Although the Dominican Republic is widely known for its beaches, cuisine and culture, it is also one of the Caribbean’s most significant islands for bird conservation. With 33 endemic species, Hispaniola ranks as the highest-priority island in the world for bird protection, making it a critical destination for birders.

This tour is designed to find nearly all of the island’s endemic birds, including the endemic and monotypic Palmchat, Hispaniola’s national bird, and the island’s distinctive, endemic Chat-Tanager family. We will also search for two of the Caribbean’s five tody species and the critically endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, one of the world’s rarest raptors, as well as a suite of Greater Antillean specialties.

To achieve this, we systematically explore the country’s principal habitats, from the pine and broadleaf forests of the Sierra de Bahoruco to coastal dry forest, wetlands and lagoons. Accommodation varies throughout the tour, from simple lodges in remote birding areas to comfortable hotels in coastal towns, ensuring convenient access to key sites while maintaining a comfortable standard throughout.

This itinerary provides a thorough and well-paced tour of the Dominican Republic’s exceptional avifauna and habitats.

Tour Facts

Top Birds

Palmchat; Ridgway’s Hawk; Eastern & Western Chat-Tanagers; Ashy-faced Owl; Least Poorwill; Hispaniolan Nightjar; Hispaniolan Amazon; Hispaniolan Parakeet; Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo; Hispaniolan Trogon; Broad-billed & Narrow-billed Todys; Hispaniolan Woodpecker; Antillean Piculet; Hispaniolan Palm & White-necked Crows; Antillean Palm Swift; Hispaniolan Oriole; Golden Swallow; Hispaniolan Pewee; La Selle Thrush; Hispaniolan Emerald; Antillean Mango; Hispaniolan Spindalis, Hispaniolan Crossbill, Antillean Siskin; Rufous-throated Solitaire; West Indian Whistling Duck.

Habitats Covered

evergreen and endemic pine forest, dry forest, botanical gardens, mangroves, shoreline

Expected Climate

warm to hot and humid

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local leader

Tour Pace & Walking

DIFFICULT: This is a high-intensity “mega” tour designed for passionate listers and serious birders who enjoy a fast-paced schedule. Due to its demanding nature, it’s not recommended for avid photographers, inexperienced birders, or anyone with mobility or health limitations.

Can be a tiring tour but is suitable for most birding interest levels.

Accommodation

Mostly comfortable, hot water availability can be variable at some lodges. Some lodges may experience maintenance issues.

Ease of Birding

Moderate. Several skulking species, mostly searched for from the road edge or short trails. Some nocturnal endemics may require several attempts requiring early morning/late evening owling.

Other Attractions

great scenery & beaches, friendly people, good food

Photographic Opportunities

Reasonable, quite a few skulking species. No dedicated hides or feeders.

What our clients say about us

JT, Dominican Republic 2022

Bobby Wilcox was excellent: attentive to all the guests, helping with camera issues, ensuring everyone saw the birds, and enhancing the group experience. The photos he just shared with us are fantastic! Our local DR guide was very knowledgeable about not only birds, but many other topics including history, politics, geology, Haiti, etc.

GB & DB - Dominican Republic 2019

Our Rockjumper guide for all three tours, Adam Walleyn, was an excellent birder and attentive to all participants. We have travelled with Adam previously and continue to enjoy his expertise and passion for nature. Adam's leadership was a major factor in our booking the three tours.

NL, Dominican Republic 2023

Bobby Wilcox was great as tour leader; always aware of the clients and on-target with the endemics we sought. Our local guide was so well spoken and full of history and cultural knowledge as well as keen on all the birds. He was a real plus for the tour.

WB, Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2025

Bobby Wilcox was an amazing leader - excellent birding and bird-finding skills, responsive, organized, and also a really nice guy. Our local guides Manny and Efrain were also fantastic. Thanks to their local knowledge, and the teamwork amongst all of the guides, every person on the tour saw all of the endemic targets, far exceeding my expectations. This was our first Rockjumper tour, and I would gladly travel with Bobby and with Rockjumper again. Thanks for a great trip!

KM, Dominican Republic 2018

This tour may have been short, but it was not easy, so thank goodness our guide, Dušan Brinkhuizen, was so much fun to be with and so knowledgeable.

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola (Small Group) 2026

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2026

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola I 2027

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola (Small Group) 2027

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2027

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola I 2028

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola (Small Group) 2028

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2028