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Cuban Tody, Cuba Shutterstock 281648213
Bee Hummingbird Shutterstock 593249636
Cuban Bullfinch Shutterstock 712171090
  1. Cuban Tody, Cuba Shutterstock 281648213
  2. Bee Hummingbird Shutterstock 593249636
  3. Cuban Bullfinch Shutterstock 712171090

Tour Itinerary and Reports

  • Itinerary 2027 13 days
  • Itinerary 2026 12 days
  • Tour report - March 2025
  • Tour report - March 2024
  • Tour report - February 2023
  • Tour report - March 2020
  • Tour report - March 2019
  • Tour report - March 2018
  • Tour report - March 2017
  • Tour report - February 2016
  • Tour report - March 2015
  • Tour report - March 2014
  • Tour report - February 2013
  • Tour report - March 2012
  • Tour report - March 2011
  • Tour report - March 2009
  • Tour report - March 2008
  • Tour report - March 2007
  • Tour report - March 2006

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Can I help you?

Barney Jones
Operations Manager
Email Barney
or call +44(0) 1962 733051

Birding in Cuba

Tour Code: CUB01

A 12-day birdwatching tour concentrating on the endemic species of this vibrant and colourful Caribbean island.

12 days from
£3,995
Land only price from
£3,395
book now
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Highlights

Tour Itinerary and Reports

  • Itinerary 2027 13 days
  • Itinerary 2026 12 days
  • Tour report - March 2025
  • Tour report - March 2024
  • Tour report - February 2023
  • Tour report - February 2013
  • Tour report - March 2012
  • Tour report - March 2011
  • Tour report - March 2014
  • Tour report - March 2015
  • Tour report - March 2020
  • Tour report - March 2019
  • Tour report - March 2018
  • Tour report - March 2017
  • Tour report - February 2016
  • Tour report - March 2006
  • Tour report - March 2008
  • Tour report - March 2009
  • Tour report - March 2007

  • Click to see moreClick to see less

Can I help you?

Barney Jones
Operations Manager
Email Barney
or call +44(0) 1962 733051
  • Summary
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Summary

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Summary

The vibrant and colourful Caribbean island of Cuba is home to 21 species of endemics and these will form the principal focus of this ‘Bargain Birdwatching tour’. Cuba is just 90 miles from the southern coast of Florida but in almost every respect it provides a complete contrast with its affluent neighbour, not least in the Socialist ideology which has shaped the island way of life for over 40 years. The avifauna is typical of the Greater Antilles although added to the endemics and impressive selection of resident species is an array of North American passage migrants seeking food and rest before continuing their journey across the Straits of Florida. In February and March these can include many of the colourful wood-warblers resplendent in breeding plumage as they flit after insects through the canopy of a Cuban forest. Wetland birds are also well represented on the island and compete for attention with resident pelicans and frigate birds along the coastline. The diversity and abundance of the birdlife is complemented by a largely unspoilt landscape and a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere which combine to make Cuba a very enjoyable, and ornithologically productive, holiday destination as we explore La Guira National Park, the Zapata Peninsula, Camaguey, Najasa and Cayo Coco, as well as the pulsating capital of Havana.

  • Over 20 endemic bird species
  • Plus North American passage migrants
  • Enjoy birdwatching in the warmth of the Caribbean
  • Experience Cuba's Socialist idyll
  • Travel with UK-based tour leader and local guides
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Fly Havana
Day 2
La Guira National Park
Day 3/5
Zapata Peninsula
Day 6/7
Camaguey / Najasa NP
Day 8/10
Cayo Coco
Day 11
Havana / Fly London
Day 12
Arrive London
What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation:

    Standard tourist hotels with private facilities, plus a 3 night stay in a friendly, family run B&B in Playa Giron. 

  • Food: All meals are included in the holiday cost except any snacks in transit at Havana Airport.
Reviews

Reviews

  • Byron Palacios was outstanding. His knowledge of birds, plants, butterflies, insects, history, current political situation … was possibly the best we have had from any previous tour leader. We enjoyed Byron’s company and valued his caring approach to individuals in the group. My husband had a bad fall, being tripped-up by vegetation - Byron’s handling of the accident was excellent and spontaneous. It did not go unnoticed how supportive, encouraging and generous Bryon was with local guides/rangers. He has the country’s welfare at heart. We will not hesitate to travel with Byron on future tours. Our highlights include: seeing all 26 Endemic species - with good views, enjoying the various habitats - with walks, La Habana city tour and music - even though we are not city people!

    L.G & C.G. South Yorkshire, Mar 24
  • The ultimate sighting of the iconic Bee Hummingbird. Byron Palacios was an excellent guide, appreciated his great knowledge, an extremely helpful and pleasant young man.

    M.M. Suffolk, Feb 23
  • The Bee Hummingbird, the Cuban Trogon, Red Legged Thrush & the Stygian Owl were absolute highlights and I loved the architecture of the old Spanish colonial buildings. There was a certain charm in the way the Cuban live, I particularly enjoyed the hundreds of old American cars.

    R.H. Hertfordshire, Feb 23
  • We stayed in four different places and saw most if not all the Cuba endemics (plus others - my personal trip list is about 140 species). A great guide with incredibly good eyes certainly helps! Plus his local knowledge and language skills. This is the eighth or ninth Naturetrek tour that I have done and have never been let down.  Hopefully that describes my confidence in them and their tours and the organisation behind it all. They are always willing to talk and help.

    J.C. West Midlands, Mar 20
  • Excellent guiding to see the best and unusual wildlife of Cuba specialising in the birdlife. We travelled to many different areas of the island and saw a lot of the countryside and differing habitats and more out of the way places.

    E.I. Scottish Borders
  • A well devised itinerary to a new destination, that makes an interesting and desirable addition to the Naturetrek portfolio.

    M.S. Ross-shire
  • This was an excellent birdwatching tour. The Naturetrek leader had a thorough working knowledge of the birds and of the birding areas. His familiarity with the species meant that he was able to offer us the best opportunity for seeing them. Thus we had good views of all the endemics and many migrant North American Warblers. Most of the local Cuban guides were obviously familiar with their patch and the birds therein and showed enthusiasm and competence in locating them for us.

    P.W. West Sussex
  • A great trip - quality birds, easy pace, good group and excellent leaders ... Chris Kehoe was one of the sharpest birders I have been led by... I'll definitely be using Naturetrek again.

    M.M. Dorset
  • Byron is an outstanding leader, very patient and makes sure everyone has the opportunity to see any bird where possible. I look forward to reliving the trip through his report. Local leaders knew their stuff and Santos the local agent was a fund of information about Cuba. Hector, the driver, was cheerful and was very obliging.

    H.M. Highlands
  • Byron is an excellent leader and always keen to make sure everyone sees the birds. The ground agent guide was a mine of information about Cuba and its history and the driver was very safe and reliable. The local guides were all good too.

    T.M. Highlands
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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Mon 2nd Mar – Fri 13th Mar FULL £3,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,395
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£395
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Byron Palacios
Byron Palacios.jpg

Tour Leader: Byron Palacios

Byron is an Ecuadorian Ecologist and Field Ornithologist who has been working as a researcher and bird watching tour leader since 2000. A keen birder and nature lover by 'nature', Byron has a vast knowledge of the neotropical and Western Palearctic avifauna, particularly in his native Ecuador and other neotropical countries such as southern USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, the Caribbean, European and Northern Africa regions. His sharp ears and bioacoustic skills allow him to locate the most elusive forest-dwelling birds in the field, successfully leading more than two-hundred trips so far! As a Field Ornithologist, Byron has contributed many important discoveries to Ecuadorian Ornithology, all published in scientific magazines and bulletins, such as the first record for Ecuador of the Thicket Antpitta (Hylopezus dives), Feb. 2007; the rediscovery of the Yellow-eared Toucanet (Selenidera spectabilis), Aug. 2006; and the discovery of the Choco Vireo (Vireo masteri), Sep 2004, a new species for Ecuador. Byron currently works as an independent Wildlife Consultant, supporting the Operations team based at our Hampshire HQ. He also supports different conservation organisations and charities, helping people from remote communities to get involved in the conservation of their home habitats. He has also actively involved in many birding and conservation programmes in Spain, where his birding field skills have rapidly made him one of the authorities amongst the Iberian wildlife world. Byron endorses Gitzo products and other birding optics equipment brands, and is based in a beautiful corner of West Dorset.

2027

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 27th Feb – Thu 11th Mar SPACES £4,450
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,795
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£450

Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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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.

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Tour Reports

Tour Reports

  • Tour report - March 2025
  • Tour report - March 2024
  • Tour report - February 2023
  • Tour report - March 2020
  • Tour report - March 2019
  • Tour report - March 2018
  • Tour report - March 2017
  • Tour report - February 2016
  • Tour report - March 2015
  • Tour report - March 2014
  • Tour report - February 2013
  • Tour report - March 2012
  • Tour report - March 2011
  • Tour report - March 2009
  • Tour report - March 2008
  • Tour report - March 2007
  • Tour report - March 2006

  • CLICK TO SEE MOREClick to see less
Why Naturetrek?

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!

Video

Video

Gallery

Gallery

  • Cuban Tody, Cuba Shutterstock 281648213
  • Bee Hummingbird Shutterstock 593249636
  • Cuban Bullfinch Shutterstock 712171090
  • Oriente Warbler (Clive Manvell) (2).JPG
  • Bee Hummingbird (Clive Manvell) (2).JPG
  • Reddish Egret (Clive Manvell).JPG
  • Cuban Tody (Steve Wakeham)
  • Clapper Rail (Clive Manvell).JPG
  • Cuban Grassquit (Clive Manvell).JPG
  • Stygian Owl, Cuba (A Kirkonell)
  • Land Crab (Steve Wakeham)
  • Bee Hummingbird feeding, Zapata (Kevin Elsby)
  • Bee Hummingbird, Zapata (Kevin Elsby)
  • Fernandina's Flicker (A Kirkonell)
  • Cuban Trogon (Steve Wakeham)
  • Cuban Tody (Steve Wakeham)
  • Cuban Solitaire (John Bennett)
  • Bare-legged Owl (Steve Wakeham)
  • Cuban Pygmy Owl (Steve Wakeham)
  • Cuban Pygmy Owl (A Kirkonell)
  • Cuban Pewee (Steve Wakeham)
  • Cuban Parrot (A Kirkonell)
  • Cuban Parakeet (Steve Wakeham)
  • Cuban Green Woodpecker (Steve Wakeham)
  • Cuban Emerald (Steve Wakeham)
  • Bee Hummingbird (John Bennett)
  • Black-throated Blue Warbler (Steve Wakeham)
  • Cuban Oriole (Steve Wakeham)
  • Zapata Sparrow by Arturo Kirkonell
  • Havana street (John Raby)
  • Havana (John Raby)

Naturetrek has 38 years of experience in operating wildlife holidays.

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