Birding Tours of Cuba in 2023 with BirdsCaribbean

Cuban Tody—one of Cuba's most beloved endemic birds. (photo by Aslam Ibrahim) — Colorful and friendly, the Cuban Tody is one of Cuba’s most beloved endemic birds. (photo by Aslam Ibrahim)

Join BirdsCaribbean, the Caribbean Birding Trail and talented Cuban bird guide, Tania Piñeiro, on the adventure of a lifetime in January or March of 2023!

Cuba is well-known for its amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and unique biodiversity. According to the new Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba: 2022 Edition, 398 birds have been recorded in Cuba, including 28 which are endemic to the island and 30 which are considered globally threatened. Due to its large land area and geographical position within the Caribbean, Cuba is also extraordinarily important for Neotropical migratory birds—more than 180 species pass through during migration or spend the winter on the island.

Our itinerary takes you to several of the best and most beautiful birding locations in Cuba, providing opportunities to see many of Cuba’s endemic species and subspecies as well as many migrants. Along the way, we will meet people in local communities, stay in Bed & Breakfast establishments (casas particulares) and eat in private restaurants (paladars), allowing you to experience Cuba’s rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and generous hospitality. We will also have the opportunity to meet and have discussions with local ornithologists and conservationists that have been working with BirdsCaribbean for many years.

BirdsCaribbean is offering two tours in 2023: a 9-day trip in January and a 12-day trip in March.

Find detailed itineraries for our 2023 trips below! Traveling with us helps Caribbean birds as a portion of the proceeds from the trip supports our bird conservation programs and partners in Cuba and the Caribbean. See some of the world’s most beautiful and memorable birds, knowing you are helping ensure their welfare by supporting the people who study and protect them. Read testimonials and see photos from past trips in the gallery below. Purchase the Endemic Birds of Cuba Field Guide here. Check out the report and photos from our January 2016 trip here and from our July 2017 trip to Havana and Zapata Swamp here.

https://youtu.be/4ZOYfPdy6p4?si=GYi5KXeML6OxZxGY

Testimonials from Tour Participants:

Birding fun in Cayo Coco, Cuba (photo by Garry Donaldson)

The trip was well-organized and every moment was memorable. We, of course, enjoyed the birds foremost. We enjoyed meeting Nils, walking the streets of Viñales, seeing local art and landscapes, eating local food. The customs and habits of the locals were fascinating to us. It was like a time warp to a time even prior to when we were born. We always felt safe. Walking after dark through Playa Larga and late at night around old Havana never made us uncomfortable. We enjoyed meeting and getting to know every fellow traveler. – Don and Dena McKee

Fabulous birding tour with most of the endemics seen in a very short time. The landscape was impressive, the people fascinating to see and talk to, and the food was delicious and abundant. Staying in the casas particulares was a good experience to be able to assist the local people in their economy. Excellently organized and well-rounded tour with fantastic guides of the highest standard. I will return to Cuba. – Coppelia Hayes

Our bird guides, Ernesto Reyes and Tania Peñeiro, were very kind and patient. They are both excellent birders with an amazing ear. It was wonderful to also meet the local experts, like Nils Navarro, Orlando Garrido, Rosendo Martinez and Lourdes Mugica. They were all personable, generous and added much to our experience. – Carrie Dortch

It was a pleasure to be on a trip where one was able to enjoy the cultural aspects of the country and learn something of its history and yet even though time was devoted to that, we didn’t miss out on birds, a variety of birding locations, and sightings of Cuban endemics and near endemics. We had great views of very special birds, like the Cuban Trogon, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Oriole, Cuban Pygmy Owl and many more. Every day as well as overall seemed to be an excellent balance between birding and/or bird-associated activities and other cultural and historical pursuits. A very well-rounded trip with outstanding guides and many memorable experiences! – Philippa Randall

Nils Navarro, author of Endemic Birds of Cuba, at his home in Viñales, showing us his artwork from the book. Local bird guide, Tania Piñeiro, assists Nils. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

I have been on a number of birding tours both in the US and in other countries. This tour ranks way up at the top of the list. The number of birds seen and the quality of the sightings was superior but our leaders’ in-depth knowledge of the country’s history, culture, geology, government, and people made it a first-class experience. – Barbara Males

BirdsCaribbean Birdwatching and Cultural Trip to Cuba is the perfect trip for birders seeking endemics and a window into the culture and history of an island that has been off limits to US citizens for 50 years. Birding takes you to the countryside and the sea. The leaders take you to the small cities, the places of interest that highlight modern Cuba’s agricultural aspects and they help interpret the history as well as Cuba’s hopes and aspirations. What tips the balance in making the trip special is that proceeds go to conservation in Cuba and other Caribbean Islands. – Anne Brooks

The experience in Cuba far exceeded my expectations in terms of wildlife, culture and an interesting and congenial group of participants and leaders. – Carl Gerhardt

The trip was superb. In addition to seeing the amazing Cuban endemic birds, we met some extraordinary environmentalists and ornithologists, and had the opportunity to see Cuba as it is now. The sensitivity and thoughtfulness behind the planning of this BirdsCaribbean trip made it a uniquely varied and rewarding experience. – Gale Page

We invite you to enjoy the photo gallery below. Hover over each photo to see the caption or click on a photo to see a slide show.

Sunset in Trinidad, Cuba, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (photo by Garry Donaldson)Cuba

Janis Raffaele tried a Cuban cigar in Viñales while Herb and Philippa look on. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

West Indian Whistling-Ducks having a snooze on a wetland in Cayo Coco, Cuba. (Photo by Max Schwenne)

Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world. (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Enjoying an old-fashioned car tour (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Zapata Swamp waterbirds (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

The endemic Cuban Solitaire has a hauntingly beautiful call (photo by Max Schwenne)

Cuba Pygmy Owl (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Exploring Portalis area to look for Giant Kingbirds (photo by Lisa Sorenson).

Lisa Sorenson and Orlando Garrido – It’s always a delight to visit with Orlando, who is so vivacious and full of stories!

BirdsCaribbean tour group January 2018

Early morning in Havana with schoolchildren and workers (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Early morning birding in Santo Tomas, Zapata Swamp (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Our group birding at Cayo Coco beach (photo by Garry Donaldson)

BirdsCaribbean Cuba Bird Tour in January 2017 – co-led by Herb Raffaele, Lisa Sorenson and Ernesto Reyes.

Lunch at the paladar of our assistant guide in Zapata.

Orlando Garrido regales our group with stories of his Cuban adventures as a biologist and tennis pro! BirdsCaribean Cuba Bird Tour (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Man fishing in Havana (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Ernesto sighting waterbirds at Las Salinas, Zapata Swamp (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Lighthouse and fort in Old Havana (photo by Garry Donaldson)

A beautiful Cuban Green Woodpecker poses for our group (photo by Max Schwenne).

Cuban Black Hawk, endemic to Cuba. (Photo by Garry Donaldson)

Western Spindalis (by Garry Donaldson)

BirdsCaribbean Cuba Tour Group March 2017.

The very cute and fast-moving Cuban Gnatcatcher, endemic, spotted on our March 2017 Cuba Bird Tour (photo by Max Schwenne).

Cuban Trogon, Cuba’s national bird (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Enjoying a great view of waterbirds at Las Salinas, Zapata Swamp (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Landscape in Viñales with mogotes in the background (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Mojitos are delicious! (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Early morning traffic in Viñales (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Wintering Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings, Cayo Coco, Cuba (photo by Max Schwenne).

Giant Kingbird, endemic to Cuba (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Cuban Parakeets in flight (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Zapata Wren singing its heart out, Santo Tomas, Zapata Swamp (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Cuban Parrots in flight at dusk (photo by Ernesto Reyes)

Nils Navarro showing us his paintings, with Tania Pinero, one of our guides (photo by Lisa Sorenson

Cuban Grassquit (photo by Bill Hebner)

Cuban Emerald, hummingbird endemic to The Bahamas and Cuba. (Photo by Garry Donaldson)

NOTE: The recent policy changes in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations do not affect BirdsCaribbean’s birding trips or the requirements of US citizens traveling with us. Our birding trips consist of group travel under the general license that authorizes travel transactions that provide “Support for the Cuban people.” The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires that: 1) travel be conducted under the auspices of an individual or organization (BirdsCaribbean) that promotes independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba, and 2) the tour must consist of “a full-time schedule of activities that: (i) enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and (ii) result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba.” While you are on the trip, BirdsCaribbean will ensure that you have a full-time schedule of activities that engages with and provides support for private citizens (e.g., local guides, Cuban biologists, private business owners), and avoids transactions with the State Department’s List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba (“the Cuba Restricted List”). COVID-19 UPDATE: Right now, we are offering two tours in 2023. All participants will be required to provide proof of full vaccination before the tour, and adhere to updated safety protocols. We will continue to monitor and assess the situation. If we deem that it is not safe to travel to Cuba, tours will be canceled (or rescheduled) and all deposits and payments refunded (less a $50 processing fee).

BirdsCaribbean is offering two tours in 2023: a 9-day trip in January and a 12-day trip in March.

Nine day trip: 21-29 January 2023

Twelve day trip: 15–26 March 2023

Testimonials from Tour Participants: