Premier Birding Tours are fully all-inclusive. Your tour price covers:

• Hotel accommodations (Hilton-brand properties, double occupancy)
• All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner at carefully selected restaurants near birding sites
• Ground transportation throughout the tour, including airport shuttle and all transfers between birding locations
• Professional guide services — expert local naturalist guides plus tour operator Bob Needham
• A high-quality spotting scope, set up by your guide at key observation points
• Snacks and water in the field each day
• Entry fees to birding sites included in the itinerary

Not included: alcoholic beverages, gratuities (optional), travel/trip cancellation insurance, airfare to/from the tour start city, and any personal spending.

Flights to and from the tour departure city are not included. Each tour page lists the nearest major airport. You are responsible for booking your own travel to arrive by the first day of the tour.

All accommodations are arranged and included in your tour fee. We stay at Hilton-brand properties selected for proximity to prime birding sites and guest comfort. Single and double occupancy options are available.

Tours are priced at double occupancy (two guests sharing a room). If you prefer a private room, a single supplement fee applies. You are not required to share with a stranger — if you are traveling solo, simply select the single option at booking, or indicate you are open to a same-gender roommate match. Matches are not guaranteed.

Each tour is led by a local expert naturalist guide with deep knowledge of that specific destination — the birds, habitats, and hotspots. Tour operator Bob Needham personally manages all logistics (meals, lodging, transportation, timing) so you can focus entirely on the birds.

Every tour page includes a target species list and regional highlights. A full eBird checklist will be provided by email before departure. Species vary by destination and season. Premier destinations like the Rio Grande Valley and Galveston routinely produce 100–200+ species during peak migration windows.

We recommend:

• Binoculars (essential — 8x42 or 10x42)
• Camera with telephoto lens (optional)
• Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots
• Lightweight, weather-appropriate layers
• Lightweight rain gear
• Hat and sunscreen
• Insect repellent (DEET-free recommended around camera equipment)
• Personal field guide or the Merlin Bird ID app

A spotting scope is provided by your guide — no need to bring your own.

Our tours are designed to be accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. Most birding involves easy walking on level terrain — trails, boardwalks, roadsides, and open fields. Each tour's page notes any locations with uneven terrain or longer walks. If you have mobility concerns, contact us before booking and we will discuss options.

Birding continues! We monitor conditions in real time and adjust our route to maximize sightings. Many bird species are highly active around weather systems. We'll keep you as comfortable as possible and have contingency plans for each destination.

A $300 deposit secures your spot. The balance is due 60 days prior to departure. Payments accepted via credit/debit card, personal check, Venmo, or Cash App. Contact Bob Needham at 606-356-2056 or bob@premierbirdingtours.com with any payment questions.

Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit. Cancellations within 60 days of departure are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment.

It is not required but strongly recommended. Unexpected illness, injury, or family emergencies can arise. Trip cancellation insurance protects your full tour investment. Contact us if you need guidance on reputable providers.

Premier Birding Tours operates in small groups — typically 6–10 guests — to ensure a personalized experience, better spotting opportunities, and flexibility in the field.

Absolutely. Our tours are welcoming to birders at all levels, from first-timers to seasoned listers. Our guides are skilled at helping beginners find and identify birds, and our small group format means nobody gets left behind.

Yes. Guests wishing to arrive early or stay after the tour may book additional nights directly with the hotel at their own expense. Let us know in advance and we can share hotel information.

Visit any tour page and click Book Now $300 deposit to secure your spot. Have questions first? Call Bob at 606-356-2056 or email bob@premierbirdingtours.com.