What is an "ecojourney"?
An "ecojourney" is unique from the average ecotourist experience. Our friendly guides want to provide each guest with a raw, full sensory adventure. The goal of Wild Heart Ecojourneys is to encourage our guests to step out of their comfort zone and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of the wilderness.
Where do we meet our guide?
The meeting location is dependent on your tour:
Picayune Strand State Forest
South Naples Citrus Grove
341 Sabal Palm Rd
Naples, FL 34114
Collier Seminole State Park
20200 Tamiami Trail E
Naples, FL 34114
Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
Keri Rd
Felda, FL 33930
What do I need to bring?
At Wild Heart Ecojourneys, we want to ensure that you have the most enjoyable experience possible. We suggest that you bring the following items:
Water bottle*
Lunch and/or snacks*
Insect reppellent
Sunscreen
Binoculars
Camera
Change of clothes / shoes
Rain coat / Pancho
Towel
If you have a preexisting medical condition, please bring the appropriate treatment, such as inhalers, allergy medication, etc.
*Wild Heart Ecojourneys will provide water and snacks for the entire group. We recommend that you bring your own source of water as well as food, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
What should I wear?
As experienced naturalists, we have learned that the best attire is as follows:
Close-toed shoes (required)
Long pants
Breathable shirt
Hat and/or sunglasses
It is VERY likely that some if not all clothes will get either wet or dirty.
How long and difficult are the ecojourneys?
Every Wild Heart Ecojourney is designed to immerse you into the natural world. The length of your experience is dependent on the one you select. They range from two to four hours long with both hiking and/or driving components. These ecojourneys are meant for all ages and levels of physical fitness. Be sure to check out the list of ecojourneys from "Ecojourneys" tab for more details. If you do not know which experience is right for you, contact us!
What age is eligible for the "youth" price?
Although every participant may feel "young at heart", you are only eligible for the youth price if you are 12 and under.
What should I expect to see?
Our experienced guides are trained to spot all manner of wildlife! We commonly see alligators as well as a variety of birds; bald eagles, swallow tailed kites, woodstorks, and many other species. The variety of species that you may see is largely dependent on the environmental conditions. There is no guarantee to see the rarest large mammals, such as panthers or bears (though we'll give you a great chance).
Much of Florida's native wildlife is harmless and there are also potentially dangerous animals. We will respectfully view any animal on the ecojourney from a safe vantage point. Wild Heart Ecojourneys requests that you trust and listen to our experienced guides in order to best observe these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Do not expect to feed wildlife.
What is the cancellation policy?
In order to receive a full refund, ecojourneys must be cancelled 48 hours in advance.
If you attempt to cancel within 48 hours of your ecojourney, or fail to arrive at the meeting destination, no refund will be issued.
Ecojourneys may be subject to cancellation due to heavy rain/lightning. If this is the case, you may reschedule for another time or receive a full refund due to scheduling constraints.