Festival FAQs
Festival Registration begins for SDAS members on Oct 25, 2023 and for all others on November 1, 2023 at 9:00 am, Pacific time.
Registration is online, but if you lack the ability to register online, or need assistance, call (8010671-9505 during business hours.
Use this worksheet to plan your registration.
There is a registration fee of $35 per person. This fee covers the costs of events that are included in your registration as well as administrative fees. Activities such as field trips and lectures are available at additional costs.
There are some free activities in the Bird Festival. You do not need to register to attend these free activities.
Festival Lodging
The Festival Hotel is the Dana Resort on Mission Bay. An advance deposit or credit card guarantee for the first night's room and tax is due by Monday, January 16 2023.
Guests are able to book their rooms via direct link or by calling the Reservations Department at 800-445-3339.
Individuals must identify themselves as part of San Diego Bird Festival 2023 at the time of making reservations in order to be eligible for the special group rate of $145 per night (no resort fee, no parking fee).
There is a Complimentary Shuttle from the Hotel to Marina Village Conference Center for AM service (2 hours) Wednesday-Saturday. PM shuttles can be arranged by calling the hotel or by signing up in the hotel lobby.
Modifications and Cancellations
All modifications and cancellations are processed in the "back end" of the website by our administrator. If you would like to make a change to your existing reservation, please contact us.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that your plans may change, and offer the following cancellation policy:
- The $35 registration fee is non-refundable.
- 100% refund of trip and program fees if cancellation occurs before Jan 1, 2023
- 50% refund of trip and program fees if cancellation occurs after Jan 1 and before Feb 1, 2023
- No refunds if cancellation occurs on or after Feb 1, 2023.
If you need to cancel your reservation, please contact the Festival Coordinator at hajj@sandiegoaudubon.org.
- Programs that are canceled by the Festival due to inclement weather or unsafe travel conditions are eligible for refunds.
- Pelagic trips- full refund if canceled by the Festival due to inclement weather
- Bus and Kayak trips- 50% refund if canceled by the Festival due to inclement weather or unsafe travel conditions
- Meet-you-there trips and on-site programs- full refund if canceled by the Festival.
COVID-19 Notice
The health and safety of our guests at this event is our top priority, and we want to keep our community safe. We invite our friends and supporters who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or have obtained a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the event. While masks are not required, we will have masks and hand sanitizer on site to use at your discretion.
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. Please help us to ensure a safe environment by following all posted instructions and instructions by festival guides and volunteers. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable. By visiting the San Diego Bird Festival you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. Help keep each other healthy by wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, and cleaning hands frequently. We can avoid the spread of COVID-19! Thank you.
Wait Lists
At this time, we are not maintaining wait lists for festival programs, but if you were not able to get into a program and want to be considered if an opening comes up, please email us. Tell us the program you would like to attend and the date of that program. We can't promise that you'll get in for sure, but we'll do our best to ensure you have something to do that you like.
Bicycle Rentals
You can rent a bike for the afternoon at the San Diego Bird Festival. Enjoy birding on your own around Mission Bay. Most of the park has easy bike trails and few crossings of major roads.
Thursday Feb 23 1:00-5:30 pm
Friday Feb 24 1:00 -5:30 pm
Saturday Feb 25 1:00-5:30 pm
Rentals are available from the Nautical Room at Marina Village Conference Center. You must fill out a rental agreement/liability release at the time of reservation.
