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Puerto Rico 8-Day

Puerto Rican Bullfinch (endemic) This fun and easy exploration of Puerto Rico’s prime birding locations will target the nation’s endemics and specialties with 5-days on the main island before we fly to the tiny island of Vieques.

Vieques offers beautiful beach-front lodging where we can swim, snorkel or kayak with some free time. The main draw here, however, is the amazing Bioluminescent Bay that is considered the best in the world! We will explore this phenomena by electric-powered pontoon boat on one evening and will have the ability to swim in its magical glow!

Thanks to the flexibility of our itinerary and few pre-set meal locations, meal costs are NOT included in this trip. This will save you money and open up our daily options, too.

Can’t take eight days for a trip… try our PUERTO RICO 5-DAY adventure!

  • Tour Cost

    • Trip Length

    8-days/7-nights

     

    2013 Cost

    $2200 per person double occupancy from San Juan

     

    Thanks to the flexibility of our itinerary and few pre-set meal locations, meal costs are NOT included in this trip. This will save you money and open up our daily options, too.

     

    Single Supplement

    If a single room is preferred, or we are unable to get a roommate for you, a single supplement fee of $350.00 will be assessed.

     

    What is Included / Not Included in the Cost

    Included in the cost are all accommodations, transportation (including flight to Vieques), entrance fees and permits.

    Thanks to the flexibility of our itinerary and few pre-set meal locations, meal costs are NOT included in this trip. This will save you money and open up our daily options, too.

     

    Final Payment

    The balance due or full payment, by check, is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

  • Itinerary

    • Day 1 - Arrival Day (all flights to arrive no later than 1:30 PM)

    Drive from San Juan to Hatillo, on the north coast, with stops along the way for birds, butterflies, great scenery and whatever else we can find!

    (Dinner included)

     

    Day 2 - Hatillo — Maricao

    Early departure for Cambalache Forest where as many as 14 of Puerto Rico’s endemics (expect 7-10) and many specialties have been found. We will visit additional locations along the north coast before driving south to Maricao area. Evening spotlight search for the Puerto Rican Screech Owl.

    (Breakfast and Dinner included)

     

    Day 3 - Maricao — La Parguera

    Morning birding on hotel grounds before breakfast. Then birding in tha Maricao Forest looking for our target, the Elfin Woods Warbler and additional endemics. Then drive to south coast with birding stops along the way. Late afternoon arrival at hotel after finding the very local and endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird. Night walk along the coast looking for nightjars.

    (Breakfast included)

     

    Day 4 - La Parguera — Fajardo

    Explore Guanica Dry Forest in the morning looking again for the Puerto Rican nightjar, Adelaide's Warbler, and other localized species before departing to search for the endangered Plain Pigeon. Arriving at our lodge after dark we will again seek the Perto Rican Screech Owl.

     

    Day 5 - Fly to Vieques

    Morning birding in Fajardo to seek Green-throated Carib and Antillean Crested Hummingbird before we drive to Ceiba for our flight to Vieques. After dinner we will enjoy a boat ride and optional swim in the incredible Bioluminescent Bay--considered the best in the world!

     

    Day 6 - Vieques

    Today will offer birding on Vieques mixed with visiting several historical sites.

     

    Day 7 - Vieques to Fajardo

    Morning will offer free time to enjoy the beach before our mid-day flight back to Ceiba.

     

    Day 8 - Return Home

    Morning birding before 12:00pm airport drop off.

  • Accommodations

    • TJ Ranch

    TJ Ranch is a family-owned B&B nestled amid the coffee trees. Their three “casitas” each have a bedroom, screened porch and private bath.

     

    Maravilla Mountain B&B

    Maravilla Mountain B&B sits in a 40-acre coffee and citris plantation. Gourmet vegetarian meals are filling and deliscious. The main building offers shared bathrooms. The separate cabin has gas lantern lighting and shared bathroom with hot showers.

     

    Parador Villa Parquera

    Parador Villa Parquera lies on the edge of the Caribbean. 70 comfortable rooms overlook the blue sea. Gardens to explore, a beautiful pool and decks for star gazing add to the ambiance.

     

    Fajardo Inn

    Fajardo Inn lies near the northeastern coast. Surrounded by groomed gardens, this typical-style hotel is the best location to find a few of the species we seek! It lies just a short drive from one of our hopeful parrot sites as well. The restaurant offers excellent meals.

     

    Tail Winds Guest House - Vieques

    Tail Winds lies across from the beach in the coastal town of Esparanza. Simple, comfortable rooms with hot showers and air conditioning are full of local artwork and crafts. The lodge's restaurant is one of the best in the islands!

  • Additional Info

    • birdsof-puerto-ricoRecommended Field Guide:

    A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

    (Princeton University Press, 1989)

    by Herbert A. Raffaele

     

     

     

    To maximize birding time, we do highly recommend that you arrive the evening before the tour begins as this will allow additional birding time. Please contact us for recommendations of where to stay for easy pick-up in the morning.

  • Trip Reports

    • Bird List November 2011

     

    Bird List December 2011

  • Species Lists

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