A lovely image of a Roseate Spoonbill, a widespread bird in Central America, taken by Dave Irving.
.CENTRAL AMERICA and THE CARIBBEAN
Lists such as this one are of course highly subjective but the destinations listed and linked below are the ones we believe are the best in Central America and The Caribbean. They have been chosen very carefully and for a multitude of reasons, but mainly based on personal experience of some of them and on dreams of visiting the rest, dreams resulting from what we have heard, read or seen.
Those destinations that didn't quite make it include Guatemala, Cuba and Jamaica. If there are any other destinations you think should be on the list below then please Email us.
For each destination there is a very brief summary. For more details click on the destination name.
For more information click on Top 100 Birds, Top 100 Other Wildlife and Top 50 Other Natural Wonders.
Destinations
Baja California
One of the few places in the world where so many individuals of so many species of whales and dolphins may be seen so easily and so closely. Whales such
as Blue, Humpback, Killer, Fin and Sei, as well as Grey Whales which are so confiding visitors can look them in the eye. Also Northern Elephant Seal,
birds such as Red-billed Tropicbird and Blue-footed Booby, and the chance of swimming with Whale Shark, Manta Ray and sealions. Mostly possible from
February to early April, especially late March-early April.
Central Mexico
Millions of Monarch butterflies at their winter roosts, Humpback Whale and birds such as Red-billed Tropicbird, Orange-breasted Bunting and many
colourful hummingbirds and warblers, make this A Top Ten Destination in the world. All possible from January to March.
Southern Mexico
One of the best places in the world to swim with Whale Sharks, on coral reefs which also attract Manta Rays. Inland, the forests support Black
Howler and Spider Monkeys, while spectacular birds include American Flamingo, Ocellated Turkey, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Keel-billed Toucan and
Red-capped Manakin. The best time for Whale Sharks is from June to September, especially late June.
Belize
One of the few places in the world where it is possible to see West Indian Manatee, as well as Whale Shark and numerous other fish on the longest
unbroken coral reef in the world (second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef), and the most extensive (selectively logged) forest north of the
Amazon where the many birds include Ocellated Turkey, Keel-billed Toucan and Red-capped Manakin. All possible between January and May, especially
March for birds and April-May for Whale Sharks.
Honduras
One of the best places in the world to swim with Whale Sharks, numerous coral reef fish and birds such as Keel-billed Toucan, Turquoise-browed, Tody
and Keel-billed Motmots, Red-capped Manakin, Lovely Cotinga and Magnificent Frigatebird. Whale Sharks are usually easiest to find from March to May,
which also happens to be the best time to look for birds.
Costa Rica
The richest diversity of birds for an area of its size in the world, including a longer list than most other destinations of the world’s most
spectacular birds, not least Scarlet Macaw, Resplendent Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Red-capped Manakin
and many hummingbirds. The great variety of other wildlife includes Red-eyed Tree Frog, the largest dragonfly in the world, sloths, monkeys, whales and
numerous nesting turtles. Completing it all is Arenal, one of the most consistently active volcanoes in the world. Most of the best birds may be seen
all year round but February-March is usually the driest time of the year, August is usually the best time for turtles and December-January is usually
the peak time for Humpback and Sperm Whales.
Panama
Sloths, monkeys, a tamarin, one of the best selections of the world's most spectacular birds including macaws, Resplendent Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan,
hummingbirds, trogons, motmots, manakins and cotingas, and rich coral reefs with Manta Ray and turtle cleaning stations. The driest time of the year
and best time to visit for birds is January to March.
Dominican Republic
One of the few places in the world where it is possible to swim with Humpback Whales, on the famous Silver Bank. Over the sea and on land birds include
White-tailed Tropicbird, Magnificent Frigatebird and Vervain Hummingbird, the second smallest bird in the world, as well as 30 or so species endemic to
the island of Hispaniola including Palmchat, a species in a family of its own. Humpback Whale numbers usually peak between January and March, and the
best time for birds is usually mid-February to mid-April.
Dominica
One of the best places in the world to see Sperm Whales, with the chance of other whales and dolphins. Birds include Magnificent Frigatebird, Ringed
Kingfisher, a few hummingbirds, Brown Trembler and two endemic parrots (and more Lesser Antillean endemics if other islands in the chain are included
in a trip). Sperm Whales are most likely to be seen from November to April especially in April when there are nursery groups of females with calves. The
best time for birds is usually February to June.
Trinidad and Tobago
Nesting turtles, numerous coral reef fish and some fine birds, not least Scarlet Ibis, Oilbird, Red-billed Tropicbird, the endemic Trinidad Piping Guan
and Trinidad Motmot, and the near-endemic White-tailed Sabrewing. December to April is usually the best time for most birds, but the best time for
turtles and some terns is usually April to August.
