Our team has included Cuba’s most talented birding leaders and field biologists and naturalist for many years. We have also cultivated great relationships with a cadre of highly skilled U.S. birding professionals – click on About Us and Our Team for more information!

Our birding programs involve willing participants in a basic bird and habitat survey. Each evening, the group will review and record a checklist of birds seen on that particular birding day. Data is compiled by the group and submitted by the trip leader to CCT staff. Recorded trip totals are part of CCT’s ongoing data bank of information on both migratory and resident species recorded in Cuba over several years. Significant findings are noted and shared with professional and citizen scientists in both the U.S. and Cuba. Our Cuban colleagues keep trip totals and notable information to support their ongoing research. Many of our trip leaders post E Bird records for each trip they lead, sharing this data with trip participants who are interested.

Over the years, our trips have yielded records of rare as well as new species for Cuba, including American Pipit (2015) and Bald Eagle (2003).

Bird Conservation Education programs developed by CCT target youth and adults primarily in communities located in close proximity to Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Cuba. Our efforts include providing optics, field guides, curriculum development resources and training for local naturalists to involve other educators, students & families in our effort to confront the caged bird trade in Cuba.

Participants should be in reasonably good physical condition and prepared for strong sun, with temperatures in the mid-70s to 90s. Mosquitoes can be bothersome in Cayo Coco and the Zapata Region. Although unlikely, rain may occur as well, so bring adequate rain gear. Those with medical concerns should check with their physician before taking part in the program. Your health and well-being are very important to us!

Our Natural History Programs tend to move at a more relaxed pace and include a nice range of nature-related activity that may include less intense birding, snorkelling and scuba diving, boat excursions, hiking, and wildlife exploration involving reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, mammals, and marine life. Aquatic activities are optional. We will experience a cultural aspect on all of our trips by spending some time exploring some cities, towns, and of course the Cuban countryside.

Cuba has long been an exceptionally safe destination for visitors, despite rumours and tall tales to the contrary. U.S. Citizens are warmly welcome, as they have been for the 22 + years that Caribbean Conservation Trust has been bringing American birders there under U.S. Treasury Department authorization.

• all accommodations,
• all meals in Cuba beginning with dinner on day 1, ending with breakfast on the last day of the program,
• guide services, some tips (local naturalists, restaurant and bell staff),
• airport/hotel transfers,
• ground transportation,
• bottled water, some drinks,
• admission fees (itinerary only),
• U.S. Department of Treasury authorization, and program management services which include the provision of all pre- and post-program materials,
• a full-time Cuban bilingual guide, bilingual Cuban naturalists, and a full-time driver.

Program fees help support Caribbean Conservation Trust’s bird conservation efforts in Cuba.

• Travel to Havana, Cuba
• airport departure taxes ($ 30 departing Cuba) and Cuban health insurance (required by law and approximately $3 per day). These costs are priced into all airline tickets between the U.S. and Cuba; however.
• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, additional beverages, bar and housekeeping tips, etc., U.S. passport fees, meals or accommodations outside of Cuba, other fees not listed in the program.

Registration

Registration may be done online from our website – click Upcoming Tours and select the trip that interests you. Complete the online reservation form, click submit, and continue to the payment option. Credit card payments are directed to our PayPal account.

Deposit Payment

Regarding payment for the land portion of the tour, a deposit is due as soon as possible to reserve space on these programs. This can be paid from our website using online registration and PayPal, or by wire transfer, check or money order payable to: Caribbean Conservation Trust.

Please do not write Cuba on the check memo.

Balance Payment

Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Participants receive a detailed receipt/invoice following receipt of your deposit and reservation form.

Should it become necessary for you to cancel, all payments will be refunded after a deduction of our cancellation fee outlined below:

*Please be aware that the refund policies apply only to the land portion of the trip, and that airlines may have different policies that exist beyond our ability to control. Additional registration fees may apply. As with all international travel programs, we highly encourage trip cancellation and travel insurance policies.