in Orlando and concludes in Miami. It visits many of Florida’s outstanding wetland and coastal habitats as well as areas of woodland and open prairie. The famed Everglades Swamps ensure that the bird tally includes impressive concentrations of herons and waterbirds, but we should also see many species of wader and raptor as well as local specialities such as Roseate Spoonbill, Snail Kite, Sandhill Crane and Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

  • Fantastic introduction to birding in the new world
  • Explore the world-famous Everglades
  • Enjoy warm winter sunshine
  • Snail Kite, Limpkin, Florida Scrub Jay
  • Masses of herons, egrets and wintering wildfowl and shorebirds
  • Guided by an expert Naturetrek ornithologist

Grading

A standard bird watching tour with no prolonged treks

Florida, in the south-east corner of the USA, provides a great introduction to birding in North America with the added bonus of a sub-tropical climate. As well as a great selection of east coast birds there are a good number of specialities to be searched for such as the endangered Snail (Everglade) Kite, the unique Limpkin, the bizarre Smooth-billed Ani, Caribbean species such as Short-tailed Hawk, Shiny Cowbird and White-crowned Pigeon. The southern latitude also encourages a number of other species to over-winter rather than migrate to Central and South America; these include a number of American warblers and possibilities of Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and always a chance of a Caribbean vagrant. Add to this the wealth of wintering wildfowl and shorebirds plus the array of resident species and introduced exotics (68 species of parrot have been recorded in Florida!), there are the makings of a mouth-watering trip. In February the weather is normally settled with temperatures at Miami averaging 24°C with a humidity of 54% and precipitation of 47mm. Given a normal year, conditions should be perfect for pleasant birdwatching. The trip will have few long drives (more than two hours) without regular stops at some of the plethora of State Parks, Wildlife Refuges and National Preserves. We will visit Merritt Island (Cape Canaveral) but not for the Space Centre but for one of Florida’s richest Wildlife Refuges, protected by its proximity to NASA HQ! The prairies and swamplands around Kissimmee and Lake Okeechobee will also focus our attention as will the complex of Refuges on the Gulf Coast around Sanibel Island and the primeval Corkscrew Swamp. Finally we will drive across the northern edge of the Everglades National Park, explore the park as far as Flamingo and bird around the Homestead/South Miami region for a strange mix of exotics! Birds in Florida are often ridiculously tame, especially some of the herons and egrets, offering great photo opportunities to both beginner and experienced photographers. The relatively relaxed pace of the trip will accommodate such needs. It is unlikely that this will be your first and last trip to North America!

 

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Orlando/Titusville
Day 2
Titusville
Day 3/4
West Palm Beach
Day 5/6
Fort Myers
Day 7/8
Homestead
Day 9
Miami – Fly London
Day 10
London
cloud_downloadDownload Full Itinerary
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: Accommodation will be in standard motels with private facilities on the basis of sharing a twin-bedded room.
  • Food:

    No meals are included in the tour cost (although we expect some of the hotels will include a free breakfast). Please allow about £25-40 per day.

Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2022

Departures Availability Cost
Tue 8th Feb - Thu 17th Feb SPACES £2,495
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Matthew Capper
Matthew Capper 001

Tour Leader: Matthew Capper

Matthew was born in Stamford and grew up with Rutland Water on his doorstep, where he volunteered during his teenage years and developed his lifelong interest in birds and other wildlife. After a Geography degree at Sheffield University, he settled in the Peak District and was soon involved in bird of prey protection, the National Park Ranger Service and the local birding scene. Matthew began working for the RSPB in 2006 and managed projects across the north of England, spent time as an Area Conservation Manager and 10 years as Senior Site Manager at RSPB Old Moor in Yorkshire. Passionate about connecting people with nature, he has led walks, activities and delivered talks for many different organisations. Having previously served on the board of trustees, Matthew became the Head of Public Engagement and Communications for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust in 2019. 

Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!