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

LG - Dominican Republic 2024

Just a well organized and very professional tour in a country where some of the birding can be difficult both from access and the behavior of the birds, So glad I went and it should be a top priority for everyone.

AD, Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2025

Bobby was great overall and the local guides were invaluable for getting us to some of the more difficult species.

NP, Dominican Republic 2021

Lev Frid was outstanding. He is knowledgeable, capable, hard working, friendly, easy going and a super human being. I had a blast with him and can’t find enough positive adjectives to describe him.

EF & AF, Dominican Republic 2020

Lev is top notch in identifying birds, pointing them out and trying to give everyone a good look

KB, Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2025

Great tour. Nothing but positive comments at all levels (drivers, local guides, Rockjumper guide). Looking forward to the next trip.

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