White sandy beaches… turquoise-blue water… warm tropical breezes… all this and more await you in the island paradise of Jamaica. This enchanting island also holds a well-kept secret: it is home to no less than 28 endemic bird species. With a little luck, you should see them all on this trip!

We begin our trip in Negril, on the west end of the country. We’ll then travel into the Blue Mountains, to see the stunning scenery of Jamaica's highlands, and search for montane endemics like the Blue Mountain Vireo, the Crested Quail-Dove and the Jamaican Elaenia. We’ll also cruise the famous Ecclesdown Road, one of the best birding roads in the world. There, we should be able to find many, if not all, of the island’s endemics, including the unique and irresistible Jamaican Tody. And, of course, we’ll also take time to swim in the gentle waters of the Caribbean and enjoy the relaxed island vibe.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1

Arrive in Negril. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy our first dinner together as a group.

Day 2

Birding the Royal Palms Reserve, a small wetland that allows for good viewing of the rare West Indian Whistling Duck, a regional endemic. Visit more hotspots in the afternoon, to find more great birds.

Day 3

Explore the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary to search for endemic species, followed by a visit Rose Hall, a legendary (and supposedly haunted) Great House.

Days 4 and 5

Explore the Blue Mountains region. We’ll look for high-elevation bird species and enjoy the lush scenery.

Day 6

Birding on our way to the Portland Parish, what many consider the most beautiful part of Jamaica.

Day 7

From our base at the Bay View Resort, we'll venture out to bird Ecclesdown Road, one of the finest birding routes in the world. Free time in the afternoon to enjoy the beach.

Day 8

Further exploration of Ecclesdown Road on our way to Port Royal.

Day 9

Transfer to airport and say our farewells.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $975

START DATE: Jan 12, 2023

DURATION: 9 days

GROUP SIZE: Up to 14

TRIP FOCUS: Birding

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Guiding services
• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground and water transportation
• Breakfasts and lunches
• Excursions and park fees

YOUR GUIDE

A true lover of the natural world, Steve Robertson has been a student of nature his entire life. First, as a little boy, who caught every creature he could for the mini zoo he kept in the garage, then later as an adult, leading scientific research expeditions into some of the most remote regions of the world, searching for rare species in such places as Tasmania, Madagascar and the upper Amazon Basin. With degrees in Wildlife Biology, advanced biology & education, Steve has worked in the field of Environmental Education for over 30 years. From 1998 to 2017, he served as the Education Director for the Audubon Society of Portland, creating a number of innovative programs including International Ecotours, a program that has won hundreds of accolades from around the country. During his time with Audubon, Steve personally designed and led Ecotours to over 20 countries, spanning six continents.