Half-Day Private Bird Tour of Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg - 2 person max

St. Petersburg , United States

Half-Day Private Bird Tour of Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg - 2 person max

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(2 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Fort De Soto Park has a unique location on the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the top birding sites in the state of Florida. It's especially diverse in the months of April and October for spring and fall migration. This patch of land is the first area birds will arrive at as they make their migratory flight across the gulf. Not only will you see shorebirds, wading birds, and resident songbird species, but you'll see neotropical migrants and they pass through our state on their way to/from the Caribbean and Central America. As for the rest of the year, you can count on ducks and loons if you book your tour in the winter months and breeding bird species in the summer. This area is also known for rare species and vagrants that pass through Florida. Photographers will love the morning lighting on the beach as small shorebirds forage in the rack line.

Available options

Half-Day Private Bird Tour of Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg - 2 person max

Pickup included

What's included

We'll provide you with a shared ebird checklist of the bird species seen on your tour.

We provide both still and sparkling drinking water on our tours

We provide water and light snacks on our tours such as granola/power bars, chips, and nuts.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We'll be taking a 5-hour birding tour of Fort De Soto Park. We'll drive to each stop within the park then get out and hike around in different habitats including forest, beach, and grass picnic area. There is also a paved area around the fort itself. Starting with the north shore beach at sunrise, we should see plenty of shorebirds ie Piping Plover, Snowy Plover, American Oystercatcher, Reddish Egret, and Marbled Godwit to name a few.
We'll then move on to the fort area itself to check the beach for Common Loon, Whimbrel, and Red-breasted Merganser. The forested area adjacent to the fort is a hotspot for migratory songbirds, especially warblers.
The rangers house and hiking trail usually boasts the best songbirds in the park. We'll stop here and look for Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Summer and Scarlet Tanagers, warblers, buntings, and vireos that are attracted to the fresh water fountains and Mulberry trees.
We'll finish up with a stop at the East Beach to view the Nanday Parakeets.

What's not included

Phila Deli offers great food options including vegetarian/vegan, but lunch prices are not included.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

When you pull into the parking lot, make a right and look for the orange Honda Element parked as far away from the building as possible. We'll meet outside the park to avoid the entry fee on 2 vehicles.

About St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Florida, is a vibrant city known for its sunny weather, beautiful waterfront, and rich cultural scene. With over 361 days of sunshine per year, it's a perfect destination for outdoor activities, arts, and relaxation.

Top Attractions

The Dalí Museum

The Dalí Museum houses the largest collection of Salvador Dalí's works outside of Europe. It's a must-visit for art lovers and those interested in surrealism.

Museum 2-3 hours $25

St. Petersburg Pier

The St. Petersburg Pier offers stunning views of Tampa Bay, dining options, and recreational activities. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a family outing.

Waterfront/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (attractions may have separate fees)

Fort De Soto Park

Fort De Soto Park is a beautiful beach park with historical significance. It offers pristine beaches, nature trails, and a historic fort to explore.

Nature/Beach Half day Free (parking fees apply)

Savage Gardens

Savage Gardens is a unique botanical garden featuring carnivorous plants, tropical plants, and a beautiful butterfly exhibit.

Nature/Botanical Garden 1-2 hours $10

Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens is a historic botanical garden with a diverse collection of plants, including tropical and exotic species. It's a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

Nature/Botanical Garden 1-2 hours $10

Must-Try Local Dishes

Grouper Sandwich

A delicious sandwich featuring fresh grouper, often served with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce on a toasted bun.

Lunch Contains fish and gluten (unless served on a gluten-free bun)

Key Lime Pie

A classic Florida dessert made with key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten (unless served in a gluten-free crust)

Stone Crab

A Florida delicacy featuring sweet and tender stone crab meat, often served with mustard sauce.

Dinner Contains shellfish and gluten (in the mustard sauce)

Popular Activities

Kayaking Paddleboarding Biking Hiking Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Meditation

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the most popular time to visit St. Petersburg due to the pleasant weather and various festivals and events. It's ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.

15-27°C 60-80°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) / Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

St. Petersburg is generally a safe city for visitors, with a low crime rate. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services

Getting there

By air

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport • 15 miles (24 km)
Tampa International Airport • 20 miles (32 km)

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and convenient, with numerous routes connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown St. Petersburg Tropicana Field Grand Central District Historic Kenwood

Day trips

Clearwater Beach

20 miles (32 km) • Half day to full day

Clearwater Beach is a beautiful beach destination with white sand, clear water, and a variety of water sports and activities.

Tarpon Springs

30 miles (48 km) • Full day

Tarpon Springs is a charming Greek town with a rich history and a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

25 miles (40 km) • Full day

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a popular theme park with thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live entertainment.

Festivals

St. Petersburg Pride • June Tampa Bay Margarita Festival • October St. Pete Food Truck Festival • March

Pro tips

Visit the St. Petersburg Pier for stunning views of Tampa Bay and the city skyline
Explore the city's vibrant arts and culture scene by visiting museums, galleries, and theaters
Enjoy the city's beautiful waterfront by taking a sunset sail or renting a kayak or paddleboard
Sample the city's diverse culinary scene by trying local specialties, such as grouper sandwiches and key lime pie
Take a day trip to nearby Clearwater Beach or Tarpon Springs for a change of pace and additional attractions