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The Dominican Republic and Jamaica offer truly spectacular birding. The Dominican Republic has the most diverse habitats and is the only Caribbean Island with a deep and extensive interior and the combination of all these aspects have resulted in it being home to at least 31 single-island endemics, the largest number in the entire Caribbean. Combine that with Jamaica, which boasts 28 endemic birds, 48 endemic reptiles and amphibians, more than 500 endemic land snails, and over 3,000 flowering plants (at least 830 of which are endemic), ranking Jamaica fifth among the world’s islands for endemic plant diversity—you are in for a mindboggling adventure!
Compared to many tropical regions, birding in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica is relatively easy, without long drives or internal flights. This results in more time in the field. Palmchat, the national bird of the Dominican Republic, is fairly common in the lowlands, as is the adorable Broad-billed Tody. Both Red-billed and Black-billed Streamertails are regular feeder visitors in Jamaica, along with the handsome Jamaican Mango. The Jamaican Woodpecker, Sad Flycatcher, and White-chinned Thrush are also on our lodge’s grounds. Two full days in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains gives us excellent chances to find Arrowhead Warbler, Yellow-shouldered Grassquit, Crested Quail-Dove, and Blue Mountain Vireo.
And just to make you feel at home, our winter visit also features an exciting array of North America’s wintering songbirds. The warbler list alone includes Palm, Prairie, Cape May, Worm-eating, Yellow-throated, and more. Black-throated Blue Warbler may be hopping around on the railing of your balcony!
Beyond the phenomenal nature experience, we also enjoy delightful Caribbean hospitality, staying at very comfortable local lodges and tasting the best of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica’s fresh tropical cuisine. This is not your ordinary Caribbean vacation!
- "Enjoyable birding with focus on endemics; excellent guides; interesting to visit parts of Jamaica that are away from the typical resort/tourist areas." — Christine Perdue, 2023 Traveler
- "Full of birds, natural beauty and good leaders, companions and excellent food and lodging." — Helen Ridley, 2023 Traveler
Tour Highlights
- See up to 31 bird species that are endemic to the Dominican Republic
- Visit Sierra de Baharuco National Park, which boasts 180 species of endemic orchids
- Enjoy a private whale watching tour in Samana Bay, one of the best places in the world to view Humpback Whales
- See up to 28 bird species that are endemic to Jamaica
- Enjoy fairly easy tropical birding, with ample chances for repeat encounters with special birds
- Witness an abundance of Jamaica’s national bird, the Red-billed Streamertail
- Explore the Blue & John Crow Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Indulge in eclectic Caribbean cuisine, with specialties like jerk chicken, fried dumplings, saltfish, and delicious tropical fruits
Trip Itinerary
Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.
Sat., Feb., 22 Arrivals in the Dominican Republic
Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Located on the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic shares the island with the neighboring country of Haiti. The island is part of the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean Sea.
Plan to arrive at the Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo at your leisure today. You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the oldest European city in the New World, and the capital city of the Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo. Dinner is on your own tonight and is available at the hotel or at one of the nearby restaurants (recommendations can be provided).
Accommodations at Hodelpa Caribe Colonial in Santa Domingo
Sun., Feb. 23 National Botanical Gardens | Sierra de Bahoruco
The Dominican Republic offers truly spectacular birding. Its landscapes are not only the most extreme in the region — with the tallest mountains, the largest lakes, and the longest rivers — but its habitats are also the most diverse, ranging from moist montane forest to sunbaked desert. It is also the only Caribbean Island with a deep and extensive interior, and it is the combination of all these aspects that have resulted in it being home to at least 31 single-island endemics — the largest number in the entire Caribbean. Although Hispaniola (of which the Dominican Republic covers approximately two thirds) is the second largest island in the Caribbean, the majority of the birding is actually concentrated within a relatively compact area, meaning that all of the endemics, including some such as the Palmchat (one of three families endemic to this island) can potentially be sighted without the need for long drives.
This morning, we spend time birding at the National Botanical Gardens, situated close to our hotel. At almost 500 acres, this botanical garden is the largest in the Caribbean and a fabulous introduction to the island’s avifauna. Despite being close to the bustling city of Santo Domingo, the garden is a relaxing oasis. We are likely to have encounters with endemics like Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Black-crowned Palm-Tanager, Broad-billed Tody, Hispaniolan Mango, and Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo. Other species of note here include near-endemic Vervain Hummingbird (considered by most to be the world’s second-smallest bird), insular form of American (Hispaniolan) Kestrel, Antillean Palm-Swift, threatened West Indian Whistling-Duck, and the rather dashing Red-legged Thrush can also be found here, along with the bizarre, and utterly unique endemic Palmchat, which constructs gargantuan communal nests in palm trees. We also visit a Hispaniolan Parakeet roost in the heart of the Colonial Zone.
After a lovely morning at the botanical garden, we head west to the Sierra de Bahoruco, a mountain range in the southwest region of the country. Most of this area is protected by Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, which is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. There is a wide array of dense forests that span from lowland areas up to 7,500 feet. In addition to an impressive bird list, the park boasts over 180 species of orchids. Upon arrival at our small, comfortable, sea-side hotel in Barahona, we enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.
Accommodations in Barahona (B,L,D)
Mon., Feb. 24 Sierra de Bahoruco | Local Birding in Baharona
This morning, we head to the protected cloud forests that punctuate the imposing Sierra de Bahoruco range. This area, dominated by primary forest, contains one of Hispaniola’s only magnolia (hammerii) forests and the largest forest of the endemic Manacle Palm. This region is home to the only known population of the Eastern Chat-Tanager south of the Enriquillo Basin. Other species possible in this spectacular region include endemic Hispaniolan Trogon, White-fronted Quail-Dove, Hispaniolan Spindalis, Antillean Siskin, Hispaniolan Pewee, Golden Swallow, Scaly-naped Pigeon, endemic subspecies of Rufous-throated Solitaire (montanus), and endemic Hispaniolan Euphonia.
We return to Baharona for lunch and then head west to a narrow strip of riparian habitat, where key species include both endemic species of Tody (Broad-billed and Narrow-billed), as well as Bay-breasted Cuckoo, Antillean Piculet, Flat-billed Vireo, and Hispaniolan Oriole. After a productive day birding, we head to a small, independently owned hotel located close to the birding sites we explore during the next two days.
Accommodations in Duverge (B,L,D)
Tues., Feb. 25 High Elevation Birding | Night Birding
We awaken bright and early for a pre-dawn start to head to a site deep in the heart of elfin forest, which offers the best opportunity for encounters with endemics La Selle Thrush, White-winged Warbler, and Western Chat-Tanager. On our ascent into this montane habitat, we listen for nocturnal endemics Hispaniolan Nightjar and Least Pauraque returning to roost. Other highlights may include Hispaniolan Emerald and Green-tailed Warbler, and the insular form of Loggerhead (Hispaniolan) Kingbird.
After birding the high elevation broadleaved forest, we head further uphill into the pines to look for the gregarious endemic Hispaniolan Crossbill and the endemic subspecies of Pine Warbler (chrysoluca).
We enjoy a picnic lunch in the field surrounded by the sights and sounds of this special forest habitat. We make a stop on the way back at a reliable site for the endangered and endemic Hispaniolan Rhinoceros Iguana. Named after the bony tubercles on their snout that resembles horns, these Iguana can grow quite large, up to 20 pounds! Found only on the island of Hispaniola, threats to these unique reptiles include poaching, predation by feral cats and dogs, and habitat loss.
We then have some time to relax back at our accommodations, before heading out in the late afternoon and into the night to explore by the light of our headlamps for nocturnal species such as the Hispaniolan Nightjar, Least Pauraque, Ashy-faced Owl, the endemic subspecies of Burrowing Owl (troglodytes), Northern Potoo, and Chuck-will’s-widow, before returning to our hotel for dinner.
Accommodations in Duverge (B,L,D)
Wed., Feb. 26 Sierra de Bahoruco to Santo Domingo | Lake Enriquillo
Our last morning in the Sierra de Bahoruco gives us the opportunity to seek out any high-elevation specialists not yet seen. We then begin the journey back to Santo Domingo.
We make a stop along the way at one of the most productive wetlands on the island. The landscape here is stunning, as vast salt pans, sand dunes, interdunal swales and mangroves intertwine to provide near-perfect habitat for shorebirds, seabirds, and over-wintering warblers including Blackpoll and Prairie, Northern Waterthrush, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and a variety of other species of waders, waterfowl, and herons.
Following a local lunch, we visit the shores of Lake Enriquillo in hopes of seeing the endemic Hipaniolan Palm Crow. Lake Enriquillo is not only the largest lake on the island of Hispaniola, but in the entire Caribbean, covering an area of 150 square miles and lying an incredible 130 feet below sea level. We also have a chance at seeing the bright pink American Flamingo (which can sometimes be seen in the hundreds here) and Roseate Spoonbill along with White-necked Crow (Hispaniola’s other endemic crow), Hispaniolan Parrot, the globally scarce Plain Pigeon, and endemic subspecies of both Greater Antillean Bullfinch (affinis) and Greater Antillean Grackle (niger).
In addition to birds, we have a chance at seeing Ricord’s Rock Iguana, an endangered reptile that is endemic to Hispaniola. The largest population of American Crocodile in the Caribbean is also found at Lake Enriquillo.
Dinner is on your own tonight and is available at the hotel, or at one of the nearby restaurants (recommendations can be provided). Tomorrow, we have an early start and head north to visit one of the last strongholds of the endemic and critically endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, one of the most coveted species on this island and considered to be one of the rarest buteo on the planet.
Accommodations in Santo Domingo (B,L)
Thurs., Feb. 27 Los Haitises National Park | Mangrove Boating & Birding
We have an early start this morning to take a scenic drive northeast to Los Haitises National Park. Covering over 600 square miles, Los Haitises is considered the crown jewel of the Dominican Republic national parks. Our primary goal here is the Ridgway’s Hawk. Deforestation and hunting have reduced this wonderfully majestic species to (at most) 200 individuals, all confined to a relatively small, protected area in the northeast of the island. Yet even here, the actions of humans threaten this hawk's existence, as agricultural practices continue to encroach on what is already an incredibly restricted range. Its greatest threat, however, comes from misidentification by local people, who shoot it in an effort to protect their poultry. Local environmental education campaigns have been launched to inform the local population about the differences between this scarce species and the more common Red-tailed Hawk, which does, occasionally, prey on domestic chickens. Despite the best efforts of conservationists, it may not be long before this precious species is lost forever.
Following our search for the hawk, we board a private skiff, and journey along the mangrove-dominated bays, dotted with sea caves and small islets that provide shelter for colonies of seabirds that the park is also famed for. A number of Taino petroglyphs have been preserved here, and we take some time to marvel at these special cave paintings and learn a little about this ancient indigenous culture.
After a fabulous boat trip, we enjoy a late lunch of freshly caught fish in the nearby village of Sabana de la Mar, located on the coast of Samana Bay. In the afternoon we make our way to our charming eco-lodge on the border of the national park.
Accommodations at Los Haitises (B,L,D)
Fri., Feb. 28 Samana Bay Whale Watching
This morning, we head out into Samana Bay for an exciting private whale watching cruise! Known as one of the best places in the world to see Humpback Whales, several hundred individuals spend the winter in the warm waters of the bay each year. The whales gather off this coast to engage in mating rituals. This annual spectacle is something that everyone must see at least once in their lives, and since we visit in peak season, we have a good chance of an encounter. It is also an important calving area and with luck we may see a calf or two!
After our morning excursion with the whales, we have the remainder of the day to relax and enjoy the natural pools at the lodge that are fed by the clear waters of the Jivales River. We enjoy a delicious final dinner in the Dominican Republic at the lodge tonight before we head to Jamaica tomorrow.
Accommodations in Sabana de la Mar (B,L,D)
Sat., Mar. 1 Jamaica!
Today we head to Jamaica. After breakfast we bid farewell to this special place and make our way back to Santo Domingo for our afternoon flight to Kingston.
Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel just a few minutes away in the adjacent village of Port Royal (once the largest and most significant city in the Caribbean). Here, we have some time to enjoy the hotel amenities before settling down to dinner.
Accommodations in Port Royal (B,L,D)
Sun., Mar. 2 Endemics of the Hellshire Hills | Wetland Birding | Blue Mountains
Jamaica … just the name conjures the image of stunning white sand beaches, glittering turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica boasts a wide variety of habitats — from coastal wetlands and moist montane forest to dry sweeping savannahs and verdant tropical forest — all of which combine to support a hugely impressive 28 endemic bird species and an incredible array of regional specialties. For its size, the levels of endemism amongst flora, reptiles, amphibians, and of course birds, are some of the highest and most distinctive in the world. Jamaica is an island positively bursting with life, truly a must for any birder.
Departing early in the morning to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and heightened bird activity, we make our way towards the dry scrubland in the south of the island. This arid wilderness, which at first glance may seem a rather hostile and barren environment, has actually been legally protected since 1999, and with good reason. This expanse of land in the heart of the Hellshire Hills is a natural refuge and last stronghold of the endemic Jamaican Iguana, a relic from times past, and a species that is now critically endangered (and at one point was even considered extinct).
It is here we encounter our first Jamaican endemics, namely Jamaican Vireo, Jamaican Mango, and Yellow-shouldered Grassquit. Other key species in the area include the near-endemic Stolid Flycatcher, as well as the Greater Antillean Bullfinch, and it is also one of only two places on the island where the Bahama Mockingbird can be found. Although there have even been unconfirmed reports of sightings of Jamaican Pauraque here, there has not been an official sighting since the 1860s.
We take the opportunity, while in the vicinity of several pristine wetlands, to explore these rewarding sites in search of a host of overwintering waders, including Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral, Least, (and many other species of) Sandpipers, along with several waterfowl and heron known to frequent these ponds such as American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Reddish Egret, Glossy Ibis, and Little Blue Heron.
Following lunch at a local eatery, we make our way towards the internationally renowned Blue Mountains, our base for the next two nights, stopping along the way at a site that promises up-close views of one of the island’s two endemic Amazona species: Yellow-billed Parrot. Slightly larger than its Black-billed counterpart, this chunky parrot is a study in color, and the individual variations in the vividness of its complex markings make each sighting unique.
After dinner, we don our headlamps to search for nocturnal dwellers including the endemic Jamaican Owl and Northern Potoo.
Accommodations in Blue Mountains (B,L,D)
Mon., Mar. 3 Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park
Recently designated as a World Heritage Site, the Important Bird Area of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is a haven for birdlife, and the birding in this area is nothing short of astounding. While the highest mountain is 7400 feet above sea level, our birding is concentrated along the famous bird highway of Hardwar Gap, about halfway up towering Blue Mountain Peak. Here, we search for the tricky Crested Quail-Dove and endangered Jamaican Blackbird. The haunting song of the former (earning it the local nickname “mountain witch”) emanates from the dense forest lining the roads along which it can sometimes be seen wandering. The latter, in its own genus Nesopar, favors the tangled vines and bromeliads below the canopy, and this is one of the best sites on the island for this particular (and rather peculiar) Icterid.
Other species we are on the lookout for today include Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo (locally known as the “old man bird”) and Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo, Blue Mountain Vireo, Jamaican Elaenia, Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Jamaican Woodpecker, and the charming Jamaican Tody (which often offers very close encounters). It is also here that we should have our best sightings of the majestic Red-billed Streamertail, endemic to Jamaica and the island’s national bird.
After spending the entire day in the Blue Mountains, it is quite possible that we will have spotted half of the island’s endemics by the time we head back to our lodge for a flavorful home-style dinner. Tonight, we may try again for the Jamaican Owl if last night’s foray into the dark was unsuccessful.
Accommodations in Blue Mountains (B,L,D)
Tues., Mar. 4 Blue Mountain Birding & Coffee Farm
Waking to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Blue Mountain coffee, the production of which we get an insight into later today, we enjoy a leisurely breakfast before continuing our exploration of the surrounding cloud forest. Endemic ‘cousins’ White-chinned and White-eyed Thrushes should provide good looks, and the ethereal song of the Rufous-throated Solitaire should help us to locate this rather shy endemic subspecies. The simply spectacular and ultimately unique coloring of the endemic Jamaican Spindalis make it easily recognizable in its abundance, and the endemic Arrowhead Warbler is also reliably found in this area.
This afternoon, we are afforded the opportunity to experience the unique culture of the rural community of Blue Mountain Coffee farmers, and of course sample what is widely regarded as some of the richest and most flavorful coffees on the planet. The views over the coffee fields are also quite simply jaw-dropping! We then return to our lodge for dinner.
Accommodations in the Blue Mountains (B,L,D)
Wed., Mar. 5 Ecclesdown Road Endemic Birding
Departing the Blue Mountains in the late morning, we travel northeast through the scenic Buff Bay River Valley and along the north coast to the parish of Portland.
Following a local lunch, we head for the single most endemic-rich site in the entire Caribbean: the incomparable Ecclesdown Road! Here we concentrate our birding on species not yet sighted, including the second of the island’s endemic Amazona species — the endangered Black-billed Parrot, as well as the jet-black Jamaican Crow, and the glorious endemic Black-billed Streamertail, now restricted to the far east of the island where it emphatically defends its territory from the incursions of its Red-billed cousin.
Additionally, the endemic Orangequit should provide excellent views, and other endemics possible include Jamaican Becard, Jamaican Pewee, Sad Flycatcher, Ring-tailed Pigeon, and Jamaican Euphonia. Near-endemics Greater Antillean Elaenia and Vervain Hummingbird are also present here, too.
Accommodations in Portland (B,L,D)
Thurs., Mar. 6 White-tailed Tropicbird | Ecclesdown Road
From December to April, White-tailed Tropicbird nest in Jamaica, and we depart early this morning to enjoy the aerial acrobatics of this elegant seabird.
We then return to Ecclesdown Road, where our birding is focused on sighting key species not yet seen, simply enjoying the huge diversity to be found in this magnificent tropical rainforest, and (as we will have done at every other birding location visited) keeping our eyes open for the vast array of North American warblers and other passerines, including Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Cape May Warbler, Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Baltimore Oriole, and many more that overwinter on the island.
Accommodations in Portland (B,L,D)
Fri., Mar. 7 Final Search for Jamaican Owl & Other Endemics | Return to Port Royal
If we have not yet been fortunate enough to spot the strictly nocturnal Jamaican Owl, we take a pre-dawn outing in a final search for this medium-sized, tawny-brown endemic. Pairs have been sighted nesting in the Portland area, and with some luck, we are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse.
After lunch, we begin to bird our way back to Kingston, and as the sun sets on our incredible birding journey through this remarkably species-rich island, we enjoy a farewell dinner and take the opportunity to reminisce about the species we have encountered over the past two weeks.
Accommodations in Port Royal (B,L,D)
Sat., Mar. 8 Departures
After a fantastic time in the Caribbean, it’s time for our flock to disperse. You can plan flights home at your leisure today. (B)
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Red-billed Streamertail
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The Blue Mountains
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Bahama Mockingbird by Steve Shunk
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Los Haitises National Park
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Humpback Whale
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Jamaican Blackbird
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Jamaican Oriole by Steve Shunk
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Yellow-billed Parrot
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Samana Bay
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Jamaican Spindalis by Steve Shunk
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Jamaican Vireo by Steve Shunk
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Julia Butterfly by Steve Shunk
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Loggerhead Kingbird by Steve Shunk
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Jamaican Mango
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Pairie Warbler by Steve Shunk
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Zebra Heliconian by Steve Shunk
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Indigo Bunting
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West Indian Whistling-Duck
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Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo
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Santo Domingo, DR
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Arrowhead Warbler
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Blue Mountain Vireo
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Jamaican Owl
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Greater Antillean Elaenia
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American (Hispaniolan) Kestrel
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Samana Bay
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Blue Mountain Scenic
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Blue Mountain Coffee Plant
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Black-throated Blue Warbler by Steve Shunk
Cost of the Journey
Cost of the journey is per person, based on occupancy: $7990 DBL / $8990 SGL from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This cost includes all accommodations; meals as specified in the itinerary; professional guide services; other park and program entrance fees; and miscellaneous program expenses. Tour cost does not include round-trip transportation from your home city to Santo Domingo; optional activities; or items of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone charges, maid gratuities or beverages from the bar.
Travel Details
Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.
Arrival Airport: Las Americas International (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Arrival Details: Please plan to arrive February 22, 2025, at your leisure
Departure Airport: Norman Manley International (KIN) in Kingston, Jamaica
Departure Details: Please plan flights to depart March 8, 2025, at your leisure
Travel Tips: If you arrive early to rest up from your travels or explore Santo Domingo, we can book you an early night room at our first night tour hotel, the Hodelpa Caribe Colonial.
Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go” tab.
Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.
Jamaica
- March 2022
- March 2023
- March 2024
Jamaica
- January 2024
- March 2024
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Hugh Simmons
Hugh Simmons' interest in photography began when he was a young boy, as did his love of nature. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology during which he was “sparked” by a chance encounter with an Eastern Towhee. Not long after college he took up birding with, of course, a desire to photograph birds. Today he enjoys sharing his decades of photographic knowledge to help others get the most out of their photography whether it be of birds, landscapes, flowers, other wildlife or people. Hugh is a founding member of the North American Nature Photographers Association and served on the board of directors of the National Audubon Society. He is a long time board member of the Chesapeake Audubon chapter in Maryland and is the Audubon Climate Watch Coordinator for his area. Hugh also volunteers with the Cape May Bird Observatory and the Phoenix Wildlife Center.
Photo credit: Mike West
Other trips with Hugh Simmons
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Essential Information +
Pace & Protocols +
Packing List +
Suggested Reading List +
Useful Links +
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Lesser Antilles Endemics: A 3-Island ClassicDecember 3 - 14, 2024
Photo credits: Banners: Hispaniolian Parakeet, Samana Bay, Broad-billed Tody, Blue Mountain Vireo Thumbnails: Red-billed Streamertail, Jamaican Tody, Crested Quail-Dove, Hispaniolan Trogon, Hispaniolan Parakeet, Vervain Hummingbird, Jamaican Woodpecker, Sad Flycatcher