Birding Dominican Republic One Week

Quisqueya “Dominican Republic & Haiti” is an island  with a highly diverse avifauna of more than 300 species. In addition to 32 endemic bird species, the country hosts an impressive assemblage of permanent resident species, overwintering migrants, and other transient species that stop to rest and refuel enroute to more southerly wintering or northern breeding areas. The island of Hispaniola’s high level of endemism and its contribution to global biodiversity have earned it the highest ranking of biological importance in a worldwide assessment of bird protection priorities. The most important places for birding are Los Haitises National Park, Cotubanama National Park, Bahoruco National Park and Santo Domingo area. During this experience you will get to oversee most of the country crossing from east to south and south to north, we are spending 8 full days searching all over the country for our endemic species. 

Los Haitises National Park for Birding 

Los Haitises is considered as a place for conservation of endemic species, the park has over 110 species of birds including residents, migratories and endemics. This adventure will take you through the rainforest to search for Todies, Ridgway’s Hawks, tanagers, hummingbirds, and much more. Providing interesting History about all these birds which you can see on the different trails. We also know the spots habitats of Ridgway’s, Ashy Faced Owls and other endemic species. This Tour is focused on nature and is more concentrated in the information about wildlife.

This tour will happen both in the forest and coast of Los Haitises National Park and we will be hiking and boating to San Lorenzo Bay where we will find species like Indian Whistling Duck, Caribbean Martin, Cave Swallow, White-Crowned Pigeon and many more.

Bahoruco National Park and Neighboring Areas For Birding 

Sierra de Bahoruco should be your number one choice for birding when you visit the DR. This is one of the best places for birding  in the whole country and is concentrated in the southwest, in and around the Sierra de Bahoruco mountain range. 

This area includes a variety of habitats that range from dry thorn scrub to mountain pine forests. Bahoruco supports one of the highest bird densities in the Caribbean and it’s the only place where you have a chance at almost all endemics.

Birds of Santo Domingo

The capital city of Santo Domingo is a good place to start your birding trip with a visit to the National Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico Nacional Moscoso Puello), which provides many of the lowland endemics and some aquatic specialties, including the West Indian Whistling Duck, endangered and very elusive anywhere else.

An hour and a half west of Santo Domingo, Salinas de Bani, with its salt flats, mangroves, sand dunes, and thorn scrub, is a great place for waders and shorebirds, as well as for winter migrants, making it a favorite haunt of local birders. It is a good day trip from Santo Domingo.

This activity will start from your pick up from your accommodation in any of these areas:

• Samaná
• Saint-Domingue 
• Punta Cana
• La Romana 
• Bayahibe 
• Puerto Plata
• Santiago 

If you are in any other area with can manage to pick you up, in case you are arriving directly to the airport with can do pick up in the following city airports:

• Samana, El Catey 
• Santo Domingo, Las Americas  
• Punta Cana, Punta Cana Airport 
• La Romana, La Romana Airport  
• Puerto Plata, Gregorio Luperon 
• Santiago, Aeropuerto Internacional del Cibao 

Arriving or First Day 

Overnight: Hotel, Santo Domingo

When you arrive we will settle you in your room and find you a place to eat dinner and go over your itinerary for the seven days, after dinner your guide will take you back to your place. At your place you will have AC, Wifi, Water Bottles in your room, Laundry Area, Balcony, Kitchen and common area to work.

Schedule 

Day 2: Santo Domingo to Puerto Escondido 

After an easy morning at the hotel, we spend the afternoon driving west through the countryside to your first destination at the Sierra de Bahoruco; about 20% of the endemic bird species of the Dominican Republic can only be found in this area. Once at the eco lodge, explore some nearby trails in search of the first endemics of your trip. Once evening arrives, enjoy good company and a hearty Dominican dinner before heading to bed, to prepare for an early morning of bird watching in one of the most unique habitats of the country.

Species of the area are: White-fronted Quail-Dove, Broad-billed Tody , Narrow-billed Tody , White-necked Crow , Hispaniolan Oriole , Hispaniolan Parrot.

Overnight: Villa Barrancolí / Rabo De Gato, Puerto Escondido

Day 3 – Exploring Zapoten and La Placa

Very early in the morning we will depart to Zapoten, on the Northern side of the Sierra de Bahoruco is a beautiful place, near to the border with Haiti. With your local guides leading the way, slowly walk  the trails listening and looking for many of the endemics in this area such as the Hispaniolan Trogon, Hispaniolan CrossBill and Western Chat-Tanager. Bird watching all morning, breakfast and lunch will be on site. In the afternoon, as we slowly descend the mountain roads, stop at La Placa , our most likely location to spot the endangered endemic Bay Breasted Cuckoo. 

Species of the area are: Hispaniolan Nightjar , Hispaniolan Trogon , Green-tailed Warbler , White-winged Warbler , La Selle Thrush , Western Chat-Tanager , Hispaniolan Spindalis , Hispaniolan Pewee, Hispaniolan Emerald, Narrow-billed Tody, Antillean Piculet, Antillean Siskin, Hispaniolan Crossbill.

Other species: Greater Antillean Elaenia, Rufous-throated Solitaire, Bicknell’s Thrush, Golden Swallow, Pine Warbler, Greater Antillean Bullfinch.

Species of La Placa área : Bay-breasted Cuckoo, Flat-billed Vireo, Antillean Siskin, Hispaniolan Pewee, Antillean Piculet, Broad-billed Tody.

Overnight: Villa Barrancolí / Rabo De Gato, Puerto Escondido

Day 4: To La Ciénaga 

Today we head to the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival at the coast and accommodations, you’ll have time to settle in, have a swim, enjoy an easy lunch and search for coastal species as evening approaches.

Overnight: Hotel of the area 

Day 5: El Cachote

This morning it’s an early start, ascending into the cloud forest of Cachote, the only known population of the Eastern Chat-Tanager south of the Enriquillo Basin. Other species typical of the moist broadleaf forests are also readily found here. The surrounding shade coffee and citrus plantations host a wide variety of other bird species.

Species of the area are: White- fronted Quail- Dove, Hispaniolan Trogon, La Selle Thrush, Eastern Chat- Tanager, Hispaniolan Spindalis, Antillean Siskin.

Completing our “southwestern loop”, today you’ll head back toward Santo Domingo. Once settled in with a little time to relax.

Overnight: Hotel, Santo Domingo 

Day 6: Botanical Garden and Sabana de la Mar 

This morning will be spent exploring the Botanical Gardens in Santo Domingo and having lunch at an iconic dominican restaurant located right at the seafront. After lunch we head north towards beautiful Samana bay, to Sabana de la Mar, an eco-hotel built into the rock formations of the Haitises National Park.

Species of the area are: Palmchat , Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Hispaniolan Parakeet, Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo , Black-crowned Palm-Tanager, Hispaniolan Mango.

Overnight: Hotel, Sabana de la Mar

Day 7: Los Haitises National Park – Ridgeway Hawk & Ashy faced owl

A favorite for many, this morning will be a guided trail walk/hike in Los Haitises National Park. Your guide will lead you through the lush forests, spotting birds, butterflies and blooms along the way! Keep your eyes peeled to spot the endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, the Antillean Piculet, the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Hispaniolan Emerald. Just to name a few! In the evening, it’s time to turn on our headlamps while searching for the Ashy Faced Owl. 

This day after lunch we will head to the mangroves and limestone area of Los Haitises National Park by boat to see some other species and caves with pictographs and petroglyphs.

Species of the area are: Ridgway’s Hawk, Hispaniolan Oriole, Antillean Piculet, White-necked Crow, Broad-billed Tody.

Overnight: Hotel, Sabana de la Mar

Day 8: Back to Santo Domingo 

This morning you’ll head back to Santo Domingo and enjoy your final day exploring the Colonial Zone, a historic walled quarter of the city which is famous for its delicious food and vibrant music. Take a guided walking tour or wander on your own with some recommendations from your guide. Today is a perfect day to buy a few souvenirs for yourself or loved ones back home.

Overnight: Hotel in Santo Domingo

Day 9: Departure 

For this day we take you back to your original location or drop you off at the airport on your scheduled flight.

Itinerary days and activities are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances or events. See full terms and conditions for more information.