Green Castle Estate is a privately owned, 1600-acre / 6.5km2 property on the northeast coast of Jamaica, in the parish of St Mary. It is regarded as the best location for birding in Jamaica. It boasts breathtaking views and over twenty miles of walking trails through a bird-rich, unspoilt landscape. 171 species of birds have been recorded to date, including 27 of the 28 Jamaican endemics. The beautiful location is combined with superb accommodation, where our friendly staff create a truly unique ambience – a home away from home! We run specialist birding tours and bespoke tours all year round and host many well-known birding companies bringing their own birding groups to Green Castle. There is no better place to spot the birds of Jamaica than at Green Castle combined with its guided mountain trips.
Green Castle has featured in two world records for birding in Jamaica. In 2016 Arjan Dwarshuis was on a mission to attempt the ultimate in global birding; in the context of a fundraiser for the Birdlife Preventing Extinctions Programme. He set out to see more than 6000 bird species – more than half of all the bird species in the world – in one single year. His aim was to raise 100,000 Euros over the course of 2016, and by seeing more than 6000 bird species in a single year setting a new world record. In November 2016 Arjan got the new world record by beating the record set by American, Noah Strycker and with 16 days to go. Acquiring this world record required skilful planning, determination, endurance and 365 days of travelling and birding, without taking a single day’s rest. Since it was Arjan’s objective to see as many birds as possible in the countries he is visited it was imperative to use a number of expert local birding guides to maximize the number of species it was possible to see. One of our expert birding guides met and birded with Arjan. Arjan spent two full days in Jamaica and overnighted on Green Castle Estate.
The following year In July 2017, Jonathan Rossouw an internationally renowned birder, started upon his own birding record attempt. His record focused on seeing 9,000 species of bird by November 2018, which would be his 50th birthday. As Jonathan recounts on his website ‘…only ONE destination in the Americas held the potential of a motherlode of easy pickings in so short a time frame: JAMAICA! As a result of its complex geology and relative remoteness from neighboring continents, Jamaica boasts more endemic birds than any other Caribbean island, a full 28 species!’
Jonathan achieved his target following his birding vacation at Green Castle Hotel and nature reserve and is now the youngest person to have seen 9,000 bird species!
Both of these top birding enthusiasts chose Green Castle due to its central location on the island for seeing all of the Jamaican endemics.
An interesting fact is that Ian Fleming chose to name James Bond after his best friend, the author of The Birds of the West Indies. James Bond has set it’s own world records but we won’t go into that for now. Although you can visit Goldeneye and its lush surroundings on a fun day out or tour from Green Castle.
Birding at Green Castle in Jamaica
Birding at Green Castle allows you to experience one of the premier birding destinations in the Caribbean, if not globally. 171 species of birds have been recorded to date, including 27 of the 28 endemic birds of Jamaica.
The large size of Green Castle means we have a diversity of ecosystems, including freshwater ponds, a mangrove swamp, streams, forests, pastures and coastline rising from sea level to over 750 feet. This creates a unique haven for birds with many birders visiting each year and enjoying incredible once-in-a-lifetime birding opportunities.
Iconic species like the Red-billed Streamertail, Vervain Hummingbird and Jamaican Mango are almost ever present in the garden! Many other endemics are regularly encountered on a short walk, including colourful species like the Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Woodpecker, Jamaican Parakeet and Yellow-shouldered Grassquit. During autumn and winter, a range of colourful North American Wood Warblers adds to the birding spectacle.
Whilst most bird species are to be found in the extensive forest, the reservoir also attracts an interesting diversity of birds including the local race of Northern Jacana and the elusive West Indian Whistling-Duck. Green Castle is one of the rare places in Jamaica where the Masked Duck has been seen. Open areas attract the Antillean Night-Hawk and Barn Owls, one of which is regularly found nesting in the old Windmill Tower.
The coast has breeding White-tailed Tropicbirds and at dusk, hundreds of Egrets and Herons arrive to roost in the mangroves. After dark, the Jamaican Owl and Northern Potoo can be found close to the main house. You will be surrounded by birds from dawn to dusk! Green Castle has expert birding guides that can accompany birding groups on their tours, if desired. This maximises your opportunity to see the vast array of bird species both endemic and migratory in Jamaica. Alternatively if you do not wish for a bird guide, we can advise the best spots to enjoy bird watching on the estate. Green Castle is the premier birding hotspot in Jamaica, and allows you to see the largest amount of birds in one place. We are also proud to arrange tours to the other two main birding areas in Jamaica, this is the John Crow Mountains birding tour at Ecclesdown, and the Blue Mountains birding tour at Hardwar Gap.
Birding is one of our passions at Green Castle, whether you are looking for a tour, or you want to bring your own birding group to Green Castle, we offer the best birding opportunities in Jamaica, combined with a range of accommodation to suit guests on a variety of different budgets and is the perfect location for a non-birding partner to relax. Green Castle and our team are always happy to go above and beyond ensuring your birding tour and vacation will be memorable.
Why should I book a birding tour on Green Castle Estate?
We have a variety of options at Green Castle so guests can enjoy bird watching at their leisure. Guests staying at Green Castle in one of our hotel rooms, camping spaces, cottage rooms or in our luxury villa, have complimentary access to the 1600-acre / 6.5km2 eco park during their stay for a minimum of two nights. You will be able to walk through the huge array of natural habitats, from forests and rainforests, our tropical gardens, to the cliffs, eco beach and natural lake. If you wish to hire an expert bird guide this can be arranged. Our expert bird guide costs are shown in our tours & services page which include the half day and full day birding guide packages.
Green Castle birding habitats include fresh water ponds to mangrove swamps, streams and forest. The beauty of Green Castle is that many of the birds of Jamaica can actually be found within the grounds of our eco park. Guests can enjoy the numerous hiking trails on Green Castle. It is also recommended to take a trip or tour to the Blue and John Crow Mountains where it is possible to see the remaining migratory and endemic birds of Jamaica. During your stay, there will be a high probability of guests seeing all 28 endemic birds of Jamaica on this beautiful Caribbean island.
What Birding world records have occurred at Green Castle Jamaica?
Green Castle has featured in two world records for birding in Jamaica. In 2016 Arjan Dwarshuis was on a mission to attempt the ultimate in global birding; in the context of a fundraiser for the Birdlife Preventing Extinctions Programme. He set out to see more than 6000 bird species – more than half of all the bird species in the world – in one single year. His aim was to raise 100,000 Euros over the course of 2016, and by seeing more than 6000 bird species in a single year setting a new world record. In November 2016 Arjan got the new world record by beating the record set by American, Noah Strycker and with 16 days to go. Acquiring this world record required skilful planning, determination, endurance and 365 days of travelling and birding, without taking a single day’s rest. Since it was Arjan’s objective to see as many birds as possible in the countries he is visited it was imperative to use a number of expert local birding guides to maximize the number of species it was possible to see. One of our expert birding guides met and birded with Arjan. Arjan spent two full days in Jamaica and overnighted on Green Castle Estate.
The following year In July 2017, Jonathan Rossouw an internationally renowned birder, started upon his own birding record attempt. His record focused on seeing 9,000 species of bird by November 2018, which would be his 50th birthday. As Jonathan recounts on his website ‘…only ONE destination in the Americas held the potential of a motherlode of easy pickings in so short a time frame: JAMAICA! As a result of its complex geology and relative remoteness from neighboring continents, Jamaica boasts more endemic birds than any other Caribbean island, a full 28 species!’
Jonathan achieved his target following his birding vacation at Green Castle Hotel and nature reserve and is now the youngest person to have seen 9,000 bird species!
Both of these top birding enthusiasts chose Green Castle due to its central location on the island for seeing all of the Jamaican endemics.
An interesting fact is that Ian Fleming chose to name James Bond after his best friend, the author of The Birds of the West Indies. James Bond has set it’s own world records but we won’t go into that for now. Although you can visit Goldeneye and its lush surroundings on a fun day out or tour from Green Castle.
What is included on a Green Castle tour for Birding in Jamaica?
We can provide everything from a day pass for non-residents to a fully-guided birding experience – the choice is yours!
- Access and trail maps for the entire Green Castle Estate.
- Guided walks around the estate with our local expert bird guides.
- Day trips to key sites in the John Crow and Blue Mountains.
- A complete birding itinerary, designed to your requirements.
- An all-inclusive birding tour in Jamaica, fully guided and including two-day trips
We welcome all visitors but to make the most of Green Castle, we strongly recommend that you stay in our superb accommodation. A detailed map will enable you to explore the marked trails for yourself, but you will probably want some help to make the most of your time. Our excellent bird guides are certified with the Jamaica Tourism Product Development Company, an arm of the Jamaican Tourist Board; they are also members of Team Jamaica. They can accompany you as often as you require, making birding in Jamaica more enjoyable and helping to locate the most elusive species.
What are the best locations for bird watching and birding in Jamaica?
There are four locations which are regarded as the best locations for bird watching and birding in Jamaica. These are Green Castle Hotel and eco park, the Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains and another densely forested area close to Green Castle. An early morning local tour of our coastline will be rewarded with viewings of the White-tailed Tropicbird amongst others.
Green Castle is Jamaica’s number one boutique eco-hotel and eco park. Attached to the hotel is a vast 1600-acre / 6.5km2 tropical paradise, which is home to many of the 28 endemic bird species of Jamaica, caribbean endemics and migratory birds. Access to the eco park is complimentary for all guests staying at one of the 12 en-suite rooms for a minimum of two nights. Guests can walk around the estate on their own or expert birding in Jamaica guides can be arranged. Our expert bird guide costs are shown in our tours & services page which include the half day and full day birding guide packages.
Green Castle is also perfectly situated centrally between the other renowned birding locations. This is essential for reducing travelling times to these destinations. Most guests wish to visit the Blue Mountains, and John Crow Mountains before sunrise to give the best opportunity for birding in Jamaica. Having a full day here also allows you to take in the natural beauty of these areas and enjoy birding on the numerous hiking trails. There are other areas close to Green Castle which can be recommended for bird watching if required.
We are the perfect place to bring a non-birding partner – they can relax, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy our traditional Jamaican hospitality, whilst Birders enjoy their birdwatching and birding tours! Non-birders can enjoy an ice-cold red stripe beer or Jamaican rum punch by the pool. There are many easy walking trails to go on, including the waterfall, the historic Windmill Tower, Blue Hole and natural eco beach. Enjoy swimming or snorkeling at Jack’s Bay on our coastline. Check out the organic farming we have in our eco park. We can also arrange for transport or tours into Ocho Rios, or to local markets, or perhaps to Goldeneye, the Bob Marley Museum or Firefly to take in some of local Jamaican culture. To check out the many fun things to do in Jamaica, visit here. You can also find out about our fascinating history here.
