Experiencing the Total Raptor Experience in San Diego

San Diego is home to some of the most fascinating wildlife encounters, and the Total Raptor Experience stands out as a unique and educational adventure. This incredible activity offers visitors an up-close interaction with birds of prey, making it a must-explore outing for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. It’s more than just learning about majestic raptors—it’s an immersive opportunity to connect with nature while gaining insights into these powerful predators’ importance to ecosystems.

Adventure Guide to Experiencing the Total Raptor Experience

1. The Total Raptor Experience Facility in Valley Center
Located about 40 minutes from downtown San Diego, the Total Raptor Experience in Valley Center provides participants with the chance to handle and fly a variety of raptors like hawks, falcons, and owls. Their interactive programs cater to small groups, ensuring personal attention and safe handling of these remarkable creatures. What makes this facility stand out is its focus on conservation and the deep respect they instill for avian wildlife. Participants can take photos with raptors perched on their gloves and learn falconry techniques under expert guidance.

2. Falconry Basics Course
For a deeper dive, the falconry course offers hands-on coaching in the ancient art of training birds of prey. You’ll learn how to work alongside a Harris's hawk during a free-flight exercise. This session is designed to highlight the bond between human and bird, providing a thrilling yet peaceful experience. Perfect for a variety of ages, it’s also a great option for private bookings or small group events.

3. Personalized Programs
The facility allows visitors to arrange unique encounters tailored to specific interests. Private raptor photo sessions are available for photographers seeking natural settings, or you can book an educational program that promotes preservation and awareness of these apex aerial hunters.

Local Insights

Did you know falconry is often referred to as the "sport of kings" and has been practiced for over 4,000 years? In Southern California, the Total Raptor Experience helps preserve this heritage while teaching locals and visitors about the importance of raptors in maintaining ecological balance.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Fall and winter, as cooler temperatures are ideal for outdoor sessions.
What to Bring: Comfortable outdoor clothing, sunscreen, and bottled water. Closed-toed shoes are a must.
Directions: From downtown San Diego, take I-15 North to Valley Center Road. Approximate travel time is around 45 minutes.

Adventure Map

Reviews

Nick Day4 months ago

My wife planned this outing as part of our family vacation to California/San Diego area. My family are huge animal lovers (even though my wife hates birds, she still had a blast) and this was near the top of the activities planned for the week. While my wife did this as a surprise and didn’t share what to expect, it was far better than any of us could imagine. Extremely knowledgeable owners shared their experience and knowledge, demonstrated the capabilities of the birds and allowed each of us to interact with the birds quite a bit over the couple hour experience. We have many pictures and videos that we took throughout the experience which are fantastic. Highly recommend this activity and if you are even considering this at all, it will far exceed your expectations so go for it!

Tony Trimmera month ago

I love birds and have been wanting to do something like this for a while but I actually ended up here as a birthday surprise from my girlfriend this past weekend. The staff were great. They are incredibly knowledgeable about their birds. We got lucky and ended up being the only two at this time slot so we got a lot of one-on-one time with the birds The birds were awesome! You're not going to make friends with these birds but you also don't have to worry about them biting at you or anything. They are actually pretty docile. I really cannot say enough good things about this place.

Isabelle Nguyena month ago

Dave and Andrea were AMAZING and very educational and informative about the birds! 🦅 this was on my bucket list for a long time of things to do! Very cool experience! Such beautiful and majestic birds! Highly recommend!!

Marssia Cisneros3 months ago

Total Raptor Experience was so fun! These creatures are amazing and you can tell the owners take their job as being their handlers seriously. The falcon flies around and returns to them. The hawk is so graceful and delicate. Despite their strength, if you respect them, they respect you. Wow. I highly recommend this experience ❤️

Linda Fislera month ago

Today we went to the Torrey Pines Gilderport in La Jolla and were thrilled by our Total Raptor Experience, which introduced us to a fascinating rage of birds from -from falcons to hawks -in an up-close, hands-on, educational encounter with these magnificent creatures in the most scenic view imaginable. Afterwards, we had champagne at the Cliff Hanger Cafe!!

Wildlife

Experiencing the Total Raptor Experience in San Diego