Purple Martin Tour with Wingard’s Naturalist and USCG Captain Zach Steinhauser

Join Wingard’s Naturalist and USCG Captain Zach Steinhauser for a pontoon tour of the largest purple martin roost in North America… right here on Lake Murray. Zach has been all over the United States, and even to Brazil, studying this migratory songbird. You’re sure to enjoy this sunset cruise to Bomb Island, with our tour guides who are undeniably the most knowledgeable tour guides on the lake. Evening tours showcasing the daily return of the martins to Bomb Island at sunset will be available Tuesday through Friday, beginning June 27 thru August 25. The martins leave the island at dawn each morning for their day of insect hunting and training their newborns for the long flight to Brazil in the Fall.

During summer evenings, hundreds of thousands of purple martins travel to the 12 acre Bomb Island in Lake Murray to roost. This little island attracts thousands of bird enthusiasts to witness this unparalleled event. Join us for an intimate, 6 passenger sunset cruise, where you can see thousands of purple martins up close and enjoy time on Lake Murray.

Tours cost $50 per adult, $45 for children 13 and under. Evening tours depart promptly from Jake’s Landing at 7 p.m. and return at 9 p.m.  We encourage you to arrive at 30 minutes prior to departure so that you will have plenty of time to board.

Note that guests who arrive late will be left at the dock and will not receive a refund or opportunity to reschedule.   

Jake’s Landing is located at 220 Jake’s Landing Road, which is off of North Lake Drive near the Lake Murray Dam in Lexington.

There is a $3 fee per car to park at Jake’s Landing, and carpooling is encouraged. Please pay for parking inside the building, before you board. Chilled water will be provided on the tour, and you are welcome to bring beverages or snacks.

There are restrooms at Jake’s Landing, but not on the boat and they are not available for the morning tours. Lifejackets will be provided and are required to be worn by children 13 and under.

Register online by clicking on one of the dates above.  If you have questions, call 803-359-9091 and choose option 1, or email [email protected]

Visit Wingard’s website for all the session details and make your reservations early…these will sell out!