The first offering from Collier Adventures, based out of Ave Maria, Florida in eastern Collier County, Orange Jeep Tours is scheduled to open to the public on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. Orange Jeep Tours will offer daily 90-minute tours of neighboring terrain inhabited by such native wildlife as the American alligator, Whitetail Deer, Osceola Turkey, Florida Red-Bellied Turtle, and a large variety of bird species. Each custom-outfitted orange Jeep can seat up to six passengers plus the driver. Passengers are treated to a narrated history of the local region and a thumbnail education of Florida agriculture. Guests engage in an interactive experience utilizing the Jeep’s two iPads. Each iPad is loaded with the National Audubon Society app allowing the guest to identify species in real time during the tour. A pocket naturalist guide of Everglades wildlife is also available on each tour. 

 

“Orange Jeep Tours give visitors and residents a glimpse of what makes eastern Collier County unique to the state of Florida,” states Blake Gable, co-president of Barron Collier Companies. “We’ve seen first-hand what amazing wildlife thrives in our backyard—alligator, deer, and panther, just to name a few. It is also a birder’s paradise, which is one of the reasons we are working with the Collier County Audubon Society to create special birding tours.” Orange Jeep Tours will offer periodic tours with trained guides from the local Audubon Society.  “For years nature aficionados traveling Oil Well Road have looked at Camp Keais Strand and wondered what is out there. Now they and anyone wishing a unique outdoors experience have that opportunity through Orange Jeep Tours,” comments Nancy Payton, Southwest Florida Field Representative for the Florida Wildlife Federation.

 

“Our commitment to the environment and its inhabitants has been in place since the inception of Ave Maria,” adds Gable. The town of Ave Maria was created under the Rural Lands Stewardship Program, a state land use program which protects important natural resources while accommodating growth. In addition, Ave Maria participates in the Florida Panther Protection Program— a complementary effort to protect Florida’s endangered species by promoting habitat stewardship and conservation.  Orange Jeep Tours will continue this pledge by donating a portion of the proceeds to the panther program.     

 

Horseback riding tours of the region are also in the works at Ave Maria Adventures. Eventually, a full spectrum of eco-adventure activities for all ages will be available year-round.

 

Tours depart daily from the Ave Maria Information Center beginning at 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. and may be reserved by calling 239-434-JEEP (5337). Each tour is priced at $35 per adult and $25 for children ages 12 and under. Collier County resident discounts are offered with proof of a valid Collier County driver’s license. 

Orange Jeep Tours was created in 2012 by Collier Adventures as eastern Collier County’s newest eco-adventure outfitter. Engaging narrated tours of local history and southwest Florida wildlife in an off-road, open-air Jeep provide an enjoyable outdoor pursuit for residents and visitors. The Orange Jeep Tours Information Center is located in the Ave Maria Town Center at 5076 Annunciation Circle #104, Ave Maria, FL, 34142. For more information, please contact 239-434-JEEP (5337) and visit www.orangejeeptours.com