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Jamaica - An Island of Endemics!
Tour Code: JAM02A hugely rewarding, yet relaxing, 9-day birdwatching holiday to the tropical Caribbean island of Jamaica.
£4,995 (Inc flights)
£4,495
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
This is a two-centre holiday (with an initial night in Kingston on Day 1) based in the Blue Mountains and along Jamaica's northern coastline. Each day we will look for Jamaica’s endemic species (seeing all 28 during the tour is a possibility!) and other exciting species, visiting sites in the Blue, and the John Crow Mountains – in mountainous areas we’ll look for species such as Jamaican Blackbird, Arrowhead Warbler and Jamaican Spindalis, as well as the secretive Crested Quail Dove. As well as plentiful bird species, we won't fail to be impressed by the impressive diversity of butterflies, dragonflies and reptiles. There is much time to relax during this tour as all activities are optional, although experiencing the taste of and making of the Blue Mountain coffee is very much worth attending. We will also take in another aspect so famous in Jamaican culture... the food!
- Jamaica has 28 endemic bird specires, more than any other Caribbean island!
- Look for colourful American wood warblers which winter here
- Hotels situated in the Blue Mountains and along the North Coast
- Night-walks to look for endemic Jamaican Owl plus Northern Potoo
- An ideal birdwatching break to enjoy with a non-birding partner!
- Superb photographic opportunities
- Led by expert in-country guides and a UK leader
Grading
Grade A. Easy birding and cultural walks only.
If fabulous birdwatching, Caribbean sun and beautiful hotels sound like the ingredients for your perfect early break from the UK winter, then this birdwatching holiday to Jamaica could be just for you!
Jamaica is home to 28 species of endemic bird, more than on any other Caribbean island. These are joined each spring by numerous northbound migrants — amongst them a host of colourful American wood warblers — which use the island as a stepping stone between their wintering grounds in South America and their breeding grounds further north. Finding all of the 28 endemic birds during the course of the week is a distinct possibility! These species include Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo, Jamaican Mango, Orangequit, Jamaican Tody, Yellow-billed Parrot and White-chinned Thrush, whilst a night-walk could reveal the endemic Jamaican Owl or perhaps the more widespread Northern Potoo.
During our 7-night stay, we will not only spend time thoroughly the hotels' premises (located onsite and elsewhere), but will also head further afield into both the Blue Mountains, which dominate the eastern section of the island, and the nearby John Crow Mountains. In these two mountain regions we will be looking for the localised Blue Mountain Vireo, plus Jamaican Blackbird and the spectacular Black-billed Streamertail. If fortunate, we may even find the beautiful, but secretive, Crested Quail Dove.
Although daily guided birdwatching excursions are planned throughout the week, you are, of course, free to take part in one of the more relaxing activities on offer too. These include reclining in a hammock, reading by the pool or strolling around the gardens. This is therefore the perfect birding holiday to enjoy (and perhaps extend) with a non-birding partner!
With a host of special birds, warm sunshine and superb photographic opportunities on offer, all from an exceptionally comfortable base, we expect this to be a popular holiday.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
When in-country, we will use three separate hotels, the first, a typical airport hotel to get over the flight. Then, we will have three-nights at a luxury hotel in the Blue Mountains, and then another three-night stay along the north coast.
- Food: All included in the price.
Dates & Prices
2024
2025
Tour Leader: Andy Smith
Andy lives on the edge of Dartmoor in South Devon. He’s been a keen birder and naturalist for as long as he can remember and has enjoyed a varied career divided between conservation work in Britain and Ireland, school teaching and wildlife tour leading. He started leading for Naturetrek way back in 1997 and has now led over 150 tours to a wide range of destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Antarctica. When not currently leading tours Andy teaches geography and history to teenagers and in his spare time he explores the natural history of Dartmoor and the South Hams and serves on the records committee of Devon Birds. He also makes regular trips to the west of Ireland to visit his children and grandchildren.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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