Bird Watching in Florida with a Twist

Central Florida is a Great place for Birding

We offer packages for novice birders, serious photographers and everything in between. Florida is the migratory path for many birds and we have the ability to get up close and personal with them through our guided kayak tours. 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 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 many of our 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! We can be contacted at jenniferkayaks@yahoo.com or 352-589-7899.

This photo of the Moorhen is compliments of Dennis Byrd

Choose from many different birding tours or create your own!

Dora Canal
A local icon, old Florida cypress swamp. Big trees, lots of birds and an Otter Clan. The Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Osprey, Tri-colored & Night Herons, Anhinga and Cormorants all nest in these tall trees. The sounds from the rookery lets us know that Spring has sprung. Summer brings with it the sights and sounds of the bright yellow Prothonotary Warbler! A real nice 2-3 hour getaway from it all!!!!
Level of Difficulty: No Experience Necessary $59.00

Wekiva River
Kayak up to Wilson Landing or to Wekiva Falls. Either way, it is a beautiful tour. Three springs pour into this pristine river. The Great Egret, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Pileated Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Kite, Tricolored & Green-backed 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

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 water 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!

We have packages for all ages! If you are staying in the area, there are many sleeping accommodations. There are hotels as well as bed & breakfasts. 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...there is plenty of time for that afterwards!
Relax and enjoy Florida’s Natural settings… your body and brain will thank you!

10/22/08 Lil Amazon

The migratory birds are on their way back down and we were able to catch a glimpse of their homecoming.

The illusive American Bittern 10/3/08

While paddling along the cattails, we see that ever so distinct figure. "Is that a Bittern?" "Look, it's a Bittern" The group went silent in awh. This is what it's all about!

The wading birds love these Savannahs

September 7th 2008

Hey, I hear the fishing's been pretty good this morning...caught anything yet?

Dora Canal Birding Tour

As the clouds rolled in, with Osprey looking over us, we paddled the Dora Canal with Lynne from Pittsburg, PA and Paul and Diane from Leesburg, FL. This Anhinga below is having a blast getting this whole fish down her throat while the one above is taking time to dry her wings. What a great day for a kayak tour, all the wading birds and warblers came out for a visit!
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