Difficulty
CARIBBEAN FORESTS & COASTS
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico offers one of the most enjoyable and accessible birding experiences in the Caribbean, with excellent roads, comfortable lodges, and an impressive concentration of island and regional endemics. This weeklong tour explores elfin-woods, tropical rainforest, dry forest, karst country, mangroves, and coastal wetlands as we search for all 18 Puerto Rican endemics and more than two dozen Caribbean specialties. Highlights include Puerto Rican Tody, Green Mango, Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Nightjar, Elfin-woods Warbler, and the critically endangered Puerto Rican Amazon. With easy walking, rich habitats, and relaxed travel days, this itinerary offers a wonderful immersion into the birds and landscapes of the Greater Antilles.
Tour Overview
Feb 20–Feb 26, 2027
Feb 20–Feb 26, 2028
Puerto Rico, the easternmost island of the Greater Antilles, blends beautiful Caribbean scenery with a remarkably diverse set of habitats, making it an ideal destination for a comfortable week of island birding. From windswept elfin-woods on high ridges to lush rainforest, dry forest scrub, coastal mangroves, and saline wetlands, the island holds all 18 of its endemics and a broad selection of regional specialties. Our route is designed to sample the full range of ecosystems while maintaining easy logistics and gentle pacing.
We begin near San Juan, exploring forest reserves where Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, and a variety of pigeons, parrots, and warblers enliven mature woodland. Rio Abajo State Forest is a highlight, offering excellent chances for Puerto Rican Oriole, Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Puerto Rican Euphonia, and our only opportunity to search for the rare Puerto Rican Amazon—one of the island’s most endangered birds.
Moving west into the Maricao highlands, we settle into the historic Hacienda Juanita for two nights. Its garden paths and nearby forest edges provide ideal habitat for Green Mango, Puerto Rican Emerald, Puerto Rican Owl, and the striking Puerto Rican Tanager. The elusive Elfin-woods Warbler, discovered only in 1971, is a star attraction of these mossy, cool upland woods.
Continuing south, Susua State Forest offers a chance at Key West Quail-Dove and a suite of dry forest species. On the southwest coast we target Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, explore mangroves and salt-flats, and visit Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge for West Indian Whistling-Duck. Guanica State Forest brings opportunities for Puerto Rican Nightjar and Puerto Rican Flycatcher at dusk.
With excellent food, friendly lodgings, and rich birdlife at every stop, this tour captures the charm and diversity of Puerto Rico’s island ecosystems.
Ecosystems Experienced
Puerto Rico’s habitats range from coastal mangroves and salt-flats to lowland rainforest, upland cloud-forest pockets, and dry forest scrub. Karst landscapes and mountain ridges support key endemics such as Puerto Rican Tody, Elfin-woods Warbler, and Puerto Rican Amazon, while coastal wetlands host herons, shorebirds, and Caribbean specialties. This blend of forest, wetland, and marine environments creates an exceptionally dynamic island birding experience.
Expected Climate
Temperature
February brings warm, comfortable weather with daytime highs around 83 °F and nights near 72 °F. Humidity is present but moderate compared to summer.
Rainfall
Rainfall is relatively light during the dry season. February sees a low chance of passing showers, with only about one in four days experiencing measurable rain.
Seasons
February falls squarely within Puerto Rico’s dry season. Conditions are warm, stable, and ideal for birding, with easy travel and active endemic species across the island’s varied habitats.
Key Species
Puerto Rican Tody
Key West Quail-Dove
West Indian Whistling-Duck
Antillean Crested Hummingbird
Broad-winged Hawk
White-tailed Tropicbird
Leader
Raymond L. VanBuskirk
Primary Leader
Ornithologist and tour leader with global guiding experience, dedicated to conservation, mentorship, and fostering inclusion within the international birding community.
Read MoreItinerary
Click here to download the 2027 itinerary PDF
Day 1
Arrive in San Juan and settle into the historic El Convento Boutique Hotel, a beautifully restored 17th-century convent in the heart of Old San Juan.
Take time to wander the colorful streets nearby, with centuries-old landmarks, local cafés, galleries, and the waterfront all just a short walk away.
Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome orientation and dinner, the perfect introduction to the journey ahead.
Day 2
Venture into the lush landscapes of Río Abajo State Forest, one of Puerto Rico’s premier birding destinations and a key refuge for the island’s remarkable endemic wildlife.
Discover the inspiring conservation story of the Puerto Rican Amazon while keeping watch for a variety of colorful endemic birds in the forest’s rich limestone habitat.
Travel south to the coastal village of La Parguera, with scenic stops along the way before settling in for the evening at Turtle Bay Inn.
Day 3
Spend the day exploring the cool, forested slopes of Maricao State Forest, where misty mountain landscapes create a striking contrast to Puerto Rico’s coast.
Search for a remarkable variety of endemic birds, including two dazzling hummingbirds and the elusive Elfin-woods Warbler, found nowhere else in the world.
Return to La Parguera after a rewarding day immersed in one of the island’s richest and most scenic birding habitats.
Day 4
Experience Puerto Rico’s diverse ecosystems, from the dry forests of Susúa State Forest to the wetlands surrounding La Parguera, each home to its own unique birdlife.
Enjoy a local bakery breakfast before a day spent searching for regional specialties, including the elusive Key West Quail-Dove and the endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird.
As evening falls, explore Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge, where nocturnal birding offers the chance to encounter rare wetland species and the Puerto Rican Nightjar.
Day 5
Explore the scenic southwest coast, where ocean cliffs, mangroves, wetlands, and lagoons create some of Puerto Rico’s most rewarding birding landscapes.
Discover an impressive mix of native, migratory, and introduced bird species while visiting several of the region’s most productive wildlife habitats.
End the day with a special evening outing in search of the elusive Caribbean Short-eared Owl, a memorable finale to a full day in the field.
Day 6
Journey back to San Juan with birding stops along the way, seeking a handful of regional specialties before the adventure comes to a close.
Make a final visit to a local community garden, where the Green-throated Carib offers one last opportunity to experience Puerto Rico’s remarkable birdlife.
Celebrate the week’s discoveries with a farewell dinner and final checklist, reflecting on the landscapes, wildlife, and shared experiences of the journey.
Day 7
Depart San Juan at your leisure, enjoying the convenience of a seamless walk from the hotel to the airport terminal as you head home with memories of Puerto Rico’s remarkable wildlife and landscapes.
What’s Included
Accommodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.
FAQs
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