Join us on a bird and wildlife photo workshop or photo tour to some the best locations in Florida including Big Cypress Delray Beach area, Everglades National Park, Sanibel Island, and Wakodahatchee Wetlands. We will also be visiting several secret locations to photograph eagle and osprey nests, nesting owls, rookeries, and manatees.

February is the dry season. This is the time of year when the tropical storms and the summer rain have passed. The lower water levels mean the wildlife is more concentrated and easier to find and photograph.

Florida is known for its incredibly tame birds. It is common to have some species just a few feet away. We still recommend at least a 400 mm lens. There are many companies that rent lenses if you do not already own one.

The unique wildlife and climate make it a nature photographer's paradise. You will come away with hundreds of bird photos as well as other wildlife and landscape shots.

Escape the winter cold and visit warm southern Florida!

John Slonina is a professional nature photographer who has photographed in Florida's wild locations for over 35 years. He is an authorized permittee of the national park and his experience brings in-depth knowledge of the area and its resident wildlife.

In the past, I have had no problems finding and photographing the following species:

Birds: Bald Eagle, Osprey, Red Shouldered Hawk, Burrowing Owls, Barred Owls, Purple Gallinule, Rosette Spoonbills, Painted Bunting, Sandhill Crane, Green Herons, Little Blue Herons, Night Herons, Great Blue Herons, Tri-colored Herons, Reddish Egret, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Cattle Egrets, Limpkin, Brown and White Pelicans, American Coot, Moorhens, Wood Stocks, Cormorants, Anhinga, Black and Turkey Vultures, Glossy and White Ibis.

Mammals: Manatee, River Otter, Dolphins, Deer, Marsh Rabbits.

Reptiles: Gopher Tortoise, Crocodile, American Alligator, Several species of Turtles.

We should also be able to get full frame photos since many birds and other animals are just a few feet away. We have an extremely high success rate but we can’t guarantee we will see any particular species.

Since we will be shooting a high volume of pictures, please bring many memory/flash cards. We recommend you bring a portable external hard drive to back up your images.

When:
Feb 1-7, 2025 (1 space left)

Feb 7-13, 2026 (3 spaces left)

Getting There:
We will be using two different airports.

Arrival: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) or Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL). Both airports are with 30 miles of the hotel. There are some options like Uber, Taxi, and Airport Shuttles. which will take you to the Boca Ratan hotel. Once you arrive at the hotel, we will provide transportation.

Departure: Fort Myers Airport (RSW). There is a free shuttle from hotel.

Itinerary:
The itinerary will be dependent on the weather, tide levels and the amount of rainfall. We will be pre-scouting several locations before the trip starts. I will review recent wildlife reports, monitor tides and water levels. Each day is paced to maximize photo opportunities. The schedule will be flexible to maximize the best light.

Day 1: Meet at Boca Raton Hotel by 3 pm. Quick group meeting and introductions then we will leave for an afternoon photo session and photograph until sunset followed by dinner.

Day 2: We will be photographing several incredible locations in the Delray Beach area. Some of these locations have birds just a few feet off the boardwalk.

Day 3: the day starts off with sunrise at one of John's favorite wildlife locations in Florida. We will check out of the hotel and drive to a different hotel near the main entrance of the Everglades National Park. We will photograph the back roads of Big Cypress National Preserve making many stops along the way. We will be out until sunset.

Day 4: We will spend a full day photographing different ecosystems throughout the Everglades. We will be photographing alligators, crocodiles, manatees, nesting ospreys, and hundreds of birds (some just a few feet away).

Day 5: We will have our early morning photo session in the Everglades and then check out of the hotel by 11 am photographing different back roads of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. There are several great options for the rest of the day as we return to Fort Myers. We will check into the hotel after sunset.

Day 6: We will spend the day at beautiful Sanibel Island and the surrounding areas. There is a lot of great wildlife and landscape photography, ocean views, beaches, and restaurants. We will also be visiting a great location for burrowing owls.

Day 7: We will be photographing wildlife at sunrise and then we will drive back to the hotel in time for check out and afternoon flights. The hotel has a free shuttle to the airport.

Skill and Fitness Levels Requirements:
Anyone with an interest in photography from beginner to professional. The participants should have a love of nature and enjoy the company of other people in a small group setting.

This trip will involve some short flat walks. Must be able to walk at least a mile.

Participants should be in good health and self-sufficient.

Group Size:
Our group size is substantially smaller than other tour companies.

This offers several advantages:

Maximize learning.
Personalized one-on-one attention, critiques, and photography advice. I want to make sure you get the best shots while we are on location.

Better Access
We get better access to remote areas than bus tours, day tours and car pools. There are several incredible places that only have room for one or two cars.

We will be traveling together in one or two vehicles specifically designed for wildlife viewing. This allows us the advantage of reaching more remote areas, as well as enabling swift responses to sightings of wildlife.

Price:
Feb 1-7, 2025: $4695

Feb 7-13, 2025: $4995

Deposit: $1000 per person.
Balance Due: Six months before the trip start date.

Payment:
Payment can be made by check to Slonina Photography. We also accept credit cards through our online shopping cart.

Cancellation Policy:

Price includes:

• Six nights lodging (2 nights each in Boca Raton, Homestead and Fort Myers) Lodging is double occupancy. If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy). it is an additional $300. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want this option.

• Professional instruction on nature photography and wildlife behavior.

• Permits, admission and entrance fees.

• Transportation from hotel to the field locations are included.

Not Included:

• Food and drinks are not included. We will eat at local restaurants. Each participant is responsible for their own food tab.

• Air travel is not included.

• We will help you create beautiful images and teach you skills and techniques you can use to take your photography to the next level. After the tour, you will have a solid understanding of nature photography and your camera.

Click here to read Testimonials.

Tour Guides:
John Slonina (leader)

A professional nature photographer who has been photographing for several decades. During the workshop, you will receive information on photography techniques and the natural world. Understanding the natural world not only increases your appreciation of nature but also helps you become a better nature photographer.

We hope you can join us! If you have any questions, please contact us.