January / February: This photography tour is not currently in the schedule, but can be added by request

  7 nights/8 inclusive days  |  Maximum of 7 participants, and a minimum of 4 participants

Photography Tour Overview: The Everglades including Shark Valley and the Anhinga Trail et cetera, plus Corkscrew Swamp, Sanibel Island, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge plus a myriad of easy to photograph birds, spiders, turtles, butterflies, snails, crabs, and alligators. All of this at a time of the year when the temperature hovers between 65 and 80 Fahrenheit making it the perfect winter sojourn. As with all of our photography tours, early and late shooting is scheduled for each day.

Our itinerary . . .
But first things first! We suggest that you set your camera's clock to the local time, as your images will then synchronize with the times in our included photo tour field notes.

Days 1, 2 + 3  |  Sanibel Island region
We'll gather late morning at our hotel, and head to a marina for lunch [included], and a digital orientation presented by John. On to Sanibel Island for hotel check in, with bird photography and sunset shooting in J. N. 'Ding' Darling national wildlife refuge.
On days 2 and 3 we'll photograph in the J. N. 'Ding' Darling national wildlife refuge and maximize your chances of some excellent wildlife photography by making several visits both early and late. Species likely to be photographed are Osprey, Pelican, a variety of ducks, Ibis, Egret, Heron, Cormorant, Anhinga, Hawk, Alligator, plus Spoonbills which are a little more elusive than most waders. A side trip will see you photographing diving Terns and Brown Pelicans at the ocean's edge. We will also spend time on Captiva island, and you can expect to shoot at least one spectacular sunset during our stay.
Sanibel Island, 3 nights

Day 4  |  Sanibel to the Corkscrew Swamp
After we have concluded our Sanibel Island photography and taken breakfast, we'll go east to the Corkscrew Swamp where we'll photograph a variety of species close-up for several hours. Species will most likely include the Red Shouldered Hawk, Ibis, Herons, Turtles, and Anhingas et cetera. Possible sightings are Raccoon, the Red Bunting, Wood Stork, and Flicker. A sunset across a body of water will conclude the day's shooting.
Near Bonita Springs, 1 night

Days 5, 6 + 7  |  The Everglades
We'll continue east this morning and pause at a pair of locations that are known to be frequented by a variety of birds. We'll then take what we call the 'mini Alligator Alley' in the Big Cypress National Reserve where Alligators abound, along with Egrets and the rare Tree Snail. Next up will be Shark Valley which sits in the northwest section of Everglades National Park. We'll explore the nature trail here, and you can expect to photograph alligators and a variety of birds once again. On down the Florida peninsula for our three night stay near Everglades national park.
We'll spend most of days 6 and 7 in the Everglades with multiple stops between the park entrance and the remote community of Flamingo. We know the spots where each species, mostly birds, are generally to be found, and you'll have plenty of time to compose some great images. Among the species you will be able to photograph at close quarters are Ibis, Heron, Egret, Barred Owl and much more. If insects interest you, then add the Orb spider and Zebra butterfly to that list. The included dinner on the last night of our photography tour will feature an 'It's You!' presentation of clients in action on this tour by John. Weather permitting the dinner will take place facing the setting sun near Key Largo.
Near Everglades NP, 3 nights

Day 8  |  Departure day
We'll depart our hotel for the Miami airport at a time conducive to everyone's return flights, so do please arrange your departing flight for 1 pm onwards. Thank you!

Photo Tour Photographer/Leader: John Baker, Travel Images Photography Tours
The preceding itinerary is a copyrighted work by John Baker Photographer LLC, and Travel Images Photography Tours

Enhancing Your Photography Skills
Describing the assistance you'll receive on one of our photography tours takes more than a few words, so for greater detail please go here.

Exertion level: This photography tour is classified as 'non strenuous' to 'mildly strenuous'
A majority of images are found on trails/boardwalks, and all are relatively flat
In every other respect this photography tour is considered non-strenuous to mildly strenuous

Do you need a Visa for travel to the United States?
Travelers from all countries can do a quick check of visa requirements here or here
Our international clients may need to contact the embassy of their intended destination in their own country for a visa. Go here or here

Photography Tour Cost, Deposit, Cancellation Policy and Enrollment Guidance

Trip Cost: $3,528 USD per person not including airfare. A 5% discount is applied to all double occupancies. A single room supplement is required for single occupancy

Single Supplement: 14% of the base cost of the trip

The deposit for this photography tour is $400. Make a deposit, or pay your tour balance here

Cancellation policy: Go here

Enrollment guidance: Go here

Included in the Trip Cost: The following items are included in the trip cost . . .

• Photography instruction throughout the trip by John
• All accommodations with private facilities [en-suite]
• All breakfasts
• Lunch on day one of the trip
• Dinner on the last night of the trip
• On-vehicle snacks and bottled water
• All ground transportation
• Airport pick-up on day 1, and drop-off on departure day. Arrival prior to day 1 is not included
• Entrance fees for sites and activities listed below under ‘Admissions Included’
• Following the trip you'll receive detailed field notes describing the time, place and subject of each photo stop, plus image uploads to a private web page of clients 'in action' on the trip

Not Included in the Trip Cost: The costs for these items are the responsibility of each participant . . .

• Airfare
• Travel costs between your home and the gateway airport and return
• Any transportation or travel costs incurred prior to or after the tour’s inclusive dates
• Pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodation
• Lunches and dinners except for lunch on day one of the trip, and dinner on the last night of the trip
• Alcoholic beverages
• Entrance fees or costs related to optional sites or activities not included in the itinerary
• Baggage fees
• Medical expenses
• Personal items such as the hotel mini-bar, laundry et cetera
• Incidental charges incurred at our accommodations such as movie rentals, internet and phone
• Travel insurance
• Passport or visa expenses
• Airport departure taxes, if applicable

Admissions Included in the Trip Cost:

• Admission to National Parks, refuges and reserves mentioned in the itinerary above are included in the trip cost

• Any other excursions, and admissions such as museums, are optional and not included