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St. Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour

Overview
The Jungle Prada Tour is a historian-led guided tour of a pre-historic Tocobaga village site, including the best-preserved American Indian mound in Tampa Bay. The Jungle Prada Site Complex is also thought to be the landing place of the 1528 Narváez expedition, the survivors of which walked from Florida all the way to the Pacific Ocean (1528 – 1536)!

We are located on the shores of beautiful Boca Ciega Bay, directly across from John’s Pass and Treasure Island. The privately-owned Anderson Mound has been lovingly preserved by the Anderson family for over 80 years.

You’ll meet peacocks (residents of the Jungle Prada Site since the 1950s), discover native plants used by the Tocobaga people, and explore a side of St. Petersburg, Florida you never knew existed!
City: St Petersburg
Fri 01 Nov
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You can choose the date already on the booking website
Starting at $13.70
Fri 01 Nov
Starting at $13.70
Make a reservation
What's Included
Parking available on-site
75-minute Historian led guided tour
Additional Info
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Pets are not allowed on the site
  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • The tour takes place entirely outdoors, and is limited to 20 people per tour. Reservations are required.
What To Expect
1
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!
2
Jungle Prada de Navarez Park
Nearby attraction. Free parking attraction on site and close walk to site tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Traveler Photos
Reviews (234)
KeithRossB
Mar 2022
I’m a 62-year old Florida native and I only recently learned about this great tour. I knew that a parcel of jungle existed next to the boat ramp, and that it was the purported landing place of Spanish Explorer de Narvaez. But I didn’t know about the extensive Tocobaga Indian site that existed there for hundreds of years. David, whose family owns the site, gives a excellent tour. He really knows his horticulture and there are beautiful blooming plants throughout the property. David explains how the Tocobaga lived there and what happened to them. The fascinating story of the de Narvaez expedition is wonderfully told as well. Then David brings it all up to date with the development of the region through the 19th and 20th centuries. This is a must-take tour for local residents like me and I would also recommend it for tourists to this beautiful area.
Roy C
Mar 2022
Not to missed in St. Petersburg is this walk through 900 years of Florida history near the site (in the adjacent state park) of the first Spanish Roman Catholic mass to be held in the New World. The history and geography "lessons" provided during the stroll taught us a great deal and, of course, prompted me to purchase Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's book, the latest translation. I am presently reading it. The guide (and owner) was an excellent speaker and able to answer any and all questions from the group during the tour, be they about the history or any other subject related to the site. Although I use a cane, the walk was an easy one with relatively no climbs or difficult trails. The trails, sadly, are not suitable for wheelchairs though. We were unaware (for some reason) of the tour times and, therefore, arrived about 1 1/2 hours before the morning tour. The number to call for reservations is on a large sign at the gate and we did. Then we enjoyed the park until the gate was opened for the tour. (See my review of the adjacent Jungle Prada de Narvaez Park separately). Tours are given Wednesday through Sunday. The cost for the stroll for seniors is only $10.00. There is ample parking available. A small museum is available inside the site before and after the walk where visitors may see examples of the archaeological artifacts discovered on the site and purchase de Vaca's book (or a few others) if they so desire. When in St. Petersburg, don't miss this one. It is well worth your time.
Jessica_G
Mar 2022
Tour was excellent! Very informative, the guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Really neat learning about the history of the Indian mounds, highly recommend taking this tour!

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