A Caribbean Birdwatching Escape
December is an excellent time for birdwatching in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, the three Dutch Caribbean islands often known together as the BES islands. Warm, generally dry weather makes it comfortable to spend long mornings outdoors, while the islands’ different landscapes provide a surprising variety of habitats.
From Bonaire’s salt pans and cactus-studded hills to Saba’s steep rainforest slopes and Statia’s volcanic coastline, each island offers a distinct experience. You can combine relaxed island time with rewarding wildlife encounters, often without needing to travel far from your accommodation.
Bonaire’s Salt Pans
Bonaire is the easiest of the three islands for exploring independently, with good roads and plenty of accessible birdwatching locations. The salt pans and shallow lagoons are especially rewarding in December, when bright Caribbean light makes it easier to scan the water and shoreline for movement.
Keep watch for the island’s famous Caribbean flamingos, along with herons, egrets, terns and shorebirds. The pink flamingos are best admired from a respectful distance, so bring binoculars and take time to observe their graceful feeding and steady movements across the flats.
Elsewhere on Bonaire, dry woodland and cactus scrub shelter colourful resident species. Brown pelicans, frigatebirds and ospreys may be seen around the coast, while the distinctive yellow-shouldered Amazon parrot is one of the island’s most sought-after sightings.
Statia’s Volcanic Habitats
Sint Eustatius, or Statia, rewards visitors who enjoy combining walking with wildlife watching. The island’s slopes, historic countryside and coastline create varied habitats, and December’s pleasant temperatures are well suited to exploring on foot.
Trails around The Quill, the island’s dormant volcano, pass through greener vegetation than you might expect in the Caribbean. Listen for calls in the forest and look upwards for soaring frigatebirds, hawks and other seabirds riding the coastal breezes.
Statia is also rich in history, so a day can easily include birdwatching, old plantation roads and views over the sea. Local guides can help identify species and explain how the island’s volcanic landscape supports its wildlife.
Saba’s Mountain Forest
Saba has a very different feel, with dramatic mountains, narrow roads and lush upper slopes. The island’s cloud forest is a highlight for nature lovers, particularly around Mount Scenery, where changing conditions create a cool, atmospheric setting above the Caribbean.
Walk quietly and watch the canopy for forest birds, while also checking open viewpoints for seabirds and soaring visitors. Saba is known for its rich natural environment, and the pleasure often comes as much from hearing calls and spotting movement as from collecting a long list of species.
Sturdy footwear is useful, and a local guide can make the trails more enjoyable and informative. December showers are possible in the hills, so pack a light waterproof jacket even when the coast looks bright and dry.
Planning Your December Trip
Early mornings are usually the best time for birdwatching, before the sun becomes strong and the islands grow busier. Take water, sun protection, a hat and binoculars, and wear light clothing with sensible walking shoes.
Allow time between islands, as flights and boat services can be limited and weather may affect schedules. You can focus on one island for a simple wildlife break or build a broader itinerary that contrasts Bonaire’s wetlands, Statia’s volcanic countryside and Saba’s mountain forest.
With warm weather, distinctive scenery and excellent opportunities for close observation, a December birdwatching holiday in the BES islands is ideal for both keen birders and curious travellers. It is a chance to enjoy nature at an unhurried pace, with the Caribbean sea never far away.