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

JH, Dominican Republic 2020

"The birds cooperated, but Forrest and everyone on the tour worked hard and remarkably all participants on the tour were able to record every endemic species, mostly seen very well. The large bus provided plenty of room and the Wifi on the bus was another surprise!"

PO, Dominican Republic 2021

This was a very nice tour. Lev was very knowledgeable and friendly. Accommodations were good also. Overall a great trip and I would not hesitate to do another tour with Rockjumper as this was my fourth with them.

MF, Dominican Republic 2023

This was my first international birding trip. Despite picking one of the harder places to bird, and a bad case of motion-sickness from the plane and car rides, I greatly enjoyed the experience. The Rockjumper and local guides were knowledgeable and friendly, the food was good, and when the birds showed themselves they were excellent. Our leader, Bobby, said we got some of the best views of some of the birds hes ever got. I would definitely travel with Bobby and Rockjumper again.

KB & JB, Dominican Republic 2020

We were very excited to be traveling with Forrest again on our 9th tour with Rockjumper! Forrest is an excellent guide and totally lived up to our expectations (again), Forrest's experience in the Dominican Republic was certainly a plus, and with the help of the terrific local guides (and maybe some luck), we were able to get unexpectedly very good looks of some of the more difficult and usually less cooperative species. Thanks for a great trip!

KDW, Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola II 2025

Bobby did a great job and the local guides were really good.

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