Birding Tours of Cuba in 2026 with BirdsCaribbean

Cuban Tody—one of Cuba's most beloved endemic birds. (photo by Aslam Ibrahim) — Colorful and friendly, the Cuban Tody is one of Cuba’s most beloved endemic birds. (photo by Aslam Ibrahim)

Join BirdsCaribbean, the Caribbean Birding Trail, and expert Cuban bird guides, Ernesto Reyes Mourino and Tania Piñeiro, on the adventure of a lifetime! Choose from our January, February, or March 2026 trips to explore Cuba’s spectacular landscapes, vibrant culture, and extraordinary birdlife. The tour is perfect for individuals, couples, and groups of friends looking for a truly unique experience! Several spaces still available for our January trip – sign up today!

New for 2026 – Birding, Culture, and Jazz Festival Tour in January!

With over 400 bird species recorded, including 29 unique endemics and 21 globally threatened species, Cuba is a birder’s paradise. Its expansive landscapes and prime Caribbean location make it a critical stopover and wintering site for over 180 Neotropical migratory species, creating rare opportunities to observe both endemic and migratory birds.

Our carefully crafted itinerary takes you to Cuba’s premier birding locations, where you’ll encounter the island’s diverse avifauna. Along the way, you’ll connect with Cuban ornithologists, guides, and community members; stay in welcoming casas particulares (Bed & Breakfast establishments); and dine in cozy paladars (private restaurants), giving you an authentic taste of Cuba’s rich culture, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Discover Cuba through its birds, landscapes, and people—join us for an unforgettable experience in 2026!

Explore, Enjoy, and Empower: Why you’ll Want to Book this Trip ASAP!

Your trip, led by outstanding and experienced certified Cuban guides Ernesto Reyes & Tania Piñeiro, and group leaders Lisa Sorenson (Executive Director, BirdsCaribbean, January trip), Holly Garrod (Bird Banding Network Coordinator, BirdsCaribbean, February trip), and Jeff Gerbracht (Checklist Working Group Co-Chair, BirdsCaribbean, March trip), combines expert guidance with local insights. Your adventure includes hassle-free Cuban visa arrangements, dedicated driver and first-class bus transportation, bilingual guides, accommodations, meals and non-alcoholic drinks (with tips at restaurants taken care of), and admission fees for all itinerary locations, ensuring a seamless experience.

Traveling with us not only lets you experience the beauty of Caribbean birds, it also directly supports their conservation. A portion of your trip proceeds goes towards our bird conservation programs and partners in Cuba and the Caribbean. Enjoy unforgettable sightings of some of the world’s most iconic birds, all while contributing to their welfare and supporting the dedicated people who study and protect them.

From Cuba’s majestic mogotes to lush tropical forests to vibrant swamps and wetlands, we explore a wide variety of spectacular habitats. For a glimpse of the incredible bird species you may encounter, take a look at our eBird trip reports.

Still not convinced? Check out the rave reviews at the bottom of this page and see what fellow birders are saying about their unforgettable experiences! See also photos from past trips in the gallery below.

Three exceptional tours to choose from in 2026: a 10-day Birding & Jazz Tour in January, a 9-day Birding Tour in February, and an 11-day Birding Tour in March

See detailed itineraries for our 2026 trips below!

Birding, Culture, and Jazz Festival Tour, 10-day trip: 21-30 January 2026

Boat ride in Santo Tomas, Zapata Swamp, Cuba to look for the endemic Zapata Wren and Zapata Sparrow. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

DOWNLOAD THE ITINERARY (PDF) – Birds and Jazz Flow Together! From birdsong by day to jazz by night—experience Cuba’s wild beauty and vibrant culture all in one unforgettable trip. After a few days immersed in Cuba’s extraordinary birdlife and landscapes, we’ll land in Havana, just in time for the 41st International Jazz Festival, where Afro-Cuban rhythms and world-class jazz fill the city’s intimate venues.

SIGN UP HERE for the January trip and pay your deposit as soon as possible. (4 spaces left!)

Fill out the Liability Release form

Contact Lisa Sorenson (Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org) and Alexia Morales (Alexia.Morales@BirdsCaribbean.org) if you have questions. We look forward to traveling with you!

The total cost of the January tour is $4,695. Review the itinerary to see what this includes. Forms of payment for the tour deposit ($500) and balance are check, ACH transfer, and Zelle. See more info in the itinerary and notify us about your preferred method for sending the deposit and final payment.

Birding and Culture Tour, 9-day trip: 18-26 February 2026

The amazing sites of Old Havana (photo by Garry Donaldson)

DOWNLOAD THE ITINERARY (PDF)

SIGN UP HERE for the February trip and pay your deposit as soon as possible. This trip is full but If you’re interested in this tour, please contact us to be the first on the waiting list (sometimes we get cancellations) and to be notified about our 2027 tour dates!

Fill out the Liability Release form

Contact Lisa Sorenson (Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org) and Alexia Morales (Alexia.Morales@BirdsCaribbean.org) if you have questions. We look forward to traveling with you!

The total cost of the February tour is $3,995. Review the itinerary to see what this includes. Forms of payment for the tour deposit ($500) and balance are check, ACH transfer, and Zelle. See more info in the itinerary and notify us about your preferred method for sending the deposit and final payment.

Birding and Culture Tour, 11-day trip: 19-29 March 2026

Male Fernandina's Flicker — Fernandina’s Flicker, one of 29 endemic birds in Cuba. (Photo by Aslam Ibrahim Castellon)

DOWNLOAD THE ITINERARY (PDF)

SIGN UP HERE for the March trip and pay your deposit as soon as possible. This trip is full but If you’re interested in this tour, please contact us to be the first on the waiting list (sometimes we get cancellations) and to be notified about our 2027 tour dates!

Fill out the Liability Release form

Contact Lisa Sorenson (Lisa.Sorenson@BirdsCaribbean.org) and Alexia Morales (Alexia.Morales@BirdsCaribbean.org) if you have questions. We look forward to traveling with you!

The total cost of the March tour is $4,895. Review the itinerary to see what this includes. Forms of payment for the tour deposit ($500) and balance are check, ACH transfer, and Zelle. See more info in the itinerary and notify us about your preferred method for sending the deposit and final payment.

Note: We are aware that Cuba is currently facing significant challenges with its electric grid, resulting in frequent blackouts due to aging infrastructure and limited government resources to secure fuel. We will continue to monitor the situation closely to determine if potential impacts on our trip would necessitate any changes or cancellations. We will notify you immediately if our plans change or if we need to cancel the trip, and will refund all tour fees less a $75 processing fee. Hopefully, conditions will improve to allow travel as planned. Income from visitors to Cuba, including birdwatchers, is crucial to sustaining local livelihoods, providing much-needed support to guides, bed and breakfast owners, chefs, restaurants, markets, and national parks.

Testimonials from Tour Participants:

Birding fun in Cayo Coco, Cuba. (photo by Garry Donaldson)

The trip was well-organized and every moment was memorable. We, of course, enjoyed the birds foremost. We enjoyed meeting Nils, walking the streets of Viñales, seeing local art and landscapes, eating local food. The customs and habits of the locals were fascinating to us. It was like a time warp to a time even prior to when we were born. We always felt safe. Walking after dark through Playa Larga and late at night around old Havana never made us uncomfortable. We enjoyed meeting and getting to know every fellow traveler. – Don and Dena McKee

Fabulous birding tour with most of the endemics seen in a very short time. The landscape was impressive, the people fascinating to see and talk to, and the food was delicious and abundant. Staying in the casas particulares was a good experience to be able to assist the local people in their economy. Excellently organized and well-rounded tour with fantastic guides of the highest standard. I will return to Cuba. – Coppelia Hayes

Our bird guides, Ernesto Reyes and Tania Peñeiro, were very kind and patient. They are both excellent birders with an amazing ear. It was wonderful to also meet the local experts, like Nils Navarro, Orlando Garrido, Rosendo Martinez and Lourdes Mugica. They were all personable, generous and added much to our experience. – Carrie Dortch

It was a pleasure to be on a trip where one was able to enjoy the cultural aspects of the country and learn something of its history and yet even though time was devoted to that, we didn’t miss out on birds, a variety of birding locations, and sightings of Cuban endemics and near endemics. We had great views of very special birds, like the Cuban Trogon, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Oriole, Cuban Pygmy Owl and many more. Every day as well as overall seemed to be an excellent balance between birding and/or bird-associated activities and other cultural and historical pursuits. A very well-rounded trip with outstanding guides and many memorable experiences! – Philippa Randall

Nils Navarro, author of Endemic Birds of Cuba, at his home in Viñales, showing us his artwork from the book. Local bird guide, Tania Piñeiro, assists Nils. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

I have been on a number of birding tours both in the US and in other countries. This tour ranks way up at the top of the list. The number of birds seen and the quality of the sightings was superior but our leaders’ in-depth knowledge of the country’s history, culture, geology, government, and people made it a first-class experience. – Barbara Males

BirdsCaribbean Birdwatching and Cultural Trip to Cuba is the perfect trip for birders seeking endemics and a window into the culture and history of an island that has been off limits to US citizens for 50 years. Birding takes you to the countryside and the sea. The leaders take you to the small cities, the places of interest that highlight modern Cuba’s agricultural aspects and they help interpret the history as well as Cuba’s hopes and aspirations. What tips the balance in making the trip special is that proceeds go to conservation in Cuba and other Caribbean Islands. – Anne Brooks

The experience in Cuba far exceeded my expectations in terms of wildlife, culture and an interesting and congenial group of participants and leaders. – Carl Gerhardt

The trip was superb. In addition to seeing the amazing Cuban endemic birds, we met some extraordinary environmentalists and ornithologists, and had the opportunity to see Cuba as it is now. The sensitivity and thoughtfulness behind the planning of this BirdsCaribbean trip made it a uniquely varied and rewarding experience. – Gale Page

We invite you to enjoy the photo gallery below. Hover over each photo to see the caption or click on a photo to see a slide show.

Sunset in Trinidad, Cuba, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Our group birding at Cayo Coco beach (photo by Garry Donaldson)

The very cute and fast-moving Cuban Gnatcatcher, endemic, spotted on our March 2017 Cuba Bird Tour (photo by Max Schwenne).

Janis Raffaele tried a Cuban cigar in Viñales while Herb and Philippa look on. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

West Indian Whistling-Ducks having a snooze on a wetland in Cayo Coco, Cuba. (Photo by Max Schwenne)

A beautiful Cuban Green Woodpecker poses for our group (photo by Max Schwenne).

Cuban Trogon, Cuba’s national bird (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Nils Navarro showing us his paintings, with Tania Pinero, one of our guides (photo by Lisa Sorenson

Orlando Garrido regales our group with stories of his Cuban adventures as a biologist and tennis pro! BirdsCaribean Cuba Bird Tour (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Lunch at the paladar of our assistant guide in Zapata.

Western Spindalis (by Garry Donaldson)

Wintering Ruddy Turnstones and Sanderlings, Cayo Coco, Cuba (photo by Max Schwenne).

Exploring Portalis area to look for Giant Kingbirds (photo by Lisa Sorenson).

Ernesto sighting waterbirds at Las Salinas, Zapata Swamp (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Zapata Swamp waterbirds (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Cuban Emerald, hummingbird endemic to The Bahamas and Cuba. (Photo by Garry Donaldson)

Cuba Pygmy Owl (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

BirdsCaribbean tour group January 2018

BirdsCaribbean Cuba Tour Group March 2017.

Early morning traffic in Viñales (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Enjoying an old-fashioned car tour (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Early morning in Havana with schoolchildren and workers (photo by Garry Donaldson)

The endemic Cuban Solitaire has a hauntingly beautiful call (photo by Max Schwenne)

Cuban Parakeets in flight (Photo by Garry Donaldson)

Lighthouse and fort in Old Havana (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Mojitos are delicious! (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Bee Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world. (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Cuban Parrots in flight at dusk. (Photo by Ernesto Reyes)

Enjoying a great view of waterbirds at Las Salinas, Zapata Swamp (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Zapata Wren singing its heart out, Santo Tomas, Zapata Swamp (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Early morning birding in Santo Tomas, Zapata Swamp (photo by Lisa Sorenson)

Giant Kingbird, endemic to Cuba (photo by Garry Donaldson)

Cuban Black Hawk, endemic to Cuba. (Photo by Garry Donaldson)

Cuban Grassquit (photo by Bill Hebner)

Man fishing in Havana (photo by Garry Donaldson)

BirdsCaribbean Cuba Bird Tour in January 2017 – co-led by Herb Raffaele, Lisa Sorenson and Ernesto Reyes.

Lisa Sorenson and Orlando Garrido – It’s always a delight to visit with Orlando, who is so vivacious and full of stories!

Landscape in Viñales with mogotes in the background (photo by Garry Donaldson)

NOTE: The recent policy changes in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations do not affect BirdsCaribbean’s birding trips or the requirements of US citizens traveling with us. Our birding trips consist of group travel under the general license that authorizes travel transactions that provide “Support for the Cuban people.” The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires that: 1) travel be conducted under the auspices of an individual or organization (BirdsCaribbean) that promotes independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba, and 2) the tour must consist of “a full-time schedule of activities that: (i) enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and (ii) result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba.”

While you are on the trip, BirdsCaribbean will ensure that you have a full-time schedule of activities that engages with and provides support for private citizens (e.g., local guides, Cuban biologists, private business owners), and avoids transactions with the State Department’s List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba (“the Cuba Restricted List”).