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 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£3,395
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Highlights

Summary

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

Grading

This is a traditional birdwatching tour with a moderate amount of walking, but some long travel days.
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
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: Standard tourist hotels with private facilities
  • Food: All meals are included in the holiday cost except any snacks in transit at Havana Airport.
Reviews
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2024

Departures Availability Cost
Mon 28th Oct – Fri 8th Nov SPACES £3,995
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
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
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
TL Byron Palacios

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 Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Colombia and the Caribbean region, including southern USA. His sharp ears and eyes permit 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 with many important discoveries for the 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 Bird Species for Ecuador. Byron currently works as an independant Wildlife Consultant for leading wildlife companies and conservation organisations, having also become 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. He endorses Leica Optics and Gitzo tripods, and currently lives in west Dorset, England, with his daughter Isabel and fiancé Gail.

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Mon 3rd Mar – Fri 14th Mar SPACES £3,995
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
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
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 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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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!