Luxury resort complex Grande Lakes Orlando has announced the newest offering at its Grande Lakes Sports hub: falconry.
Guests staying at The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando can now experience hands-on falconry sessions on the resort grounds. The program allows visitors to connect with the ancient art of hunting with trained raptors in a safe, educational setting.
The falconry program launches with two distinct experiences:
Falconry School
The Falconry School provides a comprehensive introduction to the sport. Participants will learn about falconry’s history and traditions, species identification, training techniques, and the equipment used in both historical and modern practice. The course also covers rules, regulations, and ethical considerations surrounding working with birds of prey. Each session concludes with a supervised opportunity to hold the birds for photos.
Walk with a Hawk
The Walk with a Hawk experience combines a concise orientation to falconry with close interaction with the birds. Under expert guidance, guests walk with trained raptors that follow along and fly down when called, offering an engaging and memorable encounter with these magnificent animals.
“We’re thrilled to take our Grande Lakes Sports hub to the next echelon of guest experiences through the addition of Falconry,” said Jon McGavin, general manager, Grande Lakes Orlando. “Falconry has a storied history, and our vast landscape lends itself perfectly to its storytelling through engaging and immersive offerings.”
Falconry represents the fifth activity added to Grande Lakes Sports. The sports hub already offers eco-tours, sunrise safaris, fishing, and mountain biking, making it a diverse destination for outdoor recreation and wildlife experiences.
Both falconry experiences are designed for safety and education, guided by trained handlers who prioritize the welfare of the birds and the comfort of guests. The offerings are suitable for a range of ages and skill levels, and reservations are recommended to ensure availability.
By introducing falconry, Grande Lakes Orlando enhances its commitment to immersive, nature-focused guest experiences that celebrate wildlife, conservation, and the resort’s expansive grounds.