Winter Bird Survey – January 25 – February 3, 2018
You are invited on an exclusive, U.S. led and managed authorized birding program to Cuba! The program is managed by the Caribbean Conservation Trust, Inc. (CCT), which is based in Connecticut. In early 2017 CCT staff began their 21 st year of managing bird conservation and natural history programs in Cuba. All of our trips are legal for U.S. Citizens. Along with CCT Ornithologist Michael Good, our team will include the esteemed Cuban biologist Dr. Luis Diaz, a bilingual Cuban tour leader and local naturalists in 4 different birding regions. They will guide you through some of the best bird habitat in Cuba, the Caribbean’s largest and most ecologically diverse island nation.
CCT designed this itinerary to take you to Cuba’s finest bird habitats, most beautiful national parks, diverse biosphere reserves, and unique natural areas. We will interact with local scientists and naturalists who work in research and conservation. In addition to Cuba’s incredible birds, we will learn about the ecology and history of regions we visit. Finally, and especially given the ongoing changes in U.S. – Cuban relations, we can expect some degree of inquiry into fascinating aspects of Cuban culture, history, and daily living during our visit.
Travel to Cuba’s Western Mountains, Zapata Peninsula, Northern Archipelago, and Colonial Cities (Havana and Camaguey)
Where We Travel
Las Terrazas Community
Las Terrazas Community
Our Cuba Bird Survey begins in the forests surrounding Las Terrazas Community, established in 1968 as a reforestation
and community integrated development project. In Cuba’s post-revolutionary history, the community
has blossomed as a model of sustainability, and is currently a prime destination for ecologically based tourism.
Cuba’s Western Mountains
A highlight of the trip will be a visit to the magical, unusually beautiful karstic landscape of mogotes — the towering, lushly vegetated, flat-top limestone monoliths that dominate the Organos Mountains. This is the only region in which we will likely see Cuban Solitaire, Cuban Grassquit, Giant Kingbird, and Olive-capped Warbler. Other potential endemic species for western Cuba include Cuban Oriole, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Cuban Pewee, Cuban Pygmy-Owl, Cuban Tody, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Vireo, and Yellow–headed Warbler.
Zapata Peninsula - Bay of Pigs
The Zapata Peninsula covers more than 2,800 square miles and features easily accessible, Everglades-like ecology and habitat. Framed by the pristine Caribbean coastal environment of the Bay of Pigs, the peninsula features vast open swampland, low coastal forests, sparkling white sand beaches, healthy and accessible coral reefs, and refreshing natural limestone pools called cenotes. Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Black Hawk, Zapata Wren, Zapata Sparrow, Fernandina’s Flicker, Bare-legged Owl, Blue-headed and Grey-fronted Quail-Doves, and Tawny-shouldered and Red-shouldered Blackbirds are among the many birds we will hope to find (three nights).
Cayo Coco and Cuba’s Atlantic Archipelago
Havana & Camaguey
Registration, Trip Costs, Terms, and Conditions
Land costs for the 10 day program are $ 3,995.00 per person for shared accommodations, with an additional $ 595.00 for Single supplements. Reservation forms are accepted on a first come, first served basis, and must be accompanied by a $700.00 deposit payable to Caribbean Conservation Trust. Enrollment is limited to 12 travelers. CCT Cuba programs sold out quickly last season. Fewer than 12 participants may result in a reasonable small group supplement.
What is included:
CCT programs include: all accommodations, all meals in Cuba beginning with dinner on day 1, ending with breakfast on the last day of the program, guide services, most tips (guides, drivers, naturalists and restaurant and bell staff), airport/hotel transfers, ground transportation, bottled water, some drinks, national park fees, U.S. Department of Treasury authorization documents, and program management services which include the provision of all pre- and post-program materials, a full-time Cuban bilingual guide, bilingual Cuban naturalists, and a fulltime driver. Program fees help support Caribbean Conservation Trust’s bird conservation efforts in Cuba.
Not Included:
Travel to Havana, Cuba; airport departure taxes ($ 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. Cost estimates are as of late 2017 and are subject to change.
Flights
No flights are included unless specified as such in the program description for your trip. All flights between the U.S. and Cuba are with U.S. based commercial airlines. We prefer to arrive in Cuba on a direct flight from South Florida, unless otherwise specified. Private groups often use other departure points in the U.S. with direct flights to Cuba, including New York, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Los Angeles. The best arrangements we have experienced are on Southwest Airlines from Fort Lauderdale. We prefer that everyone arrive on the same flight to Cuba (or at the same time if a different flight is required), which tends to make arrival easier for everyone. CCT staff will help arrange ticketing and visas acquisition for all travelers. Our U.S. leader will meet travelers at the American departure airport and arrive with the group in Cuba. Our driver and guide will meet the group at the airport in Cuba upon arrival.
Payment
Regarding payment for the land portion of the tour, a $ 700.00 deposit is due as soon as possible to reserve space on these programs. This can be paid by wire transfer, check or money order payable to:
Caribbean Conservation Trust
353 West Todd Street
Hamden, CT 06518
(Please do not write CUBA on check)
Balance Payment and cancellation and refund policy *
Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. You will receive a detailed receipt/invoice following receipt of your deposit and reservation form. All cancellations must be done in writing and are effective upon receipt in the CCT office. Should it become necessary for you to cancel, all payments will be refunded after a deduction of our cancellation fee outlined below:
- More than 90 days prior to the tour……….. $ 350.00 per person (land only)
- Fewer than 90 – 75 days prior to the tour.… FULL DEPOSIT
- Fewer than 75 days prior to the tour………. NO REFUND (unless we can fill your place)
In the unlikely event that we must cancel the tour, a full refund less a $100.00 processing fee for your license application will be forwarded to you, should cancellation occur after your license has been processed.
* 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.
Caribbean Conservation Trust and its agents and constituents reserve the right to make changes to the itineraries.
Land and air arrangements may be subject to price increases beyond our control.