Although Jamaica is best known for its beaches and coffee, this island has much more to offer naturalists. It is ranked 5th in biodiversity among the world's islands and many of its animal and plant species are found nowhere else in the world. On this easy paced itinerary, we aim to show you all 27 of the island's endemic bird species, as well as Jamaica's most prized natural treasures, its 3000 flowering species, 100's of orchids, nearly 600 ferns and a miriad of butterflies as you drive through a diverse countryside.
In addition to time on the Caribbean coast and in the Blue Mountains, you will explore a variety of habitats, including rainforest, quiet rivers and lush valleys. There will be the opportunity to hike on mountain trails, to enjoy the local culture and to relax on the beach or go snorkelling. However, please remember that all our tours are tailormade and can be adapted to create a unique tour combination that best fits your schedule and interests.
Day 1
Arrival at Kingston Airport and transfer to Lime Tree Farm, an enviromentally friendly coffee farm set in 10 acres at the heart of Jamaica's beautiful Blue Mountains. Your accommodation for the next 3 nights is in comfortable, spacious cottages in a wonderful natural setting and is the perfect spot for hikers and birdwatchers. The Blue Mountains is truly a bird watching paradise and there are a pair of resident Red-tailed Chicken Hawks at the Farm and the Doctorbird or Streamertail, hummingbirds, parrots, woodpeckers and kestrels can be seen daily. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2
After a wonderful breakfast, you will venture off into the higher reaches of the mountains for a guided tour of the Victorian Cinchona Botanical Gardens, one of the world's lovliest wild secret gardens. The mountain views are stunning and the landscaped gardens contain many delights. Dinner and overnight at Lime Tree.
Day 3
With a packed breakfast and lunch in tow, today you will again ascend the Blue Mountains, but this time to Abbey Green with your guide. The rest of the day will be spent in this area looking for a number of endemic birds as this is probably the best area on the island to spot most of them. Dinner and overnight at Lime Tree.
Day 4
An early start today with your guide, to reach Hardwar Gap at around sunrise when the high forest comes to life, and the beautiful dawn chorous is heard - especially the flute-like call of the Rufous-throated Solitaire. This forest here hosts a variety of fascinating ferns, some of the giant tree ferns reaching a height of 30 feet. After a packed lunch, you will continue on into Kingston, where you will spend 1 night at The Visitor's Lodge at the University at Mona.There are only 14 guest rooms here and it is set in the lovely quiet gardens of the University, close to Hope Gardens. This is the only evening when dinner is not included and the Reception of the Lodge will be able to advise you on the choice of local restaurants.
Day 5
Early morning birding in Hope Gardens, should you wish. Followed by breakfast and a guided historical and cultural tour of Kingston. After Lunch, drive to Greencastle Estate, where you will stay for 2 nights in the Great House, which is the focal point of this wonderful working farm dating back to 1664.
Day 6
After breakfast, you can take a morning hike along the stunning north coast or if you prefer visit Port Maria and Goldeneye. In the afternoon, there will be a guided tour of the estate, including the orchid farm and much more. Dinner and overnight at Greencastle.
Day 7
Early morning birding on the estate and then after breakfast, more birding on the way to Spanish River. After a Jerk Lunch at Blueberry Hill you will continue along the coast to Mockingbird Hill, your comfortable base for the next 4 nights.
Day 8
Relax on the beach at Frenchmans Cove or explore the area. Dinner and overnight at Mockingbird Hill.
Day 9
Rafting on the River Grande in the morning, followed by lunch at Fisherman's Hut. In the afternoon there is the opportunity for snorkeling and a boat trip around the harbour at Port Antonio. Dinner and overnight at Mockingbird Hill.
Day 10
An early morning start with a packed breakfast for birding in the Ecclesdown area. Lunch will be taken on the beachside at Long Bay. Dinner and overnight at Mockingbird Hill.
Day 11
You are free to spend the last morning as you wish, either on the beach or doing some more birding. Then some time after lunch, it will be time to depart for the airport for flight home.
Price Guide
High Season - From £1989
Low Season - From £1845
The price is per person sharing a double room and includes all flights, local representatives, all accommodation as described, all transportation, all meals (except for one dinner in Kingston), a full itinerary of tours led by experienced guides and local taxes and service charges.
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