Tour Highlights:

• Search for all 28 of Jamaica’s endemic bird species at a relaxed pace with our Caribbean specialist, Gabriel Lugo, and a local guide and driver! Jamaica has a very diverse list of island endemics, including Crested Quail-Dove, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo, Red-billed and Black-billed Streamertais (two long-tailed hummingbird species), Jamaican Owl, Arrowhead Warbler, and Orangequit! 

• An additional 25+ bird species (or subspecies) that are more general Caribbean endemics and specialties are possible too! These include Mangrove Cuckoo, Vervain Hummingbird, Loggerhead Kingbird, Rufous-throated Solitaire, Shiny Cowbird, and more!

• Enjoy great weather and spectacular scenery in the Blue and John Crow Mountain Ranges, and look for many butterflies, reptiles, and other endemic wildlife during a fun 6 days in Jamaica! Four out of five nights on this tour are based out of one hotel in San San!

Brief Tour Description:

It should come as no surprise that birding in Jamaica is both easy and immensely rewarding. Home to the dazzling Jamaican national bird, the Red-billed Streamertail, and a total of 28 island endemic species! Jamaica is one of the Caribbean’s premier birding destinations. Over 25 additional Caribbean specialty bird species, beautiful mountain landscapes, and a rich diversity of habitats, the island offers an unforgettable birding experience! 

Jamaica is the third-largest island in the Caribbean, stretching approximately 146 miles (235 km) from east to west and 51 miles (82 km) at its widest point. This tour focuses on the island’s lush eastern region, where forests, mountains, gardens, and coastal habitats provide excellent opportunities to observe all of Jamaica’s endemic birds at a comfortable pace. In fact, 4 out of 5 nights are based out of one hotel! 

While we will spend most of our time birding locally around Portland Parish and the Blue Mountains, excursions to nearby hotspots will allow us to target more localized species. Along the way, participants will enjoy breathtaking scenery, warm Jamaican hospitality, and some of the finest birding the Caribbean has to offer. Our Caribbean specialist, Gabriel Lugo, leads this tour along with a local guide and driver so you will be well taken care of!

Number of times run: 3

Average species total: 95 

Tour Combinations: 

If you are interested in birding more of the Caribbean Islands, note that some Jamaica departures may be combined with our other tours, including the following. Guests combining two Caribbean tours receive one complimentary hotel night between trips. Please contact us for more details!

• Puerto Rico

• Dominican Republic

Please plan to arrive no later than early-afternoon, as we will visit one of Jamaica’s most famous birding locations this afternoon. Guests arriving early or the day before should let us know so we can assist with additional hotel nights or early check-in arrangements.

Upon arrival, we will load up into the mini-bus and transfer from Montego Bay Airport to the renowned Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, located approximately 30-45 minutes away. This legendary site offers some of the closest bird encounters in the Caribbean. The Red-billed Streamertail and Jamaican Mango are often tame enough to feed from hand-held nectar feeders! Other possible species include Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Woodpecker, Caribbean Dove, Orangequit, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Black-faced Grassquit, Jamaican Owl, and numerous additional specialties. Night in Montego Bay.

After breakfast, we will begin our journey east across the island toward Portland Parish. Although the drive can take more than six hours, several birding stops, comfort breaks, and a lunch break will make the journey both enjoyable and productive!

Our destination is the beautiful Goblin Hill Villas at San San, where we will spend the next four nights. The property itself offers excellent birding opportunities and serves as the perfect base for exploring eastern Jamaica’s rich diversity of habitats! Night at Goblin Hill Villas, San San.

The next three days will be based out of Goblin Hill Villas in eastern Jamaica, where we will visit the best birding sites in eastern Jamaica and search for the island’s endemic and specialty birds! Our exact daily schedule will depend on weather conditions and recent bird activity, allowing us maximum flexibility to target key species. There are opportunities to sit out a morning or afternoon excursion, but please consult your tour guide(s). 

Key locations may include:

• Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park

• Hardwar Gap

• Ecclesdown Road

• San San Bird Sanctuary

• Local forests and gardens around Portland Parish

Among the endemics we hope to encounter are Jamaican Blackbird, Blue Mountain Vireo, Crested Quail-Dove, Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo, Jamaican Becard, Arrowhead Warbler, Jamaican Elaenia, White-chinned Thrush, and many others. Even around the grounds of Goblin Hill Villas, excellent birding opportunities abound! Jamaican Mango and Black-billed Streamertail are particularly confiding there!

An early morning visit to the Blue Mountains will be particularly rewarding, as the montane forests provide habitat for several of Jamaica’s most sought-after species. Between birding sessions, we will enjoy spectacular mountain scenery and sample the world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee. Night at Goblin Hill Villas, San San.

See details above. Night at Goblin Hills Villa, San San.

See details above. Night at Goblin Hills Villa, San San.

After an early breakfast, we will depart San San and travel a few hours back to the Montego Bay Airport. Arrival at the Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Montego Bay is expected around noon. Please schedule departure flights accordingly! Feel free to consult with your guide(s) before scheduling flights.

JAMAICA: Jan 2025 eBird TRIP REPORT

JAMAICA: Mar 2023 eBird TRIP REPORT

JAMAICA: Feb 2023 eBird TRIP REPORT

• Ring-tailed Pigeon

• Crested Quail-Dove

• Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo

• Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo

• Jamaican Mango

• Red-billed Streamertail

• Black-billed Streamertail

• Jamaican Owl

• Jamaican Today

• Jamaican Woodpecker

• Black-billed Amazon

• Yellow-billed Amazon

• Jamaican Becard

• Jamaican Elaenia

• Jamaican Pewee

• Sad Flycatcher

• Rufous-tailed Flycatcher

• Blue Mountain Vireo

• Jamaican Vireo

• Jamaican Crow

• White-chinned Thrush

• White-eyed Thrush

• Jamaican Euphonia

• Jamaican Oriole

• Jamaican Blackbird

• Arrowhead Warbler

• Orangequit

• Yellow-shouldered Grassquit

• Trails & Walking: We will walk a few miles per day on mostly flat, well-maintained paths, wide dirt tracks, sandy beaches, and other reasonable paths with minimal tripping hazards.

• Pace: Leisurely, but with frequent stops. Daily field time 6+ hours. Easy access right to the birding sites. Plenty of time to stop and enjoy the birds, with helpful tips from our expert guides! Good photo opportunities!

• Elevation: Sea level to 4,000ft.

• Weather: Jamaica features a warm tropical climate throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from 77°F to 90°F (25°C–32°C). Trade winds moderate the heat along the coast, while the island’s mountains offer cooler conditions. Visitors can expect plenty of sunshine, with occasional short-lived rain showers. Please check the weather forecast ahead of travel, and consult with your guide(s).

• Logistics: Some portions of each day may be optional, but please review the itinerary carefully and consult with your guide(s). 

• Vehicle Seating: We use a mini-bus with seating for 17+ people. We hire a dedicated driver, local guide, and our Caribbean specialist, Gabriel Lugo. Note that in Jamaica they drive on the left side of the road. Some mountain roads are very curvy. There are longer drives on Day 2 and Day 6, but we will make frequent birding and bathroom breaks!