Florida Birds Photo Tour
March 23-28, 2027
$3195 double occupancy – $3700 single occupancy
Breeding Plumage
This tour is timed to coincide with the peak of the breeding season in Florida. That means many of the awesome birds we’ll see and photograph will be displaying their best and most colorful plumage. If our group gets lucky we’ll also witness and capture feeding frenzies of Osprey, Cormorants, Anhingas, various Terns and other birds diving for fish after fish or carrying fish back to nests. Participants will get EXCELLENT images. Travel with an area expert who lived in Florida for 8 years and knows exactly where to be to get the best photos.
Immersive Experience
You’ll be traveling with a professional photographer who loves teaching and we’ll have tons of chances to hone our Bird In Flight (BIF) photography skills, plus of course, hundreds or even thousands of chances to get compelling portraits of the most colorful birds of Florida. Springtime is the absolute best time to visit Florida with great weather and no bugs. I know the best places for the most bird and wildlife action. Come with me to the east coast of Florida and get amazing bird photos!
March 23, 2027
Arrive at the designated hotel in Sabastian, Florida anytime this afternoon or evening. We have a group meeting at 7pm to cover a meet and greet, tour logistics, etc. Those flying will want to fly into Orlando International Airport (airport code MCO), or Melbourne/Orlando International Airport (airport code MLB) arriving anytime before 5pm on the 23rd. The hotel in Sabastian is about 90 minutes (83 miles) from the Orlando airport or 37 minutes (23 miles) from the Melbourne airport. Rental cars are available at either airport.
March 24 – 25, 2027
Sunrise bird/wildlife photo shoot each day at locations chosen by your professional leader. We’ll get there via carpool and caravan with your leader, Don leading the way. Afterwards there is usually time for a meal, then a classroom get-together or a break to rest. In the afternoon each day, we’ll drive to another photo location chosen by Don. We’ll stay out as long as necessary to get the best bird and other wildlife photography. Overnight each night at the designated hotel in Sabastian, Florida.
March 26, 2027
After our morning shoot we’ll have time to get a lunch and then drive the 2 hours (114 miles) to Boynton Beach where our next hotel is located. We’ll stay in Boynton Beach for the next 2 nights.
March 27, 2027
Morning and afternoon shoots at a location chosen by Don. Possible time during the middle of the day for a group image critique session.
March 28, 2027
Sunrise photo shoot at a location determined by Don. We’ll photograph until the light fades or gets harsh, then the tour ends. Ending time will be 10-11am this day. Those flying home from the Orlando airport or the Melbourne airport will want to book a return flight after 5pm or so. An alternative airport would be Fort Lauderdale, 55 minutes (44 miles) away.
- Tour is based out of Sabastian, Florida for 3 nights and Boynton Beach, Florida for 2 nights. Sabastian is located in the middle east coast area of the state. Boynton Beach is located on the south east coast.
- Nearest airport for flying is Melbourne/Orlando International Airport (MLB), about a 37 minute drive (23 miles) from Sabastian.
- You could also fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), about a 90 minute (83 miles) drive from Sabastian.
- Your own ground transportation for this tour is very helpful. Rental vehicles are available at either airport.
- Any type of passenger vehicle is fine for this tour.
- Low.
- Most photo locations are within 1/2 mile of where we’ll park the vehicles.
- Trails/boardwalks can be wet and slippery – bring proper hiking shoes.
- Florida heat can be tiring for those not acclimatized.
- Drinking plenty of water or energy drinks helps. – Bring a refillable water bottle.
- Mostly sunny, with daytime temperatures in the 70’s or 80’s Fahrenheit.
- Early morning/nighttime temperatures generally in the 50’s – 60’s Fahrenheit.
- Rainstorms might hit anytime in Florida and this means wet, slippery trails, boardwalks and walkways.
- Digital camera body or 2 in order to have a backup
- Wildlife zoom lens such as a 200-600mm, 100-400mm or similar
- All-around scenic lens such as a full frame equivalent of 28-200mm or similar
- Sturdy tripod
- Polarizing filter for your all-around scenic lens
- Extra batteries and battery charger
- Plenty of memory cards – you might shoot up to 3,000 images/day
Includes
- 5 nights accommodations.*
- In-depth photo instruction and leadership from a professional photographer and area expert.
- Guided sunrise and sunset photo sessions every day of the tour.
- 2 hour private group pontoon boat rental where we’ll photograph a primordial lake with tons of nesting ospreys.
- The advantage of traveling with a like-minded, small photo group who doesn’t mind waiting in order to get the best photos.
- True small group (maximum of 8) which facilitates even more learning and inspiration.
- Group and/or one-on-one image critique and photo sharing sessions.
- Classroom type discussions and learning sessions.
- Tons of fun!
Not Included
- Flights (or ground travel) from your hometown to the Sabastian, Florida area.
- Ground transportation (we’ll carpool and caravan once everyone arrives at the first hotel).
- Meals.
- Drinks.
- Travel insurance.
- Gifts and items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
