7-Day Andros Island Birding Program
A seven-day Andros Island program exploring cays, pine forest, coppice, mangroves and tidal flats with local guides, culminating in a full-island birding Big Day.
About this tour
This educational birding program uses Andros Island as a living field classroom. Across the week, participants visit cays, pine forest, coppice, agricultural land, mangroves and tidal flats, learning how the island’s varied habitats support resident, endemic and migratory birds. The program is suitable for adults who want both active birding and a deeper understanding of Bahamian avian ecology.
Daily excursions are led with local birding expertise and combine observation, identification and habitat study. The route is designed to encounter a broad cross-section of the island’s birdlife, with possible highlights including Bahama Oriole, Bahama Mockingbird, Bahama Woodstar, Cuban Emerald, Piping Plover and Great Lizard Cuckoo. More than 100 species may occur across the island, but all sightings depend on season and field conditions.
The itinerary moves from offshore cays and pine woodland to coppice, working landscapes and coastal wetlands. Some days mix birding with other island activities, including snorkeling and time on the water. The final birding day is organized as a Big Day, traveling around Andros in an effort to record as many species as possible before the program concludes.
The published program price includes the return flight between Nassau and Andros, cabin lodging, meals, field trips, excursions and local bird guides. Participants should be prepared for bunk-bed cabins without air-conditioning, insects, walks of up to two miles, and climbing into vans and boats. Health insurance is required, while travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Bahamas.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival on Andros Island
Arrive on Andros Island and settle into the program’s cabin accommodation. The opening day provides time to meet the group and prepare for the week’s field excursions.
Day 2
Birding the Cays
Travel by boat to islands off Andros for birding along the cays and surrounding coastal habitat. The day also includes an opportunity to snorkel.
Day 3
Pine Forest and Blue Holes National Park
Explore Androsian pine forest, listening and watching for woodland species associated with this distinctive habitat. The day includes a visit to Blue Holes National Park.
Day 4
Attala Coppice and South Coppice
Bird the coppice habitats around Small Hope Bay, including the Attala Coppice and South Coppice areas. Field time focuses on species using the island’s denser broadleaf vegetation.
Day 5
Agricultural and Disturbed Habitats
Visit the BARC and BAMSI areas as well as Owens Town. The day examines birds using agricultural land, settlements and other human-influenced habitats.
Day 6
Mangroves and Tidal Flats
Search mangroves and tidal flats for coastal and wetland birds. Time on the water and a relaxed island floating activity complement the day’s birding.
Day 7
Red Bays Birding Big Day
Travel around the island, including the settlement of Red Bays, for a full birding Big Day. The group’s objective is to record as many species as field conditions allow during the day.
Locations & map
- Andros Island - Blanket Sound / Stafford Creek, North Andros Bahamas (Tropical island conditions across pine forest, coppice, mangrove, tidal-flat and cay habitats.)
Availability & pricing
Availability is confirmed after your inquiry.
Included
- Return flight between Nassau and Andros - The published program includes the domestic flight between Nassau and Andros.
- Cabin lodging - Bunk-bed cabins without air-conditioning.
- Meals - Dietary needs such as dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan can be accommodated in some cases.
- Field trips and excursions - The scheduled land and water excursions in the published program.
- Local bird guides - Local birding guidance throughout the scheduled program.
Not included
- Travel to Nassau - International or domestic travel to Nassau is not included.
- Snorkeling equipment - Participants provide their own mask, snorkel and fins.
- Health and travel insurance - Health insurance is required; travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Personal items and incidentals - Personal packing-list items and incidental expenses are not included.
- Selected dinners at local establishments - A small number of dinners away from the station are paid separately.
Transport & stays
- Domestic flight, vans and boats The program includes the Nassau–Andros flight and uses transport vans and boats for scheduled field activities. | Pickup: Exact arrival and transfer instructions are confirmed after inquiry.
Accommodations
- Forfar Field Station cabins (days 1-7) Shared bunk-bed cabin Simple field-station accommodation without air-conditioning.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Who can join this program?
The program is for adults aged 18 and over. It is open to US and non-US citizens, and participants need sufficient English proficiency for the program.
What level of mobility is required?
Participants must be able to hike up to two miles, climb into transport vans, use ladders to board boats and tolerate tropical heat and insects.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
Some dietary requirements, including dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan meals, can be accommodated. Confirm individual needs when making an inquiry.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.