Jungle Prada Site Tour: Discover Prehistoric Tocobaga Village
5.0
441 Ratings
St. Petersburg
Embark on a historian-led walking tour of the Jungle Prada Site, home to the best-preserved American Indian mound in Tampa Bay. Discover the prehistoric Tocobaga village and the landing place of Pánfilo de Narváez's expedition. Encounter wild peacocks and native plants, and uncover the hidden side of St. Petersburg, Florida!
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- St. Petersburg - The Jungle Prada Site is the best-preserved American Indian site in Tampa Bay. The highlight of our 75-minute guided Florida history tour is a huge Tocobaga Indian midden mound and adjoining village plaza. Hidden away in the historic neighborhood known as Jungle Prada, the main mound consists of tens of thousands of ancient conch and whelk shells, and is more than 900 feet long! The subtropical jungle landscape here is populated by dozens of beautiful free-roaming peacocks! The tour and the locations are loaded with Florida history that is explained in a vibrant and engaging way. In addition to learning about the lives of the Tocobaga Indians, you’ll also encounter the amazing story of Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish conquistador who landed at the Jungle Prada with the 1528 Narvaez Expedition, and whose incredible journey of survival took him and three others from Florida all the way to the Pacific Ocean (1528 - 1536). If you are a Florida resident or a visitor interested in history and archaeology, the Jungle Prada Site Tour is a rewarding experience that will engage your mind and challenge your perceptions about the Sunshine State!
What's Included
- On-site parking available
- 75-minute guided tour led by a historian
What's Not Included
- Transportation to/from attraction
- Bottled water
Additional Information
You must make a reservation. The Jungle Prada Tour, guided by a historian, takes you through a site once inhabited by the ancient Tocobaga tribe, boasting the most well-preserved American Indian mound in Tampa Bay. The Jungle Prada Site Complex is believed to be the landing spot of the 1528 Narváez expedition whose survivors trekked from Florida to the Pacific Ocean between 1528 and 1536!
Our location is on the edges of the stunning Boca Ciega Bay, right opposite John’s Pass and Treasure Island. The privately held Anderson Mound has been meticulously maintained by the Anderson lineage for over eight decades.
You’ll come across peacocks (a fixture at the Jungle Prada Site since the 1950s), learn about native plants utilized by the Tocobaga tribe, and unearth a part of St. Petersburg, Florida you had no idea about!
- Pets are not allowed on the site
- Due to the historic nature of the property some surfaces are uneven. Please watch your step and always exercise caution. Other potential risks include all those that naturally arise from walking through heavily wooded areas.
Location
1700 Park St N
Park Street North
Take Park Street to the Jungle Prada building (corner of Park Street N. and Elbow Lane N.). Drive past the JP Tavern heading towards Boca Ciega Bay. Look for our A-frame sign and orange cones in the gravel parking area on your left. The entrance gate is at the end of that parking lot.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(441 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Janinez478
Apr 7, 2024
Interesting spot - The tour was very informative. David was a great host. Patient and welcoming. He incorporated interesting stories about the site itself and the region overall.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S2397rythomass
Apr 7, 2024
Great nature tour - This was a very interesting and informative tour. David is enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. The site is lovely especially on a beautiful day. Reasonable price
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vanessa_b
Apr 6, 2024
Neat place! - David was a great guide with tons of knowledge. Loved the setup and learning about the history of the property and location.
Review provided by Viator
I6413pwpamelao
Apr 5, 2024
Homeschool field trip - David is extremely knowledgeable about the area and is engaging as well. April is the perfect time to take the tour bringing us a cool breeze. Tour is lengthy, so be prepared for that. That's not a negative because David covers a lot of material, but purely for preparation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allisongk7636hr
Apr 4, 2024
Jungle Prada Tour - As a nature enthusiast, my experience with Discover Florida tours was truly unforgettable. The sight of peacocks roaming freely in their natural habitat was mesmerizing, and the opportunity to observe and learn about the native flora and fauna of Florida was both educational and inspiring. I was particularly impressed by the commitment to Indian Heritage conservation, as it added a meaningful cultural aspect to the tour. The guides were knowledgeable and passionate, making the tour engaging and informative. Overall, Discover Florida tours provided me with a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the state's natural and cultural heritage.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fancydancer59
Apr 3, 2024
Peacocks and history lesson rolled into one! - David is an excellent tour guide! We learned much about the history of this part of Florida. The walking tour of the grounds was wonderful with numerous peacocks, including some in full display. David explained about the peacocks as well. He is so enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and humorous. It was really a treat.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S3711ekjanetm
Apr 1, 2024
History, plants and peacocks - this tour has it all! - I’m a local whose birthday plans to London fell through at the last minute so I made it a point to find something fun and interesting to do here at home. This tour did not disappoint. If you like history (particularly of indigenous peoples), archaeology, and/or wild peacocks, you’ll love this tour.
David, the tour guide, is an expert in all of the history related to the site and the area, and his grandparents were early preservationists who purchased the site for the purpose of saving these sacred places from the developers’ bulldozers. He’s delightful, a wonderful storyteller and very passionate about the subjects he covers. Unlike many tour guides, he loves what he does and it shows.
Definitely don’t miss it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Katlist1
Apr 1, 2024
A Highlight of our Trip - David gave an engaging tour, and is well versed in the history at the Prada Site. I applaud him for his passion to preserve this site, and pass along the history of the Tocobago tribe and Spanish conquistadors. His presentation sparked a desire to know more. The peacocks are stunning, and what a treat to see their behavior and beauty in such a setting!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heidi_n
Apr 1, 2024
Jungle Time - Our tour guide David shared so much history about Florida and the jungle Prada and the property is beautiful and interesting- a must do tour!
Review provided by Viator
Roam21101603116
Apr 1, 2024
Go and see it very nice experience - Great guided tour with lot of information. Very nice place which is owned privately. Lot of peacocks to see very close.
Can recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor