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Research shows that more than half of us would like to try a bird-watching holiday. The options are endless whether you’re grabbing your binoculars to discover some of the world’s most fascinating flying wildlife on tours travelling to every corner of the globe, or immersing yourself on special interest birdwatching trips across Europe.
Whichever tempts you, we’ve picked out 12 of the best holidays for birdwatching.
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Nature Park of Ria Formosa, Algarve
Algarve, Portugal: Europe’s best kept birdwatching secret
Known for its miles of golden beaches, the Algarve is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets when it comes to birdwatching. More than 300 species have been recorded in the protected Ria Formosa national park alone, with around 30,000 visitors during migration season.
What you might see: This birdwatcher’s paradise features everything from the Booted Eagle and the Eurasian Griffon Vulture in the wild Sagres peninsula in the south-west to flamingos in the eastern Algarve’s salt pans and lagoons. Great and Little Bustards live in the oak woods and grasslands of the nearby Alentejo too.
How to do it: An expert-hosted Birdwatching in the Algarve holiday.
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Picos de Europa National Park
Cantabria, Spain: Marine vulture colonies, eagles and more
The lush region of Cantabria is known as “Green Spain” for good reason, with wonderful birdlife in its forests and verdant countryside, including Santoña Natural Park where around 18,000 birds arrive each winter.
What you might see: Beyond the oak forests and sand dunes, you’ll find Europe’s largest marine colony of griffon vultures at the rocky cliffs of Monte Candina. Or spot eagles in the Picos de Europa National Park, just one of the area’s 390 bird species, along with bears and wolves.
How to do it: Our special interest Birdwatching in Cantabria holiday.
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Honey buzzard
Cadiz, Spain: Major migratory route
Andalusia might be better known for its vibrant historic cities, but it’s also one of the best places in Europe for birdwatching, on a major migratory route between Northern Europe and Africa.
What you might see: Protected areas such as Grazalema Natural Park and Doñana National Park are highlights, but you’ll discover marshland, wetlands, salt pans, forests, coast and countryside too. As a result, Bonelli’s and Golden Eagles, Eagle Owls, Black Kites and Honey Buzzards, terns, ibis, herons, larks, buntings and rare bittern are just a few of the species to spot.
How to do it: A birdwatching in Cadiz trip accompanied by expert ornithologist.
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Quetzal
Costa Rica: A biodiverse tropical paradise
One of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Costa Rica is home to around 950 bird species, including the elusive quetzal with its iridescent plumage and metre-long tail.
What you might see: The mix of tropical rainforest, cloudforest and two coasts gives Costa Rica its varied wildlife, with national parks and protected reserves making up more than a quarter of the country. San Gerardo de Dota is a highlight for quetzal-spotters, but look out for Fiery-billed Aracari and Yellow-throated Toucan in Manuel Antonio National Park, Turquoise Cotinga in Corcovado National Park, scarlet macaws at Carara National Park and hummingbirds galore.
How to do it: A Wild Costa Rica tour.
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Peruvian Amazon rainforest
Peru: The Amazon’s dazzling array
There’s nowhere as richly diverse as the Amazon, so you can encounter a dazzling array of species as you explore the world’s largest rainforest by river and on jungle walks. The Peruvian Amazon is especially good for birdwatchers, with over 1,800 species.
What you might see: The Tambopata National Reserve is among the best places to spot a wide variety, including toucans with their colourful beaks, raptors such as black-collared hawks, jacanas and the memorably named Horned Screamer. Don’t miss the clay licks, where hundreds of macaws and parrots are drawn to the mineral-rich clay.
How to do it: A Wild Peru tour.
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Blue-footed boobies, Galapagos
The Galapagos: Truly unique bird life
The Galapagos Islands are renowned as a natural paradise, home to wildlife found nowhere else on earth – not least the unique bird life, from Darwin’s finch (which helped inspire the Theory of Evolution) to endangered blue-footed boobies and the only penguins north of the equator.
What you might see: Spy up to 174 species as you cruise the archipelago; five species of boobies, four species of endemic mockingbirds, the Galapagos hawk, Flightless cormorants, Frigate birds and Galapagos penguins. When you add in marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, Giant Tortoises and volcanic landscapes, it’s easy to see why this destination tops every wildlife bucket list.
How to do it: On an Ecuador: Andes, Amazon and Galapagos Legend Cruise.
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Sky walk in Sepilok, Borneo
Borneo, Malaysia: The jungle for birdwatchers
The lush jungles and river scenery of Malaysian Borneo are best-known for their mammals, especially orangutans, proboscis monkeys, sun bears and pygmy elephants. But there’s plenty here for birdwatchers too.
What you might see: The impressively biodiverse Kinabatangan River should top every bird-lover’s list. This hornbill paradise is home to all eight Bornean hornbill species, with close to 450 bird species recorded in total. Endangered Storm’s Stork, Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle and the rarely seen Bornean Ground Cuckoo are among the other highlights, alongside Stork-billed Kingfishers with their eye-catching beaks.
How to do it: A Wild Borneo tour.
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Hatton, Sri lanka
Sri Lanka: A haven for endemic birds
This jewel of an island is ideal if you’re searching for wildlife to combine with unique history and glorious beaches, especially at Yala National Park on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
What you might see: While Yala is famous for its leopard population and elephant herds, you’ll also find more than 200 bird species, including endemic birds like the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, black-capped bulbul and crimson-fronted barbet. The park’s wetlands are a haven for waterbirds; spot everything from lesser flamingo to rare purple heron and black-necked stork.
How to do it: Our Best of Sri Lanka tour.
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Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Nepal: From bee-eaters to rhino riders
On migration routes between Siberia and India, Nepal’s attractions include a tempting mix of bird species, along with Bengal tigers and the equally majestic peaks of the Himalayas.
What you might see: Chitwan National Park is unmissable, home to tigers, sloth bears, one-horned rhino, and more than 500 species of birds. Peacocks and kingfishers are among the most eye-catching, but there’s a fabulous variety, from bee-eaters, warblers, fish eagles, buzzards and vultures to bulbuls, sand martins and barn swallows. You’ll even spot birds riding on the back of rhinos
How to do it: A Classic Nepal tour.
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Chobe River, Botswana
Botswana: Everything from eagles to cuckoos
From the watery Okavango Delta to the arid Kalahari, Botswana’s mix of habitats means an equally fascinating variety of birdlife. But Chobe National Park tops the list for bird lovers, with more than 450 species, and the chance to explore on land and by water.
What you might see: Along the Chobe River, find African Fish Eagles, African skimmers and vibrant Southern Carmine Bee-eaters at various points of the year, as well as Wahlberg’s Eagles and various cuckoo species throughout the reserve, which is also famous for its elephant herds.
How to do it: Take our tour, In The Footsteps of Livingstone.
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Lake Nakuru flamingos
Kenya: A must-see for bird spotters
While you might associate Kenya with a safari to see the Big Five, it’s also unmissable for bird spotters, with more than 1,100 bird species living in the country’s wetlands, forests and savannah.
What you might see: Lake Nakuru National Park is a particular highlight, home to around 450 bird species, most famously flamingos. While numbers now rarely reach previous highs of around 1.5 million, these flamboyant flocks still turn the lake pink. Great White Pelicans and African Fish Eagles are other highlights, alongside black and white rhino, endangered Rothschild’s giraffes and big cats.
How to do it: Our Grand Safari Kenya tour.
What to take on a birdwatching holiday
Planning a birdwatching holiday? Our expert Manu Mojarro has these tips.
“Good binoculars make a huge difference, even for beginners. A lightweight notebook is surprisingly useful – jotting down impressions helps people notice more. I also recommend a reusable water bottle, and scarf or buff, which is brilliant for wind, sun, or even as a makeshift cushion when you’re leaning on a hide ledge.”
“Patience — it’s not something you pack, but it’s the most valuable thing you can bring.”
“Every destination has its own rhythm. In Spain and Portugal, early mornings are essential from the middle of spring, while in northern Europe the light lasts so long that evenings can be magical. In desert or steppe regions, keeping an eye on heat and mirage is key.”
“Wherever you go, learning just a handful of local bird calls beforehand can transform the experience.”
“Layers are your best friend. Even in warm countries, mornings can be cool and hides can feel chilly. Neutral colours help you blend into the environment, and a wide brimmed hat is invaluable under strong sun. Comfortable walking shoes are essential – you don’t need to hike far, but you do need to feel steady on your feet. And always bring a waterproof, even if the forecast looks perfect.”
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