The Caribbean’s biodiversity and availability of protected areas for nesting make Caribbean bird watching better than almost anywhere else in the world – especially during the best time to visit the Caribbean.
Described by USA Today as “easy as falling out of bed,” Caribbean birding is fun for a wide range of birdwatchers, from the beginner to the advanced. Because interesting birds are everywhere, it truly is as easy as USA Today say.
Caribbean Bird Watching: Where Should You Go?
Passionate birders will love the many bird sanctuaries, while beginners will be encouraged by the thrill of spotting so many exciting and recognizable birds with ease.
Thankfully, the Caribbean’s commitment to sustainable tourism and bird conservation ensures that the islands will be sanctuaries for visitors (human and the aviary alike) for years to come.
While every island in the Caribbean has its fair share of exotic tropical birds, two islands distinguish themselves as better than the rest: Anguilla and Mustique. We discuss both Caribbean birding destinations below!
Caribbean Bird Watching In Anguilla
Two of the most fabled locations for Caribbean birding in Anguilla are Dog Island and Long Pond.
1. Dog Island
Dog Island is about 8 miles north-west of Anguilla, and the easiest way to arrive is through a day tour group from the main island, such as Nature Explorers.
It is a well-known birder’s paradise due to the huge number of nesting seabirds, including Sooty Terns, Magnificent Frigatebirds, and Masked Boobies. Over 9 different types of seabirds raise their young on Dog Island, in addition to sea turtles and rare lizards.
2. Long Pond
Long Pond is a privately owned wetland, and Nature Explorers run Caribbean birding day trips to this location as well. It is a swampy area very popular with shore birds, pelicans, egrets, and herons. Bird watchers can witness the birds nesting, as well as hunting for Caribbean fish.
If you’re looking to start your Caribbean bird watching vacation the right way in Anguilla, we recommend looking at our special offers of charter flights to Anguilla.
Caribbean Bird Watching In Mustique
Mustique features many Caribbean bird watching sites, the most famous being the Bird Sanctuary, the Lagoon site, and the Cotton House Ponds.
1. The Bird Sanctuary
The Bird Sanctuary is a protected mangrove swamp near Mustique’s small airport landing strip. It consists of a lagoon surrounded by mangrove forest, providing the type of shelter that the majority of Mustique’s bird population requires.
Herons, crested hummingbirds, osprey, kingfishers, and blue-winged teal are common birds to see during the afternoon in The Bird Sanctuary.
2. The Lagoon
The Lagoon features the best surviving mangrove swamp throughout the entire region of St. Vincents and the Grenadines.
Birds like the Grenada Flycatcher (native only to the Grenadines area), Least Sandpiper, and more than 10 different species of heron live in The Lagoon, which can be visited by an easily walked trail.
3. The Cotton House Ponds
The Cotton House Ponds are next to the famous Cotton House hotel. The decorative ponds host many species of birds, including Eared Doves, Spotted Sandpipers, Green Herons, and Wilson’s Snipe.
The Cotton House Ponds is especially well-suited for (but not limited to) Caribbean bird watchers who may have mobility problems, as it is very easily accessed from the Cotton House hotel.
If you’re looking to start your Caribbean bird watching vacation the right way in Mustique, we recommend looking at our special offers of charter flights to Mustique.
Arriving to your Caribbean Bird Watching Vacation
The easiest and simplest way to arrive to your magical Caribbean bird watching vacation is by flying charter.
We operate standard and VIP charter flights to all of the best Caribbean bird watching destinations, including the locations mentioned above – and we are your premier and affordable choice for your Caribbean travel needs as evidenced by our customer testimonials.
Plan your Caribbean bird watching vacation with us and arrive in style. For any query you may have regarding your upcoming vacation in the Caribbean, please feel free to contact our Caribbean travel experts at any time for a prompt reply. We will be happy to help!
Images sources and special thanks: CFT, Nhptv, My Anguilla Experience, Caribbean Birding TrailCaribbean Bird Watching
