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 was very pleased with the birding. I saw all 29 endemics and a total of 42 life birds. The leaders are great at finding, luring in and identifying birds. I appreciated that the focus was very much on the birding. The food and accommodations were excellent and appropriate. I wonder if we should have spent our last night near the coast but am not sure how that would have affected our birding success.
The Buru extension following the RWPI Cruise was fantastic. I feel sorry for those on the main tour that did not take this extension. The birds were fabulous, Glen was a superb guide, and the scenery great. Glen did a great job trying to get us on all the birds, even the most rare and elusive. Again, flexibility was a key element in the success of the trip. I can't think of anything about the trip that could be done to improve it.
Stu is a personable, helpful, and organized guide and was a pleasure to travel with. He was ready to help not only with finding and identifying birds, but also with little problems that popped up during our trip, as they so often do. Our local guide was likewise consistently friendly and helpful. My main concern is that on this trip, as on past Rockjumper trips, there doesn't seem to be any effort to vet the physical ability of potential group members, and as a result those of us who are prepared for the experience are held back by those who are physically not ready for it. I know that trips are rated on the website in regards to the level of exertion required, but this does not seem to help -- I have been on multiple tours with people who are not physically capable of maintaining a steady level of exertion while birding. This is not fair to those of us who are.
This was my third trip with Dušan and he, once again, orchestrated an outstanding experience. Not only is he a top notch bird guide, but he is also a superb tour leader who works tirelessly to make sure his clients have an enjoyable and trouble-free experience. Last, but not least, he is an interesting and friendly person: always willing to share his expertise and excited about learning from others. I truly hope that I have an opportunity to bird and travel with Dušan again.
Overall great job at every aspect of the trip.
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