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Following are some helpful information, recommendations and suggestions for your tour to the BAHAMAS. Additional and detailed information will be sent within three weeks before your tour departure date.
FLORA & FAUNA
The Bahamas are divided ecologically into three regions: Northern Bahamas (Grand Bahamas, Abacos, Berry Islands, Biminis, North Andros, and New Providence), which is primarily covered by pine forest (Pinus caribaeus); Central Bahamas (South Andros, Eleuthera, The Exumas, Cat Island, Ragged Islands, Long Island, Rum Cay, Conception Island and San Salvador), where broadleaf "coppice" is well represented; and Southern Bahamas (Crooked Island, Ackins Islands, Samana Cay, Mayaguana, and Little and Great Inagua), which are more similar to arid coastal regions of the Greater Antilles, being drier and with an abundance of dry shrubland. Forest cover in the Bahamas is about 51% of the total land area, where native vegetation includes pine forest, palms, logwood, mahogany, sea grapes, and low scrub. Very similar vegetative communities are found on adjacent land areas such as South Florida and Cuba. More than 1,200 plant species exist in the Bahamas, of which 36% are endemic. Pine forest is probably the most important botanical element.
The Bahamas islands are famous for their diverse and rich marine life, which inhabits the third-longest barrier reef (Andros) in the world. Some 900 square miles of reef fringes the Bahamas archipelago. Terrestrial animal life includes a very rare endemic rodent, the Bahamas Hutia (Geocapromys ingrahami), which is a derivative from the Greater Antilles radiation of this unique group of mammals. Other native mammals include 12 species of bats.
Bahamian avifauna is comprised of more than 320 species and is strongly influenced by the bird fauna of the Greater Antilles (mostly Cuba) and by that of North America. Ten Bahamian bird species are globally threatened and six are endemic to the archipelago: Bahama Woodstar (Nesophlox evelynae), Inagua Woodstar (N. lyrura), Bahama Swallow (Tachycineta cyaneoviridis), Bahama Yellowthroat (Geothlypis rostrata), Bahama Warbler (Setophaga flavescens), and Bahama Oriole (Icterus northropi). About 190 bird species breed in the Bahamas and over 170 additional species have been recorded during migration or wintering in the archipelago. Three breeding birds are visitors from the south: Antillean Nighthawk (Chordeiles gundlachii), Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis) and Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus). A non-endemic species is the national bird of the Bahamas: the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber).
The Abaco Islands comprise a small archipelago in the northern region of the Bahamas and include two major islands: Little and Great Abaco Islands. Collectively, they are more than 90 miles (6.4 km) wide. Several small, satellite islands (Elbow Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Great Guana Cay, Treasure Cay, Lubbers Quarters and Tilloo Cay), plus many small cays and islets, are part of the Abacos.
Birds of Great Abaco include most of the endemic species, subspecies and specialties recorded in the Bahamas (see Bird Checklist). The most important birding area in Great Abaco is Abaco National Park in the southern extreme of the island, south of Marsh Harbour. This area is covered extensively with native pine forest (Pinus caribaeus bahamensis) endemic to the Bahamas. The bulk of bird endemics and specialties can be found in the National Park. The most relevant bird present here is the endemic race of the Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis), one of only two parrots in the world with aberrant subterranean nesting habits.
The Bahamas islands are famous for their diverse and rich marine life, which inhabits the third-longest barrier reef (Andros) in the world. Some 900 square miles of reef fringes the Bahamas archipelago. Terrestrial animal life includes a very rare endemic rodent, the Bahamas Hutia (Geocapromys ingrahami), which is a derivative from the Greater Antilles radiation of this unique group of mammals. Other native mammals include 12 species of bats.
Bahamian avifauna is comprised of more than 320 species and is strongly influenced by the bird fauna of the Greater Antilles (mostly Cuba) and by that of North America. Ten Bahamian bird species are globally threatened and six are endemic to the archipelago: Bahama Woodstar (Nesophlox evelynae), Inagua Woodstar (N. lyrura), Bahama Swallow (Tachycineta cyaneoviridis), Bahama Yellowthroat (Geothlypis rostrata), Bahama Warbler (Setophaga flavescens), and Bahama Oriole (Icterus northropi). About 190 bird species breed in the Bahamas and over 170 additional species have been recorded during migration or wintering in the archipelago. Three breeding birds are visitors from the south: Antillean Nighthawk (Chordeiles gundlachii), Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis) and Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus). A non-endemic species is the national bird of the Bahamas: the American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber).
The Abaco Islands comprise a small archipelago in the northern region of the Bahamas and include two major islands: Little and Great Abaco Islands. Collectively, they are more than 90 miles (6.4 km) wide. Several small, satellite islands (Elbow Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Great Guana Cay, Treasure Cay, Lubbers Quarters and Tilloo Cay), plus many small cays and islets, are part of the Abacos.
Birds of Great Abaco include most of the endemic species, subspecies and specialties recorded in the Bahamas (see Bird Checklist). The most important birding area in Great Abaco is Abaco National Park in the southern extreme of the island, south of Marsh Harbour. This area is covered extensively with native pine forest (Pinus caribaeus bahamensis) endemic to the Bahamas. The bulk of bird endemics and specialties can be found in the National Park. The most relevant bird present here is the endemic race of the Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis), one of only two parrots in the world with aberrant subterranean nesting habits.
PRE-TRIP INFORMATION
When you decide to participate in our tour to the Bahamas, check with your doctor regarding any pre-and/or post-trip treatment that may be necessary. As on other West Indies islands, domestic animals and wildlife in the Bahamas can transmit diseases, especially to persons traveling to wild regions. Please check the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION website for the most current information about COVID-19 and other diseases that currently can be found in the country (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/the-bahamas). Also on this website is a Healthy Travel Packing List and vaccinations needed by travelers to the Bahamas (https://wwwnc. cdc.gov/travel/ destinations/the-bahamas/traveler/packing-list). For complete information on how to prevent insect bites visit: http:// wwwnc.cdc.gov/ travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
Canadian travelers can check information at "travel health" in the website of the PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php).
For complete entry and exit information (about restrictions, passport, etc.) please visit the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE web site (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/the-bahamas.html).
Canadian travelers can check information at "travel health" in the website of the PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY OF CANADA (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php).
For complete entry and exit information (about restrictions, passport, etc.) please visit the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE web site (https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/the-bahamas.html).
ARRIVING IN MARSH HARBOUR (ABACO)
Please note that your flight itinerary must be congruent with our tour schedule. Our tour to the Bahamas starts in the city of Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco. You must arrive at Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH) and depart from Nassau Airport (NAS), New Providence island, at the end of the tour. Once you arrive in Great Abaco we will meet you at the airport (holding a sign with our logo) and will transport you from the airport to the hotel. If you arrive one day before, or return home one day after the indicated tour dates, we are not responsible for your transportation during your arrival and departure days to the Bahamas. Please check that your flight information (e.g., date, time of arrival to MHH) is correct in the documents that you receive prior to your departure for the tour. Please confirm and/or inform us by email of any changes in your flight itinerary. We will provide you with local contact telephone numbers in case of any emergency during your travel to Great Abaco.
ACCOMMODATIONS
During the tour to the Bahamas you will stay in one standard and comfortable hotel. The exact hotel information is provided with a detailed itinerary, along with other complementary tour package materials that you will receive before departure. Also included will be specific information about emergency contacts for the places you will stay. Laundry and Internet services are available at the hotels in the Bahamas.
FOOD & DRINKS
Local cuisine of the Bahamas is available throughout the islands we will visit, where typical dishes include: "Peas 'n' Rice", "Fish 'n' Grits", "Stew fish", "Sauce," "Conch", the excellent "Johnnycake," and more. Other kinds of food, such as Italian and Chinese, also can be found. Seafood is available in most regions, where local fresh fish is always present. Lunches and dinners during our tour to the Bahamas will always be in restaurants. We will provide cold bottles of water and soft drinks for each participant in the vehicle and during all birding sessions.
TRANSPORTATION
Our on-land movements throughout the Bahama islands and its natural areas will be in a comfortable large van. Our longest ride will only be about 40 minutes and on paved roads.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Our birding sessions in the Bahamas are very easy and not very physically demanding. Walks are typically short distances from the vehicle, along roads and over level trails.
