07 Apr 2026 - 10 Apr 2026 (4 days)
USD2,150 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Robert Williams
Tour price (Per person): USD2,150 * GBP1,615 * EUR1,900 * AUD3,349
Single Supplement: USD125 * GBP94 * EUR110 * AUD195
Flight costs: USD198 * GBP149 * EUR175 * AUD308
Located off the southern coast of China, Hainan Island is a tropical birding frontier with a rich yet underexplored avifauna. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here, including several island endemics and several endemic subspecies that may warrant future taxonomic splits. The island’s warm, humid climate supports dense lowland and montane rainforest, offering shelter to some of China’s rarest birds. Chief among these are the critically endangered Hainan Peacock-pheasant and Hainan Partridge, both confined to the island’s remaining tracts of forest. Other highlights include endemic subspecies of Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrush, Streak-breasted Scimitar Babbler, and Chinese Barbet, all of which exhibit significant morphological and vocal differences from their mainland relatives. With its unique biodiversity, high conservation value, and potential for new discoveries, Hainan is a must-visit destination for birders drawn to endemism and the thrill of tropical island birding.
This departure is offered in partnership with the Oriental Bird Club (OBC), with a portion of the proceeds directly supporting OBC’s vital conservation initiatives across Asia. By joining this tour, you’re not only exploring one of Asia’s most rewarding birding regions—you’re also helping protect it.
Hainan Partridge; Red Junglefowl; Silver Pheasant; Hainan Peacock-pheasant; Green-billed Malkoha; Asian Emerald Cuckoo; Thick-billed Green Pigeon; Green Imperial Pigeon; Mountain & Collared Scops Owls; Spot-bellied Eagle-owl; Asian Barred Owlet; Red-headed Trogon; Chinese Barbet; Grey-capped Pygmy, Bay, Rufous & Great Spotted Woodpeckers; Lesser & Greater Yellownapes; Blue-rumped Pitta; Silver-breasted Broadbill; Large Cuckooshrike; Maroon Oriole; Ashy & Greater Racket-tailed Drongos; Hainan Magpie; Indochinese Green Magpie; Grey Treepie; Hainan Leaf Warbler; Large & Streak-breasted Scimitar Babblers; Spot-necked & Rufous-capped Babblers; Dusky& Huet's Fulvettas; Eyebrowed Wren-warbler; Lesser Necklaced & Rufous-cheeked Laughingthrushes; Chinese Hwamei; Hainan Laughingthrush; Grey-headed Parrotbill; Yellow-billed Nuthatch; Pale Blu Flycatcher; Hainan Sunbird.
Hainan Black Crested Gibbon, Hainan Hare, Hainan Gymnure.
Tropical broad-leaved forest, bamboo forest, rivers, mountain valleys, mountains
Hot and humid throughout.
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.
Moderate. Several rare/difficult species, many low-density species require repeat searches.
Good to comfortable.
Moderate. Several rare/difficult species, many low-density species require repeat searches.
Extensive broad-leaved forest, fascinating people and culture, rarely visited reserves and wilderness areas
Good to very good, some purpose-built hides.
As usual, Glen Valentine was fantastic. I have travelled with him before and it never ceases to amaze me how he can hear and spot birds so effectively. And his enthusiasm is contagious. You know that he has seen any given bird on previous trips but it's as though he is seeing it for the first time with you! Daniel Danckwerts was also on the tour "learning the ropes". Very knowledgeable and a good asset to have on the tour. A superb spotter! All in all, this was a fantastic trip. I would recommend it to anyone.
Paul Varney, was very well prepared, despite not having birdied much in China before he had studied the likely birds at each place and particularly he had leaner the calls, so vital in identifying almost identical leaf warblers. He was calm and flexible when logistical issues arose. I would happily tour with him again.
David Hoddinott is an outstanding leader. Always conscious of the need to ensure that everyone sees each bird, he does, rightly, expect concentration and a positive approach throughout. This is the second time that I have travelled with David and I hope that I have the opportunity again in the future. Thank you.
Glen Valentine is an incredible guide and has real talent. We very much appreciate him and always find his tours fun and so rewarding with great birds, great views even in freezing conditions. Any tour with Glen is a guaranteed success and a good time. Daniel Danckwerts will be a great asset to RBT and contributed to the success of the tour. He is also personable and has a great sense of humour. He wasn't all that slow with his scope either and we all saw some fine birds through his scope. We are never surprised at the excellence of RBT guides.
Glen Valentine is an incredible guide and has real talent. We very much appreciate him and always find his tours fun and so rewarding with great birds, great views even in freezing conditions. Any tour with Glen is a guaranteed success and a good time. Daniel Danckwerts will be a great asset to RBT and contributed to the success of the tour. He is also personable and has a great sense of humour. He wasn't all that slow with his scope either and we all saw some fine birds through his scope. We are never surprised at the excellence of RBT guides.
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