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Birds & Wildlife of the Everglades
Lodge-Based Photo Safari
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$750.00
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Deposit: $2,500.00
Start/End
Ft. Myers, FL / Ft. Myers, FL
Length
6 Days/5 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 1 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
- Explore the unique wilderness of the Everglades, one of the most diverse and expansive wetlands in the US
- Over 360 bird species inhabit the greater Everglades area, with opportunities to photograph the beautiful roseate spoonbill, glossy ibis, and many more
- Numerous protected areas surrounding the famous Everglades National Park provide world-class photography opportunities and viewing sites
- Winter is the ideal time to visit with mild temperatures and fewer mosquitoes
- Gain one-on-one time with professional photography guides and enhance your skills in one of the world's premier wildlife hotspots
- Small group, with only 7 spots available per departure
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
The Everglades of South Florida is one of the most unique wilderness areas in the United States. The ‘River of Grass’ is made up of 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands – featuring lakes, rivers, mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and assorted wetlands. It runs from iconic Lake Okeechobee down to the southern tip of Florida.
Because of its large expanse and habitat diversity, the Everglades is home to an oasis of birds and wildlife. It protects 70 endangered or threatened species, including the American alligator, the manatee, the Florida panther, and many species of birds. The greater Everglades area is home to over 360 bird species, with standouts such as the roseate spoonbill, the glossy ibis, the wood stork, and a variety of egrets and herons.
Aside from the famous Everglades National Park, there are numerous protected areas that are fantastic for wildlife photography and viewing. Wildlife refuges and preserves surround the national park, providing world-class photography opportunities, there is even an Audubon sanctuary listed as one of the best places in America for birding.
Winter is an ideal time to visit the Everglades. Temperatures are mild, it’s dry, and mosquitoes are almost entirely absent. Large numbers of resident and transient birds can be found in the swamplands and other wildlife, such as alligators, coyotes, bobcats, and otters are active as well.
This workshop starts and ends in Ft. Myers, FL. Ft. Myers has a commercial international airport for easy access – Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Ft. Myers and Naples to the south are in the heart of many great birding locations and gives us quick access to the Everglades.
Lodging during the workshop includes excellent hotels, as well as great nearby dining options.
You’ll get ample one on one time with your instructor and improve your photography in one of the world’s great wildlife hotspots. Aside from the fun you’ll experience with your fellow photographers you’ll leave this trip with a highly expanded portfolio of excellent images and a wealth of memories. Join us today for the trip of a lifetime to photograph the birds and wildlife of South Florida’s Everglades!
NOTE: Be prepared to spend several hours in boats with no shade. Bring sun hat, sunscreen, long sleeves. Weather is generally mild but could be warm to hot.
Because of its large expanse and habitat diversity, the Everglades is home to an oasis of birds and wildlife. It protects 70 endangered or threatened species, including the American alligator, the manatee, the Florida panther, and many species of birds. The greater Everglades area is home to over 360 bird species, with standouts such as the roseate spoonbill, the glossy ibis, the wood stork, and a variety of egrets and herons.
Aside from the famous Everglades National Park, there are numerous protected areas that are fantastic for wildlife photography and viewing. Wildlife refuges and preserves surround the national park, providing world-class photography opportunities, there is even an Audubon sanctuary listed as one of the best places in America for birding.
Winter is an ideal time to visit the Everglades. Temperatures are mild, it’s dry, and mosquitoes are almost entirely absent. Large numbers of resident and transient birds can be found in the swamplands and other wildlife, such as alligators, coyotes, bobcats, and otters are active as well.
This workshop starts and ends in Ft. Myers, FL. Ft. Myers has a commercial international airport for easy access – Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Ft. Myers and Naples to the south are in the heart of many great birding locations and gives us quick access to the Everglades.
Lodging during the workshop includes excellent hotels, as well as great nearby dining options.
You’ll get ample one on one time with your instructor and improve your photography in one of the world’s great wildlife hotspots. Aside from the fun you’ll experience with your fellow photographers you’ll leave this trip with a highly expanded portfolio of excellent images and a wealth of memories. Join us today for the trip of a lifetime to photograph the birds and wildlife of South Florida’s Everglades!
NOTE: Be prepared to spend several hours in boats with no shade. Bring sun hat, sunscreen, long sleeves. Weather is generally mild but could be warm to hot.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- All permits and park fees
- Private boat tours into the heart of the Everglades
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Fort Myers, Florida (RSW)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (D)
We will meet at our hotel in Ft. Myers, FL for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We will start off the workshop with an incredible private boat experience! Our experienced captain will take us into the Ten Thousand Islands area of Everglades National Park. We will be in position to photograph hundreds of birds for a ‘fly off’, as they leave their morning roost. After, we will boat to various locations to capture feeding birds in the shallows.
After lunch, we will take a few short hikes near an Audubon sanctuary in search of birds, alligators, and more wildlife. We will finish off the evening shoot at Tigertail Beach, a fantastic place to view Wilson’s, Piping and Snowy Plovers, as well as Least Terns, Roseate Spoonbills, Red Knots, Reddish Egrets, and Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
For sunrise, we will head to a nearby refuge. The refuge is home to over 245 bird species, as well as mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. We will take a quick break to grab some food mid-morning and then possibly head to a great spot to find manatees.
We will take another private boat tour into the Everglades for our evening session. Before sunset, hundreds of birds will fly back into the rookery, making for an incredible photography experience.
Day 4 (B,D)
Boat is the best way to see the true wilderness and wildlife diversity of the Everglades, thus on the morning of Day 4 we will take one final boat tour. We will spend a few hours exploring the western Everglades in search of wildlife before returning to port.
Afterwards, we will continue on to our lodging for the next few days in Florida City, on the outskirts of Everglades National Park.
In the evening, we may take a hike in Everglades National Park to a lookout tower where we can spot birds. We may also drive the Main Park Road and stop at some of the roadside ponds, which provide good birding opportunities. Conditions and activity will dictate what we choose.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We will start the morning early, with potential walks planned around sunrise and early morning. We will visit the parks Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and follow the Anhinga Trail. The trail is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the park, and it is extremely accessible. We will take another nearby trail later in the morning before taking a break.
Late afternoon will take us down the Main Park Road, where we will scope out some of the ponds and eventually reach the Flamingo Visitor Center. The center features a marina that sometimes hosts the American Crocodile, one of the few accessible places in the park where they can be seen. Before sunset, we will backtrack and take a short hike to capture birds returning to their roost before the sun goes down.
Day 6 (B)
On our final morning, we will head back towards Ft. Myers, driving through Everglades National Park. We will spend the morning in Shark Valley, which features numerous trails and a 15-mile round trip paved bike trail. We will walk the bike trail a little bit and focus on some of the shorter trails in the area. The Shark Valley is another phenomenal place to see alligators, birds, and maybe even an otter. After a morning session and breakfast, we will pack up and return to Ft. Myers, FL.
Day 1 (D)
We will meet at our hotel in Ft. Myers, FL for an orientation and welcome dinner.
Day 2 (B,L,D)
We will start off the workshop with an incredible private boat experience! Our experienced captain will take us into the Ten Thousand Islands area of Everglades National Park. We will be in position to photograph hundreds of birds for a ‘fly off’, as they leave their morning roost. After, we will boat to various locations to capture feeding birds in the shallows.
After lunch, we will take a few short hikes near an Audubon sanctuary in search of birds, alligators, and more wildlife. We will finish off the evening shoot at Tigertail Beach, a fantastic place to view Wilson’s, Piping and Snowy Plovers, as well as Least Terns, Roseate Spoonbills, Red Knots, Reddish Egrets, and Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
For sunrise, we will head to a nearby refuge. The refuge is home to over 245 bird species, as well as mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. We will take a quick break to grab some food mid-morning and then possibly head to a great spot to find manatees.
We will take another private boat tour into the Everglades for our evening session. Before sunset, hundreds of birds will fly back into the rookery, making for an incredible photography experience.
Day 4 (B,D)
Boat is the best way to see the true wilderness and wildlife diversity of the Everglades, thus on the morning of Day 4 we will take one final boat tour. We will spend a few hours exploring the western Everglades in search of wildlife before returning to port.
Afterwards, we will continue on to our lodging for the next few days in Florida City, on the outskirts of Everglades National Park.
In the evening, we may take a hike in Everglades National Park to a lookout tower where we can spot birds. We may also drive the Main Park Road and stop at some of the roadside ponds, which provide good birding opportunities. Conditions and activity will dictate what we choose.
Day 5 (B,L,D)
We will start the morning early, with potential walks planned around sunrise and early morning. We will visit the parks Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and follow the Anhinga Trail. The trail is one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the park, and it is extremely accessible. We will take another nearby trail later in the morning before taking a break.
Late afternoon will take us down the Main Park Road, where we will scope out some of the ponds and eventually reach the Flamingo Visitor Center. The center features a marina that sometimes hosts the American Crocodile, one of the few accessible places in the park where they can be seen. Before sunset, we will backtrack and take a short hike to capture birds returning to their roost before the sun goes down.
Day 6 (B)
On our final morning, we will head back towards Ft. Myers, driving through Everglades National Park. We will spend the morning in Shark Valley, which features numerous trails and a 15-mile round trip paved bike trail. We will walk the bike trail a little bit and focus on some of the shorter trails in the area. The Shark Valley is another phenomenal place to see alligators, birds, and maybe even an otter. After a morning session and breakfast, we will pack up and return to Ft. Myers, FL.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
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HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024