- #610012
- Duration: 6days
- Available: 25/6/3 - 26/6/1
- San Francisco,CA
Overview and Highlights
Discover the magic of Monterey Bay, one of the world’s premier birding destinations, on a field-based adventure perfect for both seasoned birders and curious beginners — families included! Explore diverse habitats, spot fascinating endemic species, and learn to identify birds by sight and song. From colorful hummingbirds to majestic White-tailed Kites, each sighting is a chance to grow your “life list” and share unforgettable wildlife moments together.
● Embark on a boat excursion along the Elkhorn Slough estuary, a protected habitat home to over 340 species of birds.
● Spot egrets, rocky shorebirds, cormorants, passerine and seabirds at Point Lobos Nature Reserve.
● Enjoy time in Carmel Valley looking for White-tailed Kites and a variety of oak woodland species.
Itinerary
Get ready for an adventure-packed day! Your journey officially kicks off at 1:00 PM, when your friendly guide will meet you right at your hotel with a warm welcome.
We’ll then set off on a beautiful, scenic 2-hour drive to charming Carmel Valley, where you can settle in and get comfy. Once you’re all settled, your expert guide will fill you in on the exciting plans ahead — tailored just for you, based on the season, bird activity, group vibes, and weather.
Tonight is all yours to relax, explore your surroundings, or simply unwind and get a good night’s rest — you’ll want to be fresh for tomorrow’s big adventures!
While we aim for a smooth and seamless trip, Mother Nature sometimes has her own plans. If any changes pop up, we’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way. Thanks for your understanding!
Today, we’re off to explore the stunning Point Lobos State Natural Area — a true birdwatcher’s paradise! Depending on the season, keep your eyes peeled as we stroll through the woodlands and coastal scrub. You might spot playful pygmy tits, band-tailed pigeons, or pine grosbeaks flitting about. Watch for chestnut-backed tits and rufous treecreepers catching insects mid-air, while California quail and house sparrows forage nearby.
Along the coastline, enjoy spotting local favorites like pelagic cormorants, night herons, and black oystechers. And if you’re here during spring or summer, get ready to see seabirds like puffins and petrels making their grand migrations!
This evening is yours to unwind and soak in the charm of the valley. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint villages, browse local art galleries, or treat yourself to a relaxing wine tasting — the perfect way to end the day!
This morning, we’re heading out for a full day of birdwatching fun in beautiful Carmel Valley! We’ll be on the lookout for some local stars like the Yellow-billed Magpie and California Mockingbird, plus seasonal visitors like the Golden Oriole, Tyrannosaur, and the stunning Lapis Lazuli Bunting.
Our adventure starts at the mouth of the Carmel River, right where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Then, we’ll cruise 17 miles to the iconic Pebble Beach before exploring Pacific Grove, a hotspot for rock-loving shorebirds and nearshore seabirds. Keep your binoculars handy — we could spot everything from sandpipers and kites to sooty shearwaters, western grebes, pelagic cormorants, and even marbled guillemots!
The birdwatching excitement continues through the afternoon before we head back to the hotel for a well-earned rest.
Today, we’re heading to Palo Corona Regional Park, a true birdwatcher’s paradise right in the heart of Carmel Valley. This stunning area showcases some of California’s most beautiful landscapes — from willow-lined Carmel River banks to cottonwood and sycamore forests, and dense oak and shrublands where endemic birds love to hang out.
Keep your eyes peeled for amazing locals like white-tailed kites soaring overhead, oak chickadees flitting through the trees, bush tits, chestnut-backed chickadees, golden-crowned sparrows, and even woodpeckers knocking away in the oaks. Depending on the season and what the birds are up to, we might explore a few other nearby spots too!
The afternoon is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. Whether you want to wander, shop, or simply soak in the scenery, our expert guides are ready with great local tips and recommendations to make the most of your free time.
This morning, weather permitting, get ready to explore the stunning Moss Landing and the incredible Elkhorn Slough aboard a quiet, all-electric 37-foot catamaran. Glide through one of California’s most spectacular wetlands, where playful sea otters, curious harbor seals, sea lions, and hundreds of bird species call home. With over 340 bird species here, including rare gems like brown pelicans, snowy plovers, and peregrine falcons, this is truly a birdwatcher’s dream come true! Our knowledgeable captain will share fascinating stories and insights about this rich ecosystem as you take in the sights.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue exploring Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing, and the famous Moonlight Dairy — one of Monterey County’s top spots for bird photography (subject to availability). You’ll wander through diverse habitats like oak-gum groves, bustling colonies of great egrets, blue herons, and double-crested cormorants, plus mudflats, salt marshes, and freshwater ponds teeming with ducks and shorebirds. Keep an eye out for raptors soaring overhead — white-tailed kites, red-shouldered hawks, merlins, golden eagles, elegant terns, and even tricolored blackbirds, all part of this vibrant food chain.
On the morning of our last day, we’ll set out to spot some local favorite birds and maybe even cross a few new species off our list! After this final birding adventure, we’ll wrap up our unforgettable trip and make our way back to San Francisco — filled with great memories and new discoveries.
Please be aware that this trip does not provide birdwatching equipment. To ensure you enjoy the best experience, we kindly remind all participants to prepare the following items in advance:
● Optical Equipment: Binoculars or telescopes suitable for long-distance birdwatching (recommended magnification 8×–10× for binoculars, or a spotting scope with a tripod for more detailed observation).
● Photography Equipment: Camera, telephoto lens, extra memory cards, and spare batteries.
● Clothing: Comfortable, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing in muted colors (to avoid disturbing birds), sturdy hiking shoes, hats, gloves, and rain gear if needed.
● Protection: Mosquito and insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm, and any personal medications.
● Other Essentials: Portable Seating, Refillable water bottle, field notebook and pen, bird identification guidebook or mobile app, and a small backpack to carry your belongings.
PRICE
Final pricing and service content are subject to change based on factors such as season, group size, and your preferred level of food and lodging.
For a specific quote, please reach out to our team.
Good to Know Before You Go
● This is a private, fully independent tour, featuring a dedicated guide and vehicle throughout your journey. Unless otherwise specified for certain activities that require a minimum number of participants, all arrangements can be made for groups starting from just one traveler.
● If you’d prefer to join a shared group for cost-sharing or other reasons, please get in touch with our customer service team in advance to explore available options.
● Activity schedules and availability listed on our website may not always reflect real-time updates and are subject to change without notice.
● Before booking, please confirm the final price and itinerary details with our customer service team to ensure accuracy prior to payment.
● EasyTour can only process formally confirmed reservations. Any unconfirmed bookings will be refunded in full to your original payment method after review by our finance department.
● EasyTour provides fully customized travel solutions, including transportation, accommodation, registration support, and more.
● Want to adjust your itinerary, change travel dates, or add personal arrangements? Just contact our customer service team—we’re here to help tailor your experience.
