Special for me in the first sighting of a Tody and my first visit to the exotic island of Jamaica. My husband had always had a desire to visit Jamaica the birth place of Bob Marley, since he loves the music, so it was an exciting trip for both of us. We enjoyed the vibrancy, the flowers, the birds and the people who are so relaxed about life. Our Jamaican birding guides were entertaining and excellent at their task, the food was enjoyable and the accommodation just fine for us. I think this was our kind of holiday, if only the weather had been a little bit kinder.
M.C. Lancashire
9 days from £2,895
(Inc flights)
Land only price from £2,295
This is a single-centre holiday based at the Green Castle Eco-retreat, which is set within a beautiful 1,600-acre private reserve. 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 Blue Mountain Vireo and Jamaican Blackbird, as well as the secretive Crested Quail Dove, the only endemic not to have been recorded within the Green Castle Estate. We’ll explore the 20+ miles of trails radiating out from our lodge on daily guided birdwatching excursions and there will be time for leisure, should you wish, to reclining in a hammock, reading by the pool or walking in the gardens .
- Jamaica has 28 endemic birds, more than any other Caribbean island!
- Look for colourful American wood warblers (en route to northern breeding grounds)
- Our lodge has its own secluded private beach!
- Lizard Cuckoo, Jamaican Mango & Jamaican Tody, lodge’s grounds
- Yellow-billed Parrot & White-chinned Thrush possible
- Night-walks to look for endemic Jamaican Owl plus Northern Potoo
- Look for spectacular Black-billed Streamertail in the mountains
- An ideal birdwatching break to enjoy with a non-birding partner!
- Superb photographic opportunities
- Led by expert naturalist guides
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Highlights
Tom Mabbett
Tom
Tom has been fascinated by wildlife and the natural world since childhood. At primary school he learnt all the British bird species, and he's been watching and enjoying them ever since! Trips to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Slimbridge further fuelled his passion for birds and, when Tom's family bought 10 acres of land, he created his very own nature reserve on it! After gaining a degree in Biology from Exeter University, Tom set off in search of some of the planet's incredible wildlife, first travelling slowly around the world, and then returning to Australia. As well as seeing a wonderful variety of the world's birds on his travels, he also spent a lot of time beneath the surface of the ocean, scuba diving in Thailand, Australia and Fiji. Two of Tom's many highlights were diving with mighty Bull Sharks and swimming alongside gigantic Whale Sharks. Since returning to the UK Tom has worked in school wildlife clubs and also worked at WWT Slimbridge. Having grown up in the Cotswolds, a lot of Tom's spare time has been spent recording the birds and reptiles of this area's commons and wetlands. He also travels in search of overseas wildlife as often as he can, and amongst the European destinations that Tom and his brother have explored have been Hungary, France, Spain, Holland and, most recently, snow-clad Poland in the depths of winter to focus on mammal-tracking. Tom has now lead and co-led over 20 Naturetrek tours in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Finland, Belgium, Greenland, Guyana, La Palma and Scotland as well as short UK breaks including the Somerset Levels and Forest of Dean. Tom remains a very popular leader with our groups and when not out in the field works within our busy operations team at our new office in Chawton. Please feel free to contact Tom on 01962 733051 or email tom@naturetrek.co.uk with any questions or to discuss a future tour.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Kingston and transfer Green Castle Estate House.
Day 2/7
Varied birding excursions from Green Castle.
Day 8
Depart Kingston.
Day 9
Arrive UK.
Special for me in the first sighting of a Tody and my first visit to the exotic island of Jamaica. My husband had always had a desire to visit Jamaica the birth place of Bob Marley, since he loves the music, so it was an exciting trip for both of us. We enjoyed the vibrancy, the flowers, the birds and the people who are so relaxed about life. Our Jamaican birding guides were entertaining and excellent at their task, the food was enjoyable and the accommodation just fine for us. I think this was our kind of holiday, if only the weather had been a little bit kinder.
M.C. Lancashire
Food & Accommodation
All included in the price.
A fabulous eco-retreat on Jamaica's north coast. All rooms have private facilities.