Birding in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)

The island of Hispaniola features more than 300 bird species which is why the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for birding in the Caribbean. Around 30 of these species are endemic on Hispaniola such as the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Palmchat, so you can only find them here. Another unique feature of bird watching in the Dominican Republic is that you can combine your birding vacations with visiting the most beautiful places the Caribbean has to offer – such as the gorgeous beaches of Bahía de las Águilas, Playa Rincón or Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana, the amazing waterfalls of the Cordillera Central, the stunning nature of the Dominican Republic’s north coast or the colonial heritage of Santo Domingo’s old town. Birding in the Dominican Republic is possible in many different regions in the country – the following blogpost shows you which places you should not miss for your Caribbean bird watching holidays.

Birding in the Dominican Republic

The island of Hispaniola features more than 300 bird species which is why the Dominican Republic is a hotspot for birding in the Caribbean. Around 30 of these species are endemic on Hispaniola such as the Hispaniolan Woodpecker and the Palmchat, so you can only find them here. Another unique feature of bird watching in the Dominican Republic is that you can combine your birding vacations with visiting the most beautiful places the Caribbean has to offer – such as the gorgeous beaches of Bahía de las Águilas, Playa Rincón or Playa Bávaro in Punta Cana, the amazing waterfalls of the Cordillera Central, the stunning nature of the Dominican Republic’s north coast or the colonial heritage of Santo Domingo’s old town. Birding in the Dominican Republic is possible in many different regions in the country – the following blogpost shows you which places you should not miss for your Caribbean bird watching holidays.

Santo Domingo, Botanical Garden

As Santo Domingo might be your arrival and departure airport for the Dominican Republic anyway, you should definitely stop for 1 or 2 nights at this melting pot of different cultures with a cross-section of the whole Dominican society. In the morning, you can head to the Botanical Garden where you can observe the two species mentioned in the introduction or other endemic birds such as the Black-whiskered Vireo or the Antillean Palm Swift. After the Botanical Garden you should take some hours in the afternoon exploring the ancient streets of the Zona Colonial with its multi-coloured buildings and unique colonial atmosphere. The capital will be a great starting point for your birding vacation in the Dominican Republic.

Our recommendation: We can organize a City Tour for you, consisting of a private tour to the Botanic Garden and an afternoon walking tour through the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, UNESCO world heritage.

Parque Nacional Los Haitises

Los Haitises National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and bird watchers alike. While most people head out by boat to explore the park and its caves, islands and wildlife (incl. fregate birds and pelicans + the humpback whales which are migrating here each year from January to March), there is also the option to participate at specialized bird watching tours. While the sole accommodation in the park is already worth visiting thanks to its rustic charm and the stunning location embedded in tropical nature and gorgeous waterfalls, our “Eco-lodge in a beautiful surrounding in the national park” is also the perfect starting point to see the endangered and endemic Ridgway’s Hawk.

Our recommendation: If you’d like to go birding at Parque National Los Haitises, have a look at our 4-day package “whale- and birdwatching in the Dominican Republic” which also includes a birdwatching tour to observe the Ridgway’s Hawk.

Cordillera Septentrional (Northern Mountain Range)

If you are on a tour around the country and you would like to throw in some easy accessible birding in the Dominican Republic, a stay at our “Sustainable eco-lodge with spectacular views” is highly recommended. It is located north of Puerto Plata and Sosua and fits in well into any itinerary that includes the North Coast. While the accommodation itself is outstanding thanks to its unique design with open, airy and light-flooded casitas and unparalleled ocean views, the surrounding areas offer fantastic bird watching opportunities. There are good chances that you can spot Hispaniolan Orioles, Vervain Hummingbirds, Black-crowned Palm-tanagers, Broad-billed Todys, Palmchats, Hispaniolan Woodpeckers, Red-legged Thrushs and Greater Antillean grackles.

Our recommendation: We can not only organize your accommodation at our “Sustainable eco-lodge with spectacular views” but also the hikes with local guides who can explain everything about the local flora and fauna, including the several birds living in the area.

The Southwest of the Dominican Republic, Southern Part

No birdwatching holiday in the Dominican Republic would be perfect without a visit to the southwestern part of the country. The Bahoruco mountain range divides this peninsula into two parts, where the southern part is the more accessible one. It can be perfectly combined with a visit of the pristine and absolutely untouched beach of Bahía de las Águilas and stunning drives along the panoramic route from Barahona to Pedernales. This road also serves as your gateway to access the birding spots in the Southwest of the Dominican Republic, such as the Hoyo de Pelempito, the Laguna Oviedo and the Cachote cloud forest. Species observable here include the Hispaniolan Crossbills, Antillean Siskins, Golden Swallows, Dominican Pine Warblers, Palm Crows and Easter Chat Tanagers. The Laguna Oviedo is also famous for its Flamingos and Roseate Spoonbills and is easily accessible by boat.

Our recommendation: It is best to base yourself in the area of Barahona, where we can offer you plenty of hotels depending on your budget. For further itinerary information, please have a look at our 4-day “Unknown Southwest” package (we can easily add bird watching here), where you can get a first glimpse of the beauty of this area.

The Southwest of the Dominican Republic, Northern Part

This area is the most interesting part and your No. 1 with regard to birdwatching in the Dominican Republic. If you are planning birding as your main activity, your visit to the country is not complete without travelling to the area between Lago Enriquillo and the Bahoruco Mountain Range. The region is famous among birdwatchers, as it offers an eco-lodge especially for these kind of stays with screened cabins and birding trails starting directly from the property. Around the lodge and in higher elevation areas which are accessible by 4×4-tours, common species are La Selle Thrush, Western Chat Tanager, White-winged Warbler, Rufous Throated Solitaire, Hispaniolan Trogon and the White-fronted Quail Dove.

Our recommendation: Accessibility for bird watching to this part of the country is not easy, but with our experienced drivers and guides we will make it possible to visit this remote part of the Dominican Republic.

You want to go birding in the Dominican Republic and see the immense variety of this country? Ask us for your personalized birdwatching itinerary and get in touch with our professional travel experts.

Roundtrips

This short trip is specially designed for nature lovers who want to experience the animal and natural diversity of the Dominican Republic up close and far away from any civilization. Travel back in time and spend two nights in the National Park "Los Haitises", where over 4000 years ago the indigenous people of the island used to live in the caves there. During mating season from mid-January to mid-March, you will be able to witness the impressive humpback whales and see many bird species (some of them endemic) during an early morning bird watching tour.

5 Days / 4 Nights
from from 1,295 USD per person in double occupancy
Dreams Dominicus La Romana (All-Inclusive), Bayahibe

You want to spend a relaxing vacation with a lot of comfort in the most beautiful all-inclusive resorts, but still get to know a bit of the Dominican Republic, the country and its people? Then this trip is perfect for you! It combines the best resorts on the most beautiful Caribbean dream beaches with unforgettable experiences and impressions in beautiful places "off the beaten track", which remain hidden to most tourists. You will also make a short trip to the tropical peninsula of Samaná and visit the national park "Los Haitises". Our private transfers with professional drivers will take you to the most beautiful areas and unique accommodations of the Dominican Republic according to your wishes and with a lot of comfort.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,640.- per person in double occupancy
Las Dunas de Baní, the sole desert in the Caribbean

The southwest of the Dominican Republic, also called "Sur Occidental", is one of the "Top Secrets" of this island, because this area is still almost completely undiscovered by tourists. With your private driver or driver-guide you can discover this region intensively and accompanied. Sit back during the rides and enjoy the unique views. In this region you will mainly find pure nature and the real Dominican life, far away from tourism and hustle and bustle. The southwest of the Dominican Republic with its seven national parks combines snow-white and pristine beaches with barren mountain landscapes, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls. This trip will take you through a unique Caribbean natural landscape. Unforgettable moments are guaranteed! If you travel with a driver-guide, you will also learn a lot about the country, culture, history, flora and fauna on the spot.

6 Days / 5 Nights
from USD 1,140.- per person in double occupancy
Dominican People

On this unique round trip, within only one week, you will discover the most beautiful parts of the Dominican Republic which most tourists never get to see. With your private driver or driver-guide you can discover the Dominican Republic intensively and supervised. Sit back during the rides and enjoy the unique views. Travel through the heart of the island with waterfalls, lakes and mountains; and don't worry, you won't miss the beautiful beaches on this trip either. Moreover, if you travel with a driver-guide, you will learn a lot about the country, culture, history, flora and fauna on the spot. As one of the highlights you will visit the remote and untouched national park "Los Haitises" during the trip.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 3,540.- per person in double occupancy
La Reyoa Waterfall Hike, Puerto Plata

The Dominican Republic offers a variety of natural beauty unique in the Caribbean. This versatility provides the ideal conditions for any kind of adventure experiences and sporting activities, which you will experience in two weeks on our round trip "Active Island Experience". The always pleasant air and water temperatures throughout the country make the activities even more special experiences. From activities like canyoning, river rafting, paragliding, hiking to remote beaches and waterfalls, mountain biking, surfing and kiting: this trip combines everything an adventurer's heart desires! Of course, you can choose the type and number of activities that best suit you - we will be happy to customize the trip according to your wishes. Besides, on this trip you will get to know beautiful landscapes, dream beaches and exciting places that remain hidden to most tourists and learn a lot about the Dominican culture and local life.

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,875.- per person in double occupancy

Discover the Caribbean far away from civilization on this rental car tour and explore some of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic, which remain hidden to most tourists. Perfectly suited for mountain and outdoor lovers! One of the highlights of this is the ascent of Pico Duarte: at over 10,000 feet, it is the highest peak in the Cordillera Central and thus in the entire Caribbean region. On this mountain tour in the Dominican Republic you will experience a unique natural landscape, which presents itself in a breathtaking way in the different climates you will hike through: from tropical landscapes to pine and deciduous forests, past crystal clear mountain streams to rocky summit landscapes. Definitely a unique experience! Other highlights of this adventure trip in the mountains are the crossing of the highest pass road of the Caribbean in the Cordillera Central, overnight stay in the highest hotel of the Caribbean as well as an unforgettable canyoning adventure. The level of difficulty of all sporting activities can be adapted to you depending on your fitness and abilities.

8 Days / 7 Nights
from USD 1,795.- per person in double occupancy

The Dominican Republic is a perfect vacation destination if you want to be on the road as a family and have an unforgettable time together - totally flexible and individually, on your own with a rental car. The trip takes you across the whole country and offers many highlights, beautiful activities and excursions for the whole family. From leisurely river tubing to boat trips, remote beaches, making your own chocolate, culture & history in the 4D cinema and much more - there is something for everyone. Depending on the age and interest of your children, we will be happy to personalize this further for you!

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,835.- per adult in double occupancy / From USD 680.- per child

During this three-week round trip you will get to know all facets of the Dominican Republic. It takes you once from west to east through the whole country: from the untouched southwest (the "Top Secret" of the Dominican Republic), through the mountainous countryside, where you will find the highest mountains of the entire Caribbean, via various stops on the breathtaking north coast to the tropical peninsula of Samana. This trip is full of highlights! And by the way, during the trip you will stay in unique accommodations, exceptional eco-lodges and high-end boutique hotels. Whether glamping on a remote dream beach, tree houses in nature or accommodations with spectacular ocean views - there is everything!

22 Days / 21 Nights
from USD 3,550.- per person in double occupancy

4 Comments

  1. Mario

    I would like to schedule a birding guide. I will be in Punta Cana from the 15th to the 20th of December. Could you suggest a birdwhaching guide in Punta Cana?

    Reply
    • Larissa Liechti

      Hi Mario,
      Thank you very much for visiting our website and your interest in our services.
      I will get back to you with some helpful information about birding in a personal mail.
      Sunny greetings,
      Larissa from
      DOMINICAN EXPERT

      Reply
  2. Maureen Brodoff

    I am in the secrets Cap Cana resort in Punta Cana from February 2 until February 10 and would like to do some birding for a day or 2 at reasonable cost. Any suggestions. It would be for 1-4 people. Cotubanama National Park seems doable but I am open to other locations within reach or our resort.

    Reply
    • Larissa Liechti

      Dear Maureen,
      Thank you so much for your interest in our services.
      I am happy to help you with some helpful information about birding, I will send you an e-mail.
      Sunny greetings,
      Larissa from
      DOMINICAN EXPERT

      Reply

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