FAQs Nature Walk Eco Tours

Can I bring my dog?

Each tour will have specific animal restrictions

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?

Tours range from easy on level, paved paths, to moderate on uneven terrain and rocky inclines.

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 these tours 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!