Costa Rica is one of the world’s top bird watching destinations, home to more than 900 bird species. From coastal wetlands to cloud forests and tropical rainforests, the country’s diverse habitats support an incredible variety of birdlife. Visitors can spot iconic species such as macaws and toucans, as well as a dazzling array of hummingbirds and even the striking but elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

With a well-developed tourism infrastructure, including knowledgeable local guides, easily accessible national parks, and an abundance of family friendly activities, Costa Rica is an excellent choice for birders of all ages.

Best for: An easy to navigate destination, with an abundance of exotic species, and a choice of guided group tours or private touring itineraries designed to help you make the most of your journey.

Home to South Africa’s most iconic wildlife and a number of luxury lodges, Kruger is a great spot for a bird watching holiday. Known as the birding 'Big 6', the region’s most sought-after species are the Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Saddle-billed Stork. Witnessing these magnificent birds in their natural habitat is an experience that will leave even the most seasoned birders in awe.

TF’s top lodge pick: 5★+ Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

This unique lodge blends cutting edge design with natural elements, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape. Every guide and tracker is highly experienced and has undergone extensive training to make sure that your safari is safe, informative and unforgettable.

Best for: An upmarket bird watching destination that can easily be incorporated into a wider itinerary, visiting multiple destinations, such as Cape Town, the fabulous Cape Winelands, or an Indian Ocean beach escape.

One of the world’s most spectacular bird watching destinations, Antarctica deserves a place on every adventurous birder’s bucket list. While you won’t find the same extensive variety of species found in tropical hotspots, you will encounter some of the world's most admired seabirds. Depending on the time of year you visit, expect to see a variety of petrels, albatrosses, skuas, and penguins in extraordinary numbers.

Expedition cruises provide access to this remote, ice-covered wilderness. The charming penguins of Antarctica, whether gathered in vast colonies or waddling along the shoreline, are sure to capture both your heart and your camera lens.

Best for: An unforgettable expedition to one of the world’s last great wildernesses, offering extraordinary wildlife encounters and spectacular seabird colonies.

This twin-island nation is one of the Caribbean’s top bird watching destinations, home to more than 450 bird species. Its diverse habitats, including rainforests, wetlands and mangroves, support a colourful array of birdlife.

Tobago, the smaller of the two islands, is an idyllic escape dotted with picturesque towns and sleepy fishing villages. A haven for wildlife lovers, it is home to UNESCO World Heritage listed Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Just offshore lies Little Tobago, also known as Bird of Paradise Island, a renowned seabird sanctuary where visitors can observe species such as Red-billed Tropicbirds, Magnificent Frigatebirds and Brown Boobies in their natural habitat.

Best for: Combining world-class bird watching with tropical beaches, Caribbean sunshine and a wonderfully laidback island vibe.

For those looking for excellent bird watching opportunities a little closer to home, Donana National Park is one of Europe’s most important wetland reserves. Located in southern Spain, the park is particularly famous as a stopover point for birds migrating between Europe and Africa. Birders can look out for species such as greater flamingos, spoonbills, herons and a variety of birds of prey.

Easily reached from Seville or Cadiz, Donana National Park makes for a great addition to any Andalusia itinerary. You can self drive to the perimeter of the park; however, for a better experience, 4WD guided tours take you further into the interior, where you’ll have the best chance of spotting the park’s diverse birdlife.

Best for: A European bird watching escape, offering the chance to admire migratory birds, wetland wildlife and impressive eagles.

While best known for its primates, Borneo’s ancient rainforests also rank among Asia’s finest bird watching destinations. With over 600 bird species, including several species of hornbills, birders will be spoilt for choice in Borneo.

Sabah, in Malaysian Borneo, is the island's most accessible region and offers some of the finest birding opportunities. Explore the scenic walking trails of Kinabalu National Park, search for rare lowland species in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and cruise along the Kinabatangan River for a different perspective, where riverbanks and forest edges provide excellent opportunities to spot broadbills, kingfishers and a wealth of other rainforest birds.

Best for: Immersive rainforest birding, rare species and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and embark on a Galápagos cruise to discover a place unlike anywhere else on Earth. Renowned for its extraordinary birdlife and pristine natural beauty, the archipelago offers unforgettable encounters with species found nowhere else on the planet.

Bird watching enthusiasts will be captivated by the remarkable diversity of birdlife, including the iconic Blue-footed Booby, Flightless Cormorant, Waved Albatross (often referred to as the Galápagos Albatross), and the unique Galápagos Penguin.

Best for: A once-in-a-lifetime adventure, combining exceptional bird watching and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Ideal for birders seeking close encounters with iconic species found nowhere else on Earth.