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 Kingston, the cultural center 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 Elania. 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. As we travel along the northern coast, we’ll hit numerous birding hotspots. 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 Kingston in the evening. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy our first dinner together as a group. 1 night in Kingston.

Days 2-4

Explore the Blue Mountains region. We’ll look for high-elevation bird species and enjoy the lush scenery. 3 nights at a lodge in the Blue Mountains.

Days 5-6

Transfer to the northeast coast and check into our lodging in Goblin Hill. We’ll enjoy the beach, look for local birds, and spend a day birding along the world-famous Ecclesdown Road. 2 nights in Goblin Hill.

Day 7

We’ll cover a lot of ground today as we drive westward. Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for birds and stop to peruse the local market at Ocho Rios. Our destination is Falmouth. 1 night in Falmouth.

Days 8-9

From our base near Negril, we'll spend these days birding the area. We’ll explore the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and the Royal Palms Reserve. We’ll also learn some local history when we visit the Rose Hall Great House. 2 nights in Negril.

Day 10

Transfer to airport in Montego Bay and say our farewells.

This trip is FULL. Contact us to get on the waitlist.

START DATE: November 5, 2017

DURATION: 10 days

GROUP SIZE: Up to 14

TRIP FOCUS: Birding

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Guiding services
• Double-occupancy lodging
• Ground and water transportation
• All meals, except dinners
• 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, Steve 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.