When you hear “Caribbean” you most likely think of beaches, tans, thatched huts, little umbrellas floating in florescent, sugary drinks. You think of tourism, and what could be more touristy than a Caribbean beach?
Tourism comes in more than one flavor, though. (Thankfully!) There is so much more to experience in the Caribbean if you go beyond the beach. Such as 500+ species of birds, including 172 species that are endemic to the region and found nowhere else in the world! In fact, there are over 100 bird species in the Caribbean that only live on one island. The abundance of endemic species is one reason why the region is considered a biodiversity hotspot, and why conservation in the region is so important.
The Caribbean Birding Trail (CBT) is a project of the non-profit organization, BirdsCaribbean. The CBT has been developed to connect people to the extraordinary places, diverse cultures, and people of each island. We promote authentic experiences that benefit local people and encourage the protection of the Caribbean’s natural resources, including birds and their habitats.
By investing your travel dollars with the CBT and its partners, you know the resources you enjoyed on your trip will be there when you return. CBT operators and guides (many of whom were trained through our CBT Interpretive Guide Training) will reveal a side of the Caribbean, the real Caribbean, that you cannot see from inside a gated resort. If you are a birdwatcher, nature lover, wildlife photographer, or someone looking for an authentic, unique, and transformative experience…the Caribbean Birding Trail is for you.
We hope you will use this site to plan your trip to the Caribbean, and explore what is beyond the beach!
