Jamaica
The Doctorbirds, Mountain Witch & More
January 10 - 17, 2026
With Joshua Covill & local guide
All photos by Kevin Berkoff unless stated otherwise
Jamaica offers a perfect Caribbean birding getaway. Vibrant birdlife, a unique cuisine with Blue Mountain coffee, and a rich history all combine to make this short and sweet tour one full of rewarding experiences. From the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea to the misty cloud-forest of the Blue Mountains, to coastal wetlands, Jamaica has a wide range of ecosystems and wildlife to offer. With dozens of Caribbean specialties and 28 endemic species, the island hosts the most endemic birds of any place in the Caribbean. Join us for a great week full of birding, as you retrace the footsteps of the real James Bond, while enjoying the most picturesque island within the Greater Antilles.
Daily Overview
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Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
On your arrival you will be met at the airport by a Hillstar representative. We will enjoy our first caribbean bird species as well as our first taste of Jamaican cuisine at our Welcome Dinner. We suggest planning your arrival before 4pm.
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Days 2-7: Birding Jamaica
From the dry limestone forests and its short shrubs and cacti, to the misty cloud forests of the Blue Mountains, to coastal wetlands, Jamaica holds a variety of habitats and a great mix of birds. We will add detail about our planned itinerary, but over the course of our week we explore the island, seeking birds such as Jamaican Mango, and the second-smallest hummingbird species on Earth, the Vervain Hummingbird, as well as the two endemic parrots, Black-billed and Yellow-billed, the Jamaican Owl, and still many others. Among the island’s most charismatic and well known birds is “The Doctorbird”, or the Streamertail hummingbird, which holds two species actually, both found only here. Also nestled within the 28 endemic birds, are 5 endemic genera, perhaps the most truly and uniquely Jamaican birds of all. These include the genus that contains the 2 Streamertails, as well as those for the Jamaican Owl, the Jamaican Blackbird, Yellow-shouldered Grassquit, and the Orangequit. Two other particular favorites include the Jamaican Crow, well known for its remarkable and diverse vocalizations and so often called “Chattering” or “Jabbering” crow, and the fabled pastel-colored Crested Quail-Dove, also known as “The Mountain Witch”. Jamaica is rife with flavor!
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Day 8: International departures
Depending on departure flights there may be time for a last morning of birding before we transfer to the airport. At this stage you would have had multiple chances to see all the endemic birds and most of the regional endemics as well, while enjoying Jamaica’s unique cuisine and warm hospitality.
PRICE & BOOKING INFO
Tour Price/person*: TBA. Estimated at $3600
Deposit: $1000/person
Single supplement: TBA
Final Payment Due: September 10th, 2025, or at registration if after. Group size: 5 to 9 guests.
*Based on double occupancy at lodgings, with a group size of 5 to 9 registrants. Maximum group size is 9 registrants, plus guide(s) and driver(s). If there are fewer than 5 registrants, this tour may be canceled or re-negotiated. Note that if you want a roommate we can try to find you one, but we cannot guarantee all guests a roommate. If none is available, you will be charged the single supplement.
The tour price (fee) includes services from upon arrival on Day 1 until your transfer to the airport on Day 8, including:
All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8.
All accommodations from Day 1 through until Day 8.
All transport from arrival on Day 1, to Day 8 when guests depart on their international flight out of Jamaica.
All guiding services, access permits and entrance fees to birding areas.
Tips for drivers and staff at hotels and restaurants.
Excluded from your tour fee are:
International flights. (We can advise, but Hillstar does not book international flights).
Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, charges for phone calls, and any other items of a personal nature.
Expenses associated with travel such as insurance, visa fees, airport taxes, airline baggage fees, COVID tests, vaccinations, etc.
Tips for local guide.
Documents
All travelers must have a current passport, valid for at least six months beyond the start date of this tour. Citizens from the US, Canada, the UK, and most European nations do not need a visa. We advise checking on the Jamaican immigration website here: https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/entry-visa-requirements
Pace, Rigor, Climate & Pests
Warm and humid Caribbean climate, with daytime highs between 75 and 90 F degrees.
Cooler temps in the Blue Mountains where it’s warm and pleasant, with cool and comfortable nights.
Food is excellent throughout and accommodations are 3 to 4 star.
No rigorous hiking required, a few mornings of walking and birding along dirt roads and easy trails.
Only a couple drives of 2+ hours, otherwise mostly short drive times between sites.
Early mornings, up before dawn. Usually back to the hotel by 12pm for lunch. Afternoon birding after lunch, with one afternoon of optional beach time.
PACKING/What to Bring
Please limit yourself to one suitcase/duffel and another daypack/backpack for daily outings from the lodge. Group travel dictates we consider our fellow traveler’s comfort, and this includes not over-packing. Lightweight and breathable clothing good for warm climates is recommended, as well as neutral colors and earth tones to increase the chances of close bird encounters and reduce startling wildlife. Rain jackets/rain shells are recommended as we may encounter light afternoon showers, but they usually don’t last long. A light sweater for mornings in the Blue Mountains where it can be 60 F degrees at dawn, but it warms up quickly. Comfortable trail or hiking shoes are recommended, as well as sandals or light shoes for wearing around the lodge and on travel days. Power outlets in Jamaica are Type A and Type B, the same plug configuration as the United States and Canada.
Cancellation Policy
If a guest/participant cancels registration:
● 120 days or more prior to the start of the tour, a refund is issued minus a $500/person processing fee.
● Between 119 and 90 days prior to the start of the tour, half of the tour fee will be returned to the registrant.
● 89 days or less prior to departure, no refund of payments or deposits are issued.