Explore the world, one port at a time
Discover thoughtfully planned shore excursions designed for birders and nature enthusiasts seeking meaningful experiences at every port of call. With local experts leading the way, Birding Beyond transforms your cruise into an unforgettable birding experience.
The Birding Beyond difference
What makes Birding Beyond shore excursions special is the level of planning and local expertise that goes into them. Each excursion is arranged in advance and led by knowledgeable local bird guides who understand the habitats, seasonal conditions, and birdlife of their area. Our excursions are explicitly designed to fit within cruise schedules, reducing stress and allowing guests to focus on the experience.
Unlike generic tours, Birding Beyond excursions focus on meaningful birding at each port, often visiting a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, coastal areas, and reserves. Group sizes are kept manageable, expectations are clearly communicated, and conservation-minded partners are prioritized whenever possible.
The result is a shore excursion that feels thoughtful, well-organized, and connected to the place you’re visiting.
A highlight you won't forget
If someone could experience just one highlight of our shore excursions, it would be stepping off the ship and immediately being guided into local habitats by someone who truly knows them. That moment of connection, learning about the birds, landscapes, and ecosystems from a local expert, turns a brief port visit into a meaningful experience. It’s about seeing a place through its wildlife and leaving with a deeper understanding of where you’ve been.
Addressing your questions
Some of the most common questions people have about birding excursions on cruises concern timing, physical activity, experience level, and logistics. Travelers often want to know whether the excursion will fit comfortably within the ship’s schedule, how much walking is involved, and whether birding is suitable for beginners.
People also ask about group size, what to bring, and whether specific bird species are guaranteed. At Birding Beyond, we address these concerns by planning excursions, working with experienced local guides, clearly communicating expectations, and designing outings that are realistic for cruise travelers. While wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, our goal is to deliver well-organized, enjoyable birding experiences that are accessible, informative, and stress-free.
Birding Cruising
Birding Cruising is the heart of what we do at Birding Beyond. Instead of treating birding as a one-off shore excursion, we plan coordinated birding experiences across the entire cruise itinerary. Every port is approached as an opportunity to explore local habitats with knowledgeable guides, while still respecting the cruise schedule.
Birding Cruising combines the comfort and convenience of cruising with thoughtfully planned birding at each destination, allowing guests to experience a wide range of ecosystems without the logistics of independent travel.
Western Caribbean Cruise
December 14–20, 2025
Allure of the Seas
This Western Caribbean itinerary offers birding at every port of call, including Nassau, Puerto Costa Maya, and Cozumel. Excursions explore coastal habitats, mangroves, wetlands, forest edges, and lightly developed natural areas near the port. Local guides are coordinated in advance to ensure a smooth, well-paced experience that fits comfortably within the cruise schedule. This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking variety and accessibility across multiple destinations.
Bahamas Birding Cruise
January 5–9, 2026
Liberty of the Seas
This short Bahamas itinerary includes birding at Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Excursions focus on island and coastal habitats, including shoreline areas, wetlands, and coastal scrub. Designed for a relaxed pace, this cruise is well-suited for guests looking for an easy introduction to birding while cruising or a shorter, nature-focused getaway.
Western Caribbean Cruise
January 10–17, 2026
Icon of the Seas
Birding is planned at every port, including Puerto Costa Maya, Roatán, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Each destination offers different ecosystems, from mainland forests and wetlands to island and coastal habitats. Excursions are coordinated with knowledgeable local guides and designed to align closely with ship schedules, offering variety and consistency throughout the week.
New Zealand Cruise
January 27–Feb. 6, 2026
Anthem of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This extended itinerary includes birding at Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Excursions explore coastal zones, wetlands, forest reserves, and open landscapes representative of New Zealand’s diverse ecosystems. The longer sailing allows for a more immersive experience at each port and is well-suited for travelers with a strong interest in regional birdlife and conservation.
Queensland Birding Cruise
February 6–13, 2026
Anthem of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This Queensland-focused cruise includes two port days in Airlie Beach, allowing for exploration of tropical coastal habitats, wetlands, and forested areas. The repeat port visit offers flexibility and the opportunity to experience different habitats on both days, all coordinated by experienced local guides.
Western Caribbean Cruise
February 21–28, 2026
Icon of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This itinerary mirrors earlier Western Caribbean sailings and includes birding at Puerto Costa Maya, Roatán, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Excursions are planned at every port and highlight a mix of mainland and island habitats, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. This sailing offers the same thoughtfully paced, cruise-friendly birding experience while providing an additional opportunity to join a proven and well-organized itinerary.
Western Caribbean Cruise
March 7–14, 2026
Icon of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This Western Caribbean itinerary includes birding at Puerto Costa Maya, Roatán, Cozumel, and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Excursions are planned at every port to explore a mix of mainland and island habitats, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas. This sailing follows a proven itinerary and offers a consistent, well-paced birding experience that fits seamlessly into the cruise schedule.
Western Caribbean Cruise
March 15–22, 2026
Star of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This sailing includes birding in Cozumel, Roatán, and Puerto Costa Maya, plus Perfect Day at CocoCay, with excursions coordinated in advance with local guides. Each port offers opportunities to explore regional habitats while maintaining a relaxed, organized pace. This itinerary is well-suited for guests seeking a reliable, thoughtfully planned Western Caribbean birding experience.
Bahamas Birding Cruise
March 30–April 3, 2026
Celebrity Reflection
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This short Bahamas itinerary includes birding in Nassau and Bimini, with a focus on coastal and island habitats. Excursions are designed to fit comfortably within the cruise schedule and provide a relaxed birding experience that highlights the natural environments of the Bahamas.
Western Caribbean Cruise
April 12–19, 2026
Star of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This Western Caribbean sailing includes birding in Cozumel, Roatán, and Puerto Costa Maya, plus Perfect Day at CocoCay. Knowledgeable local guides lead excursions and emphasize habitat diversity while maintaining a smooth, cruise-friendly pace throughout the itinerary.
Transatlantic & Europe
Birding Cruise
April 26–May 11, 2026
Brilliance of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This extended itinerary includes birding in Bermuda, the Azores, Málaga, Alicante, Valencia, and Barcelona. Birding excursions explore coastal, island, and Mediterranean habitats across multiple regions, offering a broad and varied birding experience throughout the sailing.
Adriatic & Mediterranean Birding Cruise
May 18–25, 2026
Brilliance of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This Mediterranean itinerary includes birding at Ravenna, Trieste, Split, Dubrovnik, Sarandë, Salerno, and Rome. Excursions explore a mix of coastal, wetland, and inland habitats, providing geographic and ecological variety across Southern Europe and the Adriatic region.
Northern Europe Cruise
June 21–26, 2026
Liberty of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This short Northern Europe cruise includes birding in Hamburg and Bruges, with excursions focused on habitats near the ports. Birding experiences may include visits to urban green spaces, wetlands, river corridors, and managed natural areas. Local guides help interpret regional birdlife and seasonal patterns, and excursions are designed to be relaxed and efficient, making the most of limited port time while remaining comfortably paced.
Iberian Peninsula Cruise
June 26–July 5, 2026
Liberty of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
Birding excursions span Spain and Portugal, exploring a variety of habitats including coastal zones, estuaries, urban green spaces, agricultural landscapes, and inland natural areas. Each excursion is led by knowledgeable local guides who are familiar with regional birdlife and seasonal conditions. The itinerary’s broad geographic range across the Iberian Peninsula provides meaningful ecological variety while maintaining a comfortable, cruise-friendly pace at each port.
Iceland Birding Cruise
July 11–18, 2026
Celebrity Silhouette
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This Iceland-focused itinerary includes birding in Reykjavík, Seyðisfjörður, Akureyri, and Ísafjörður, providing access to a wide range of subarctic habitats. Birding excursions explore coastal cliffs, fjords, wetlands, tundra edges, and northern shoreline environments characteristic of Iceland’s unique landscape. Local guides provide insight into seasonal birdlife and regional conditions, and excursions are carefully planned to fit within the cruise schedule. This itinerary offers a distinctive birding experience shaped by Iceland’s geography, climate, and dramatic natural setting.
Alaska Birding Cruise
July 24–31, 2026
Ovation of the Seas
This Alaska itinerary includes birding at Ketchikan, Sitka, and Skagway, with excursions focused on the coastal forests, wetlands, shoreline areas, and northern ecosystems typical of Southeast Alaska. Birding outings are led by knowledgeable local guides who are familiar with regional birdlife and seasonal conditions. Each excursion is designed to fit smoothly within the cruise schedule, providing opportunities for observation, learning, and exploration while enjoying the dramatic landscapes that define this region.
Alaska Birding Cruise
July 31–August 7, 2026
Ovation of the Seas
Birding excursions at Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point highlight Alaska’s diverse habitats and seasonal birdlife, including coastal forests, wetlands, shoreline areas, and river corridors. Excursions are coordinated with experienced local guides who understand regional conditions and migration patterns. Each outing is planned to fit comfortably within the cruise schedule, offering meaningful birding opportunities while allowing time to appreciate Alaska’s landscapes and natural setting.
Alaska Northwest Cruise
August 7–14, 2026
Voyager of the Seas
This itinerary combines Alaskan ports with Victoria, British Columbia, offering a blend of northern and Pacific Northwest birding environments. Birding excursions explore coastal forests, wetlands, shoreline areas, and temperate habitats influenced by both marine and forest ecosystems. Local guides provide insight into regional birdlife and seasonal patterns, while excursions are planned to align closely with the cruise schedule. This itinerary offers a unique transition between Alaskan and Pacific Northwest habitats, adding geographic and ecological variety to the birding experience.
Eastern Caribbean Birding Cruise
August 29–Sep. 5, 2026
Icon of the Seas
This Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes birding at St. Thomas, San Juan, and Perfect Day at CocoCay, with excursions focused on island and coastal habitats across the region. Birding experiences may include visits to coastal wetlands, shoreline areas, forested hillsides, and managed natural areas near the port. Each excursion is coordinated with local guides who understand the region’s birdlife and is carefully timed to fit within the cruise schedule, creating a relaxed and well-organized birding experience across three distinct destinations.
Southern Caribbean Birding Cruise
September 13–20, 2026
Celebrity Beyond
Birding excursions at Puerto Plata, Tortola, and St. Kitts explore a range of Caribbean habitats, including coastal areas, dry forest, wetlands, and foothill landscapes. Excursions are coordinated with knowledgeable local experts who are familiar with regional birdlife and seasonal conditions. Each outing is planned to fit comfortably within the cruise schedule, offering a well-paced and engaging birding experience across three distinct islands.
Asia Birding Cruise
October 18–29, 2026
Navigator of the Seas
FULLY BOOKED – WAITING LIST ONLY
This Asia-focused itinerary includes birding in Nagasaki, Jeju, Hong Kong, Chan May, and Singapore, spanning a wide geographic range across East and Southeast Asia. Birding excursions explore a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, wetlands, forest edges, urban green spaces, and managed natural reserves near the port.
Each excursion is led by knowledgeable local guides familiar with regional birdlife and seasonal conditions, and all outings are carefully planned to align with the ship’s schedule. This itinerary offers one of the most geographically and ecologically diverse birding experiences in the Birding Beyond lineup, providing insight into birdlife across multiple countries and ecosystems within a single sailing.
Please note:
Most cruises listed here are currently fully booked and tend to fill quickly. A waiting list is available for each sailing. We encourage you to contact us by email to check availability or to be added to the waiting list, as spaces do occasionally open.