CARIBBEAN NATURE LESSER ANTILLES

Fly to Antigua on either a British Airways or Virgin flight arriving in the after-noon and transfer to your hotel for the first of 3 nights.

Your first day on Antigua, where you may choose to take in some of the unique historical and cultural sights such as Nelson's Dockyard or Shirley Heights, or you could visit the saltpans and lagoons that hold some exciting birds such as the rare West Indian Whistling Duck, or simply relax on the beach recharging your batteries ready for the adventure ahead.

This morning you will embark on a full day Island Safari and Kayaking Tour. Travel by 4X4 vehicle through Antigua's countryside to see all the unspoiled places this island paradise has to offer. Then by kayak, discover the most beautiful side of the island where you will be introduced to the natural history and ecology of mangroves, reefs, birds, fish, sea turtles and more, which live in this habitat. Then kayak on to a secluded beach where a delicious lunch will be served. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling over the live reefs or simply relax on the beach before going back to your hotel.

Depart Antigua for Montserrat where you will spend 2 nights.

A full day island tour, taking in many sights such as The Montserrat Volcanic Observatory and learn all about the volcano, which last erupted in 1995. You will visit a ghost town emerging from the ash, as well as Atlantic cliffs, unspoilt beaches and possibly a sugar mill.

An early morning hike into the rainforest with your expert birding guide to look for Montserrat's one endemic species, the critically endangered Montserrat Oriole, as well as the island's other 119 bird species, of which 63 are rare or accidental. After this, you will transfer to the airport for your flight back to Antigua and on to Dominica.

Dominica is without doubt the 'Nature Island' of the Caribbean and one of its best-kept secrets. Although it was severely devastated by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, the island's rivers, rainforests, soaring mountains and volcanic beaches are already recovering their natural beauty. This incredible island is ideal for all those who travel with a passion not just to see things, but also to make discoveries. You will have two full days here to get involved with some of the work, clearing the hiking trails, if this is something that appeals. Alternatively, you can explore the new 5 kilometre long, 4 metre wide beach, which has formed as a result of the Hurricane. There will be an included tour to Syndicate Forest to look for the birds of note, including the Red-necked Parrot (Jaco), which is quite easy to see in the pristine forests. The Imperial Parrot (Sisserou), the island’s other endemic, is much less numerous and you may have to be patient to observe this beautiful and impressive parrot. Thanks to their protected status, and the efforts of The Parrot Research in Roseau, the population is recovering and spreading further south. The Syndicate area is popular for bird watching, as it is a sanctuary for some of the 170 other bird species in Dominica. If operational during your visit, you could also include an afternoon whale-watching boat trip to see the marine mammals. All year round, an abundance of resident and visiting cetaceans, pods of Spinner and Spotted Dolphins, Pilot Whales, Sperm Whales, False Orcas and at least a dozen other species can be found in these waters.

A morning departure from Dominica to St Lucia for 3 nights.

Home to the magical Piton Mountains, lush landscapes, unspoilt rainforests and palm-fringed beaches, Saint Lucia is the beautiful Caribbean island that has it all and more. On this holiday, you will experience this sensational island and the thrilling birding for yourself. There are 7 St Lucian endemics, as well as several other Lesser Antillean endemics to be found here and two guided tours to look for them are included. The first tour is to the East Coast, the Quilesse Reserve and the Vieux Fort wetlands, which is a long full day tour. The second tour will be to the Soufriere Des Bott Trail, which leads through the island’s central Rain Forest belt and is the home to a wide variety of bird species. This tour offers a close up view of the Pitons and there will also be an opportunity to visit the town of Soufriere, as well as the Botanical Gardens and Volcano if there is time. If it is turtle nesting time, an additional tour to the North East of the island to see this amazing spectacle can also be included.

After spending a last leisurely day on St Lucia you will take the evening BA flight back to the UK.

Arrive in London early in the morning