The birding photography in Cuba is spectacular. It’s no surprise that there are many people who come to the island just for this purpose alone. With 26 endemic bird species on the island, you’re sure to find some amazing photos. Like with all birding tours, the best help you can get is having a local nature guide, who can show you where to find these species. What makes a trip even better is to have a photography expert on hand to guide you to taking the perfect shot!

Apart from your guides and experts, what will make your birding photography tour a success?

Tip # 01:

On your birding photography tour, you will spend several hours at the time in nature. Whilst your main meals are provided, snacks aren’t, nor are they easily available for purchase in Cuba or whilst you are on your excursion in remote areas.  It is a good idea to bring along some energy bars or nuts. These are high in protein and will help keep your energy up!

Tip # 02:

Due to everyone having preferences on binoculars, we recommend that you bring your binoculars with you on the trip to Cuba from USA; they can make it easier to see the birds. It can be a challenge to bring these through customs, so we will provide guidance and recommendation as to requirements to ensure clear passage. We also recommend that you contact your Cuban embassy prior to departure to ensure you have the correct paperwork in place for these.

Tip # 03:

Definitely bring a camera with you on the trip to Cuba, you are going on a birding photography tour after all, with amazing photography experts to ensure that you create lasting memories of your trip (pay be even a stunning new nature photography portfolio!) Be sure to bring extra batteries!

Tip #05:

Whilst we provide you with an endemic list and will also have an expert birding guide on hand to tell you what you are looking at, you are going to need a birding list. (there are a couple we recommend). It is quite exhilirating being able to identify the birds yourself at each new location,  or you can just make not of them for future reference.

Tip #06:

You’ll be birding in Cuba, and this means you need to have insect repellent on hand! Make sure it is a non-chemical type as that can harm the environment – something to consider as some of the areas we take you into are highly protected eco systems.

Tip #07:

On our birding photography tour be ready for some early morning starts! It is a great time bird photography as it’s when birds feed, so they are more active – which means more chances of getting an amazing shot at them. The light is also the best in the morning and the afternoon. The midday sun is something we try to avoid to ensure the best picture outcomes.

Tip #08:

We tend not to run our birding photography between April and November as it is the main nesting season, and it is also the wet season. However, on occasion there is rain on the shoulder seasons also, so please ensure that you have a camera cover with you in case of rain. Of course also pack your raincoat with you, preferably not something in hi-vis or made of rustly material.

Tip #09:

Remember, you have award-winning, National Geographic Photography experts on hand! Make sure that you ask them as many questions as possible to help you capture amazing bird shots. Settings, filters, best gear to use, positioning and even about the processing of your pictures after your session. Although may be do this prior to or in between the actual birding sessions as chatter can scare the birds off!

Tip #10:

A birding trip to Cuba is not complete without taking an opportunity to also capture some vibrant nature shots – you will find the greenest of greens and bluest of blues around here! Not to mention the opportunity to capture tropical sunsets shots in the various locations we visit.

One of the most rewarding things about traveling is seeing new and interesting wildlife. It’s even more rewarding when you get to take amazing photos to highlight your travel memories for years to come.