If you are a avid birdwatcher and make up one’s mind to take a Caribbean cruise, then you can enjoy two delights at the same time. This is because not only are there many types of bird species for you to see in the Caribbean , there are also numerous really rare types of bird species, that you will never have chance to see anywhere else in the world.
Here are some of the sites you may like to visit on your cruise.
First is the Trinidad Asa Wright Nature Center that is 10 miles north of the town of Arima on Blanchisseuse Road. This place is situated in 200 acres of rain forest so you can walk around here and see different bird species hiding amongst the trees. If you have the time, try to spend at least 2 to 3 days here so you can take your time doing your hobby.
The Bubali Pond in Aruba. Is on the north side of eagle beach and just south of De Olde Molen. You can expect to see brown pelicans here in large groups as well as the Black crowned Night Herons. It is better to do your birdwatching here at dusk or dawn.
In Aruba’s Spanish Lagoon, you can get to see brown pelicans, egrets, herons and frigates. Don’t be surprised to see large green and yellow parakeets that are double the size of those you see in the pet store that are often seen at sunset.
The Barbuda Frigate Bird Sanctuary is considered to be a secluded because the only way to get here is by boat. With the help of a guide, you can get to this place and see thousands of Fregata Magnificens or “man of war” birds that live here. The best time to visit is during the fall which happens to be the breeding season. Aside from them, you may also get to see 170 species of birds living together with them.
Your ship may make a port call to the island of Jamaica. If it does, you can visit the Rockland’s Bird Sanctuary. Here, you will get to see 289 bird species of which 28 are endemic and 6 have just been introduced. There are also 10 bird species on the endangered list which includes the Black billed and Yellow billed parrots.
Visitors can pay the entrance fee and wander on their own or pay extra for a guided tour. You will get to see hummingbirds, Red billed Streamertails, Jamaican Mango, Black and Yellow faced Grassquits as well as their relative the Orangequits. These can be hand fed so you do not have to play hide and seek just to see them hiding in the trees.
The places just mentioned are just a few you can visit while you are on a Caribbean cruise. Since your trip will last a week or even longer, plan already where you want to go so more time can be spent with the birds rather than thinking about where you can watch the birds.
The Caribbean cruise packages being provided do not come with birdwatching tours but you can sign up for one once you the ship docks to port. Make sure you have all your equipment with you which include a hat, small backpack, vest, sun tan lotion, binoculars and a camera so you will not lose out on anything during your visit.