The Navilens Experience
The Tijuana Estuary features a NaviLens system designed to improve access for blind and low-vision visitors while enhancing the experience for all visitors. Approximately twenty-five NaviLens codes are located around the Visitor Center and along the North McCoy Trail. First time Navilens users at the estuary are encouraged to visit during Visitor Center open hours for available assistance. Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Welcome Codes
Two codes are mounted on the Welcome Pedestal near the parking lot. Tactile arrows on top guide visitors to either the Visitor Center or the North McCoy Trail. Another Welcome Code is located near the Visitor Center entrance, and two more are located at the restrooms across from the entrance.
Native Plant Codes
Several native plant codes are located on the north side of the sidewalk, on your left as you walk from the Visitor Center toward the parking lot. These codes provide information about native plants for blind and sighted visitors. Additional codes will be added in the future.
Tip: Native plant codes are angled toward the sidewalk and may require scanning to the side.
Trail Codes
Access the North McCoy Trail at the Trail Code where the gravel path meets the sidewalk near the Welcome Pedestal. Nine Trail Codes guide visitors south along the trail, and nine guide visitors back north to the Visitor Center. Trail Codes face along the trail and require minimal left-right scanning.
The North McCoy Trail is a one-third-mile round trip. About halfway along is the Birding Overlook, where visitors may hear the reserve's signature bird, the Light-footed Ridgway's Rail. Check your phone battery before continuing.
Getting Started with NaviLens
1. Download NaviLens from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Accept the Terms of Service and allow camera access. You will hear a sonar sound indicating the app is scanning for codes. The app opens in Scan Mode.
3. Go to Menu → Settings → Location Mode. Turn off Sounds, turn on Voice Instruction, then return to Scan Mode.
Using NaviLens
1. Remove any phone accessories magnetically attached to your phone backing which may impede the camera's view.
2. Hold your phone vertically with the back camera facing forward. Follow the direction of the phone camera while navigating. Holding the phone against your chest may help.
3. Walk slowly while scanning left and right. The app will announce the code's title, distance, and direction.
4. Follow the directions to approach the code, then select Show More to access the message.
5. Some codes include YouTube videos accessible through a hyperlink in the message.
Additional Tips
1. Return to Scan Mode by turning the phone away from the code or selecting Scan.
2. To replay a voiceover message while it is playing, shake the phone.
3. After viewing a video, close YouTube to return to NaviLens Scan Mode.
4. Use the NaviLens code on this page to practice.