An epic adventure covering 6 countries and 10 islands, taking in all the single island and Lesser Antillean Endemics. Made up of the southerly Windward and the northerly Leeward Islands, the Lesser Antilles are the last frontier of Caribbean birding. These volcanic islands on the edge of the Caribbean Plate are the gateway between the harsh Atlantic Ocean and the warm, tranquil Caribbean Sea. Originally settled by the Taino of South America, the islands have played host to multiple colonisers from the Caribs to the more modern European giants of Britain, France and the Netherlands. Through multiple wars, slavery, epidemics, natural and man-made destruction, the island’s wildlife has managed to escape mostly intact, but equally lives a precarious existence that can be wiped out by a single event.
Starting from Barbados, the most easterly of the islands we embark on numerous short hops to Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Barbuda and ultimately Antigua. Hosting 18 single island endemics, 10 Lesser Antillean endemics, 9 Caribbean endemics and upwards of 43 endemics sub-species (with many liable to be full splits), this travel intensive, but birding relaxed tour appeals to the birder, twitcher and photographer alike. Gaudy birds, picture postcard beaches, turquoise seas, rugged landscapes and friendly locals make this tour one of our birding highlights.
2024 Tour itinerary (routing & tour length) are likely to change due to logistics and availability of local airlines.
Top Birds
St. Vincent, Red-necked, Imperial & St. Lucia Amazons, Barbados & Lesser Antillean Bullfinches, Green-throated & Purple-throated Caribs, Antillean Crested & Blue-headed Hummingbirds, West Indian Whistling Duck, Grenada Dove, Lesser Antillean Swift, Caribbean Elaenia, Grenada Flycatcher, Lesser Antillean Tanager, Whistling, Plumbeous, Barbuda & St. Lucia Warblers, Brown & Grey Tremblers, Cocoa & Forest Thrush, Rufous-throated Solitaire, Scaly-breasted Thrasher, St. Lucia Black Finch, St. Lucia, Montserrat & Martinique Orioles, Lesser Antillean Pewee, Rufous Nightjar, Lesser Antillean Saltator, Antillean Euphonia, Guadeloupe Woodpecker, Bridled Quail-Dove.
Top Mammals
Short-finned Pilot, Humpback & False Killer Whales.
Habitats Covered
tropical islands, beaches, volcanic foothills, forest
Expected Climate
tropical
Max Group Size
9 with 2 Rockjumper Leaders
Tour Pace & Walking
relaxed with some moderate walks
Accommodation
good to very good
Ease of Birding
easy, with some tricky species
Other Attractions
stunning local cuisine, deserted beaches
Photographic Opportunities
good to excellent