Birding and Biking – Ocean Connectors

Birding and Biking Eco Tour

Be an Ocean Connector and join us on our Birding and Biking Eco Tour!

Test out your birding skills on this naturalist-led Birding and Biking Eco Tour. We will bike along the National Wildlife Refuge spotting both native and migratory birds and learn interesting facts about the species we see. Our biologist guide will also teach you about local ecology and conservation efforts and we will record the birds we spot using eBird. eBird is a useful tool for birders to keep bird lists, as well as a citizen science platform that provides important data for science and conservation.

Best of all, proceeds of your Eco Tour ticket go to our nonprofit environmental education programs. Which directly supports youth in underserved communities.

Duration	2 Hours
Group Size	Maximum 12
Ticket Cost	$55/Adult $35/Child
Season	Year Round

Birding and Biking Highlights

Our Birding and Biking Eco Tours offer a unique experience showcasing the South San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the many species that inhabit this biodiversity hotspot.
Bikers ride along the Bayshore Bikeway with our biologist guide sharing fascinating information about native and migratory bird species. As well as pointing out key sights.
During our tour we will record any birds that we spot using eBird, information which help scientists study and protect our bird populations.
Tickets directly support our free educational programs for local students!

I recently took an Eco Tour with Ocean Connectors and had a great experience. Not only was it fun and beautiful, but I also learned a lot. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this wonderful organization!

Christina K.

Featured Wildlife

Whats Included – Birding and Biking

Two-hour naturalist guided Birding and Biking Eco Tour around the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
All equipment needed: bikes, helmets, binoculars, field guides, and even sunscreen.

What You Need to Know – Birding and Biking

This tour is recommended for ages 10 and up, and it is a great option for beginner-birders as well as seasoned birders.
Bike rentals will be sized in advance, as such we will reach out to confirm approximate heights of all group members.
All participants must submit a signed liability waiver and photo release form. Participants under the age of 18 must have the waiver and form signed by a parent or guardian.
All participants must wear helmets (provided) and stay with the group.
In response to COVID-19, all equipment is sanitized between tours and Ocean Connectors staff have been fully vaccinated. Guests are not permitted to attend an Eco Tour if they are exhibiting any symptoms that may be associated with COVID-19.

FAQs Birding and Biking Eco Tour

Can I bring my own bike and helmet?

Due to our insurance policy, you are not able to bring your own bicycle. However, the bikes that we provide are in excellent condition with comfortable seats. We will also adjust all bikes ahead of time to ensure they fit your height. You are welcome to bring your personal helmet if you prefer to use your own. All of the equipment we provide has been sanitized right before your trip for hygiene and safety.

Do I need to be an expert birder to join this tour?

You do not need any prior birding experience to join this trip! Our naturalist guide will help you identify birds and share interesting facts as well as teach you about local ecology and conservations efforts. The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a hotspot for birdlife and as a result there is something for everyone. In other words, you do not need to be an expert birder to enjoy this tour!

What fitness level is required?

During this tour we cover approximately five miles of easy riding on flat ground, and we will adjust the pace to suit the group. Therefore, no particular fitness level is required. As long as you know how to ride a bike, you have all the skills necessary! If you have any physical limitations, please let us know in advance.

What makes this an “eco” tour?

Ocean Connectors is a nonprofit program with a mission to educate, inspire, and connect youth in underserved Pacific coastal communities through the study of migratory marine life. When you purchase your Eco Tour ticket all proceeds go directly back to our youth education programs. All of our tours also focus on environmental education and conservation and align with our mission to educate, inspire and connect. We hope to inspire guests to get involved in protecting our oceans!

What is citizen science?

Citizen science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in research to increase scientific knowledge. Citizen science helps with gathering scientific data as well as fostering community involvement. On this tour we will gather data of any birds we spot using eBird. Data collected using eBird plays an increasingly important role in science and conservation, with applications ranging from research and monitoring to species management, habitat protection, and informing law and policy.

How does my ticket purchase support youth education?

Ocean Connectors provides presentations and field trips for all public elementary and middle schools in National City, as well as 27 schools in Nayarit, Mexico. Our vison is to cultivate a future generation of passionate, globally-aware, and empowered coastal residents who take active steps to enjoy and protect ocean health. All proceeds of your ticket price goes directly toward these free youth education programs. All our 6^th grade students use migratory sea birds as a case study and attend a field trip to the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge where they observe birds and plant native vegetation!

Planning a special occasion or team-building event? Don’t see a date/time/combination that you are looking for?

Contact info@oceanconnectors.org for requests about additional options, private tours, and group bookings.