Florida's Birding & Photo Fest official guide 2016 | Page 32

B O AT TO U R S Sunrise Birding & Nature Boat Excursion Sunset Birding & Nature Boat Excursion Meeting Location: St. Augustine Municipal Marina, Ticket Booth B, 111 Avenida Menendez Guide: St. Augustine Eco Tours Meeting Location: St. Augustine Municipal Marina, Ticket Booth B, 111 Avenida Menendez Guide: St. Augustine Eco Tours WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY 6:30 TO 8:15 A.M. WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY 6:15 TO 8 P.M. Price: $55 | Min/Max No of People: 2/10 | Difficulty level: Undemanding This boat trip reserved for 10 guests or less travels off the Northern tip of Anastasia State Park to capture the sunrise over the ocean. The group will explore the narrow creeks of the estuary. Wood Storks, Black Skimmers, American Oyster Catchers, Ospreys, Terns, Herons and Egrets are favorites on this excursion. Your USCG Captain and Interpretive Naturalist will introduce premiere photography locations and explain the various elements of the ecosystems. The boats are safe and dry with comfortable seating. Most photographers are comfortable shooting up to 500mm handheld. Price: $55 | Min/Max No of People: 2/10 | Difficulty level: Undemanding There is something very special about sunsets in the estuary. Feeding is complete at this time for most birds and we find groups of Spoonbills, Egrets, Herons, and Pelicans congregating on the shell banks. The trip is limited to 10 guests and travels north of the historic city up the Tolomato River to observe birds socializing along the riverbanks. North of the Guana River we stop beneath an Osprey nest to look for new additions to the family. The vessels utilized for this excursion are custom made for the purpose of wildlife viewing and photography. Most photographers are comfortable shooting up to 500mm handheld. Animals of the Estuary Boat Excursion Sunset Birding Eco-Boat Tour from Marineland Meeting Location: St. Augustine Municipal Marina, Ticket Booth B, 111 Avenida Menendez Guide: St. Augustine Eco Tours Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours’ headquarters, 101 Tolstoy Lane Guide: Ripple Effect Ecotours WEDNESDAY 5:30 TO 7:30 P.M. WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY 9 TO 10:45 A.M. Price: $55 | Min/Max No of People: 3/5 | Difficulty Level: Undemanding Explore the far reaches of some of the best birding habitats in the Northeast Florida on the “Ripple Effect 1.” This unique vessel has no propeller as you glide across the water with an ease of mind knowing wildlife is safe from propeller strikes. Price: $55 | Min/Max No of People: 2/10 | Difficulty level: Undemanding This mid-morning boat excursion, limited to only 10 guests, will explore the tidal creeks and rivers of the estuary. Guided by a professional Naturalist and USCG Captain, this trip travels south of the historic city to observe active eagle and heron nests so bring your telephoto (300 – 500mm). During the course of the trip guests will experience many elements of the ecosystem and a variety of marine life that may include the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin and Florida Manatee. Most photographers are comfortable shooting up to 500mm handheld. High Noon Wings Over Florida Eco-Boat Tour from Marineland Meeting Location: Ripple Effect Ecotours’ headquarters, 101 Tolstoy Lane Guide: Ripple Effect Ecotours THURSDAY NOON TO 2 P.M. Island Explorer Boat Excursion Price: $55 | Min/MaxNo of People: 3/5 | Difficulty Level: Undemanding This ecological trip explores birds and the biodiversity of the National Estuarine Research Re