27 Nov 2027 - 03 Dec 2027 (7 days)
USD5,595 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Amanda Guercio
Tour Price (Per person): USD5,595 (CAD8,057 * GBP4,322 * EUR4,976)
Single Supplement: USD1,345 (CAD1,937 * GBP1,039 * EUR1,196)
Pricing notes : Internal flights (Abaco - Nassau, Nassau - Andros)
Our Rockjumper Gateway Tour has been specially designed to introduce travellers to the birds, wildlife and natural beauty of The Bahamas in a comfortable and enjoyable way. By focusing on the contrasting islands of Abaco and Andros, we explore some of the finest birding habitats in the archipelago, from extensive Caribbean pine forests and coastal coppice to wetlands, mangroves and pristine sandy shorelines.
Abaco offers an excellent introduction to Bahamian birdlife, with its beautiful pine forests, quiet roads and productive coastal habitats supporting many of the islands’ most sought-after species. Here we will search for regional specialties such as Bahama Woodstar, Bahama Warbler, Cuban Emerald, Bahama Mockingbird and Thick-billed Vireo, while enjoying the relaxed pace and scenic landscapes that make the island such a rewarding destination.
Our journey continues to Andros, the largest island in The Bahamas and one of the least developed. Vast expanses of pine forest, wetlands and mangroves provide habitat for species such as Bahama Oriole, West Indian Whistling Duck, Great Lizard Cuckoo and numerous herons, shorebirds and migrant warblers. The island’s peaceful atmosphere and excellent birding opportunities make it a fitting highlight of this Caribbean adventure.
In addition to the enjoyable birding, guests can look forward to beautiful tropical scenery, welcoming hospitality and a relaxed pace of travel. Comfortable accommodations, manageable travel days and straightforward logistics throughout make this tour an ideal introduction to Caribbean birding and wildlife travel.
American Flamingo; Bahama Woodstar; Bahama Mockingbird; Bahama Warbler; Cuban Emerald; West Indian Whistling Duck; Thick-billed Vireo; White-cheeked Pintail; Western Spindalis; West Indian Woodpecker; Loggerhead Kingbird; Great Lizard Cuckoo; Bahama Oriole; Western Red-legged Thrush; La Sagra’s Flycatcher; Cuban Pewee; Olive-capped Warbler; Black-necked Stilt; Bananaquit; Reddish Egret; Magnificent Frigatebird; White-crowned Pigeon; Antillean Nighthawk; Greater Antillean Bullfinch.
Coastal wetlands; Mangroves; Caribbean pine forest; Coastal scrub; Sandy beaches; Coastal lagoons; Open woodland; Island habitats.
Warm tropical conditions are experienced throughout the tour, with coastal areas often sunny, breezy and humid. Occasional tropical rain showers may occur.
5 - 8 with 1 Rockjumper leader
UNDEMANDING: This tour is ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels. It’s suitable for most mobility levels and offers a relaxed pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Designed specifically for first-time international birders and travellers. A gentle-paced tour with comfortable accommodations, manageable travel distances and limited strenuous activity throughout. Gateway Tours are intentionally designed around comfort, atmosphere and enjoyable birding experiences rather than long species lists or physically demanding schedules. These tours provide an ideal introduction to tropical birding travel while still offering exciting wildlife encounters and memorable birding throughout. These tours are not suitable for guests seeking demanding, fast-paced, highly target-driven birding experiences or intensive photography-focused itineraries.
Comfortable hotels and lodges with private bathrooms, reliable amenities and convenient access to birding areas.
Easy. Birding is conducted at an enjoyable pace with a strong emphasis on visually rewarding Caribbean species and scenic wildlife experiences rather than difficult or highly technical birding.
Turquoise Caribbean waters; White sandy beaches; Scenic island landscapes; Excellent photography; Relaxed island atmosphere; Mangrove & wetland scenery; Coastal wildlife viewing; Comfortable accommodations.
Good to excellent. Many species are seen well in open habitats, and numerous opportunities exist for scenic, wildlife and bird photography throughout the tour.
I had a wonderful time. Thanks!
Note that some of the comments I made regarding the Thailand extension apply to the main Thailand tour. I liked the sequence of sites visited; it ensured the Spoonbill Sandpiper was seen early on and then designed to minimize travel. Staying multiple nights at one site is always appreciated and seemed to be done as much as possible. The guides made special efforts to see bird species sought by the group; we saw more bird species than I expected. The drivers were excellent and also one of them, Jaime, was a good birder who helped the guides track down some species; it was an asset to have internet while in the vehicles. The drivers also produced an excellent video of the trip - a nice touch; they also did an excellent job with mid-morning breaks. I especially enjoyed visiting a hide all morning early on in the trip - it gave us a chance to see some elusive species but also several species very well. One morning was spent looking for a rare duck; I would have rather spent the time looking for a variety of Thai species. Quite a bit of birding was done along roads - it might have been better to bird trails etc. if they are available and afford good views of birds pointed out. Food was excellent (Uthai selected great dishes for the group) and accomodations were good. It was an enjoyable trip with rewarding looks at many of the bird species seen.
The tour structure and arrangements were first class. Leaders were very good and quite knowledgable. I thought Paul was energetic a d really on the birds. Would gladly travel with him again. It was great fun and we got nearly every endemic on the trip. Great fun!!
The guides continued their superb and tireless efforts to find bird species during the extension to the main tour.
Both Andre and Uthai were remarkably tireless and effective in finding and identifying birds, including some of the most elusive species in Thailand. They also did a great job of organizing the logistics of the trip. Our meals were already prepared when we arrived at restaurants and all of the hotel arrangements were handled smoothly. We probably will not consider going on another standard Rockjumper trip. Birding steadily from dawn to after dark was a bit much, especially for 22 uninterrupted days. This pace is appropriate for most serious birders so I don’t fault the guides, but we plan to shift to a style of traveling in which we can set our own schedule. We might consider one of Rockjumper's relaxed tours, but we're not concerned about long hikes and muddy trails as long as the schedule allows for a little down time to read, reflect and recover.
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