EcoTravel Overnight Trips
Favorite Tours
Amazing Amazon Cruises
Year-round Departures.
Seven Days!
Our most popular cruise explores some of the most untouched rainforest in all of Amazonia. On an eight-cabin expedition vessel, travelers venture far up some of the least inhabited rivers in the Amazon Basin for a full seven days and explore areas rarely visited, seeking out the mysterious life in the heart of the Amazon. This is the most thorough, detailed, and sophisticated trip offered in the entire Amazon and comes with rave reviews from past participants. Guides are accomplished local naturalists. This is a trip of a lifetime, easy for seniors and families! Fee starts at $3,795 per person. Extensions are available to Iguacu Falls, Machu Picchu, Pantanal, Galapagos, and Ecuadorian Highlands. Call for details.
Galapagos Cruise: Islands of Discovery
Year-round Departures.
Galapagos, a remote archipelago where life goes on much as it has for millions of years, is the world’s greatest living laboratory for study and observation of nature. Here the animals have no fear of humans, and you can be at one with nature as nowhere else on Earth. Over centuries, animal and plant life reached the islands and gradually evolved into new life forms. Opportunities for photography are unparalleled, with sea lions, iguanas, and penguins in arm’s reach. Cabins available from $4,700 per person. Ecuadorian Highland, Machu Picchu, and Quito extensions available. Don’t miss out on this tremendous learning experience in the “Enchanted Islands.” Call for details.
Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel has a great selection of overnight tours that visit many exciting spots, both close to home and around the globe. All our tours promise to be special adventures, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful animals and habitats in the world. The Connecticut Audubon Society strives to be at the forefront of environmental education, and our EcoTravel program plays a strong part in that goal. If our dates or tours do not meet your needs, we can provide you with the itineraries of other natural history travel companies. If you choose one of their programs and sign-up through us, we’ll earn commissions which support Connecticut Audubon Society’s education programs. It costs you nothing extra and helps us immensely.
Click here for a printable version of our Full Newsletter.
Overnight International Tours
January 2025
Tanzania Safari: Birds and Mammals
January 21 – February 4, 2025 15 Days! FEW SPOTS REMAIN! CALL NOW!
This is Africa as you’ve always imagined it: the magic of a Serengeti sunset, the teeming wildlife of Ngorongoro Crater, and some of the most wonderful birdlife you’ll ever see. A safari to Tanzania is a special adventure into the premier wildlife-viewing country of Africa, with national parks and reserves unsurpassed anywhere in the world. We’ll see all of the major plains animals: lions, hippos, zebras, giraffes, impalas, gazelles and other herbivores, baboons and monkeys, and herds of elephant and buffalo. You’ll stay in outstanding lodges, and a side trip to Oldupai Gorge will take you to the cradle of mankind. Travelers are accompanied by staff members Rob Taylor and Miley Bull, along with talented Tanzanian guides.
Fee: $11,698. Members: $9,698.
March 2025
Endemics of Costa Rica WAIT LIST!
March 14 – 25, 2025 12 Days!
Located on the southern coast near the Panama border, the Osa Peninsula is home to over 50% of all species found in Costa Rica! Travelers will experience a true tropical adventure as we hunt after Costa Rica’s four mainland endemics including Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager, which is found only on the Osa. We’ll also venture high into the Talamanca Mountains, searching for iconic species such as Resplendent Quetzal amongst the clouds. Over 40 species of hummingbirds and 12 species of parrots can be expected, including Scarlet Macaw.
Leaders: Matt Bell and local guides.
Fee: $6,898. Members: $5,998.
Cuba’s Birds, Culture, and Landscapes
March 29 – April 7, 2025 Nine Days!
Our team will include the very talented Rob Taylor (world birder, musician, and Broadway lyricist) and expert local naturalists who will guide you through the Caribbean’s largest and most ecologically diverse island nation. While there’ll be daily opportunities to see many birds, including the World’s smallest, the Bee Hummingbird, our focus expands to include a range of Cuban fauna and flora, along with the ecology and history of regions we visit. We’ll also enjoy opportunities to swim and relax on the beach. Our informal discussions will expose the main issues of conservation in the Cuban Archipelago, and our Cuban guides will answer your questions and offer explanations of Cuban history, politics, and daily living.
Leaders: Rob Taylor and local guides.
Fee: $6,498. Members: $5,498.
May 2025
Iceland: Circumnavigation via The Ring Road
May 22 – June 2, 2025 12 Days!
Travelers visiting Iceland today follow in the steps of the mighty Vikings who first visited the island in the 9th century. Whether you delight in vast uninhabited expanses of landscape or walking around town making friends, you’ll feel free in Iceland and enter a whole new realm of experience. You’ll discover original nature as you’ve never seen it before while visiting thousands of cliff–nesting birds and exploring the culture, history, geology, and more.
Leaders: Andy Griswold and native Icelander Daniel Bergmann.
Fee: $10,498. Members: $8,998.
June 2025
Romania: Transylvania and the Danube Delta
June 4 – 17, 2025 14 Days!
After a popular and successful first trip in 2023, we return back to Romania! On this adventure, we’ll explore the mountains of Transylvania, famous for Vlad the Impaler and ancient old growth forests. We’ll also visit the Danube Delta, considered the best preserved delta in Europe. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the delta is home to over 300 species of birds throughout the year. Our visit will be timed with the start of breeding season, with birds in full display and colorful plumage. Enjoy the stunning birdlife while also experiencing Eastern European culture and history.
Leaders: Matt Bell and local guides.
Fee: $6,698. Members: $5,998.
Scottish Highlands, Islands, and Edinburgh
June 12 – 23, 2025 12 Days!
Touring the Scottish Highlands, Orkney, and Edinburgh offers a diverse and enriching experience. The Highlands are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, rugged mountains, deep lochs, and vast moorlands. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the Highlands are home to unique wildlife, such as Red Deer, Golden Eagle, and Eurasian Otter. Discover ancient castles and experience traditional Scottish culture. Orkney boasts some of the best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe and features stunning coastal scenery, dramatic cliffs, and serene beaches. It’s a great place to see puffins, seals, and a variety of seabirds. The islands have a distinct cultural identity with Norse influences clear in local customs and festivals. Orkney offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, perfect for relaxation and contemplation. Edinburgh is home to iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace. The city’s architecture, from medieval Old Town to Georgian New Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city offers a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues. Explore a variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to quirky independent stores, and enjoy diverse culinary experiences in top-rated restaurants and cozy pubs. Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature, with connections to famous writers like Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and J.K. Rowling. This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience, combining natural beauty, rich history, vibrant culture, and a unique sense of place.
Leaders: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $7,998. Members: $6,498.
Overnight Domestic Tours
Regional Overnight Tours include transportation from a central meeting spot.
Some trips can be followed in your personal vehicle as a Self-Drive Trip.
October 2024
Louisiana: Rail Bonanza WAIT LIST!
October 27 – November 2, 2024 Seven Days!
Each fall, nearly every North American species of rail descends upon the coastline of Louisiana. In fact, Yellow Rail, one of the most secretive species in North America, is regularly seen as rice farmers harvest their fall crop. Some nighttime exploration may also yield the highly sought after Black Rail! Other target species include Red-cockaded Woodpecker; Seaside, Nelson’s, and LeConte’s sparrows; and multiple species of waterfowl. With luck, we may also stumble upon late migrants or vagrants. Join us in Cajun Country as we explore one of the hidden gemstones of North American birding.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $2,998. Members: $2,498.
November 2024
Martha’s Vineyard Escape
November 7 – 10, 2024 Four Days! FEW SPOTS REMAIN!
Located just off the coast of Massachusetts, this island offers an unspoiled charm probably best exemplified by its many scenic beaches, varying from protected, shallow, clear–water stretches on the northern and eastern sides to expanses of rumbling surf along the south side. The coastal sand plain ecosystem found on Martha’s Vineyard and the surrounding Massachusetts islands is one of the most beautiful and threatened natural systems in the world, with only one percent of its original global acreage still remaining. Found in only a few other locations in the northeastern United States, the coastal sand plains include rare natural communities such as coastal grasslands and heathlands. Travelers will enjoy some great birds and come to understand how the geological forces that created the island determined its subsequent history. Enjoy this island escape in the off–season.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $1,798. Members: $1,498.
December 2024
Cape Cod in Winter
December 6 – 8, 2024 Three Days!
In December, Cape Cod is a fabulous place to explore when tourists are few and the region takes on a more relaxed feel. Unfortunately, at this time of year Kemp’s Ridley, Green, and Loggerhead sea turtles are often stunned by cold water and end up stranded along the beaches. Participants learn about these fragile marine reptiles at Massachusetts Audubon’s Wellfleet Sanctuary. Scour the beaches of Cape Cod Bay for stranded turtles, take part in winter birding, and be magically absorbed into the wildness of grass-topped dunes, empty beaches, and ceaseless crashing waves. While sea turtles are possible, they are not guaranteed.
Leader: Jim Sherwonit.
Fee: $1,198. Members: $998.
January 2025
California: Winter Escape
January 2 – 11, 2025 11 Days! WAIT LIST!
January 13 – 23, 2025 11 Days! Second departure! Call now!
Southern California is a legendary birding destination. The mild, Mediterranean climate is the perfect escape from traditional cold winter weather for birds and humans alike! Join us as we explore from San Diego to Los Angeles in search of the Californian endemic species, along with countless other wintering birds. We’ll explore a variety of habitats, from the rocky coast to the expansive desert to the towering mountains. Upwards of 200 species are possible! A trip to Channel Islands National Park is planned.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $4,998. Members: $4,498.
Winter Owl Blitz
January 26 – 31, 2025 Six Days! Filling second vehicle!
For many people, the first images that come to mind when thinking of Minnesota winters are of cold, snow, ice, and frozen lakes. To birders, those images exist only as a glittering backdrop for Great Gray and Northern Hawk owls hunting from spruce–top perches; Ruffed Grouse stripping the buds from birches by morning’s glowing light; flocks of colorful Pine and Evening grosbeaks filling-up at bird feeders; frenzied redpolls darting about an alder thicket; and tamarack bogs occupied by industrious Black–backed and American Three–toed woodpeckers. Join us as we venture into the North, searching for the rare and breathtaking species that call the boreal forests home. The birds may be different each year, but the camaraderie remains the same!
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $3,298. Members: $2,698.
Long Island’s North and South Forks
January 30 – February 2, 2025 Four Days!
Montauk, on the far eastern tip of Long Island, is one of the best winter birding spots in the Northeast. The open ocean and harbors provide opportunities to see many winter waterfowl not so commonly found in Connecticut. Eiders, three scoter species, gulls, alcids, grebes, loons, Snowy Owl, and other winter specialties are among the many birds one can expect. Enjoy the quiet of off–season resort towns and the fresh air of winter beaches from Greenport to Montauk and Montauk to Shinnecock Inlet.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $1,798. Members: $1,498.
February 2025
Nantucket: Seasons in Transition WAIT LIST!
February 18 – 21, 2025 Four Days!
The birding starts the minute we board the ferry and gets better as we leave the mainland behind. Revel in the peace of an off–season resort, the inescapable sense of history, and the abundance of open space. Expect sea ducks, rare gulls, and the spectacular Snowy Owl as we search the desolate beaches by four–wheel–drive vehicle. Relax in the delightful teahouses and pubs in the heart of the historic town and at our private house in the village of Siasconset.
Leaders: Andy Griswold and island native Rich Newman.
Fee: $1,798. Members: $1,498.
March 2025
Nebraska’s Crane Migration
March 28 – April 3, 2025 Seven Days!
Nearly half a million Sandhill Cranes descend upon the broad valley of the Platte River, and by March approximately 80 percent of the world’s Lesser Sandhill Cranes (a distinctive subspecies) crowd a 150-mile stretch of the river in the largest gathering of cranes anywhere in the world! We may even find a few of their rare and elegant cousins, the federally endangered Whooping Crane. Witness one of North America’s greatest wildlife spectacles and enjoy the vastness of the Great Plains!
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $3,098. Members: $2,598.
April 2025
South Carolina’s ACE Basin
April 6 – 13, 2025 Eight Days!
If you’re looking for prime spring birding mixed with southern hospitality, visit the lush and mysterious 350,000-acre ACE Basin, one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast. The Basin hosts a wealth of wildlife, including nesting Bald Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Northern Parula, and Yellow-throated Warbler. Destinations include the “best birding spot in South Carolina,” Bear Island. A visit to I’on Swamp will allow time to reflect, as the swamp was once home to four now extinct species. Take a trip back in time with a full day in America’s most beautifully preserved architectural and historic treasure, Charleston. The spring gardens and migration will be at their peak!
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $3,798. Members: $3,298.
Florida: Everglades, Keys, and Dry Tortugas FEW SPOTS REMAIN!
April 10 – 17, 2025 Eight Days!
One of North America’s “Top–Ten Birding Spots,” South Florida hosts a large number of unusual birds and other wildlife that are found nowhere else. Visit unique and sensitive habitats, including such well–known places as Big Cypress, Loxahatchee, Shark Valley, Anhinga Trail, Key West, and the famed Dry Tortugas. Bird species include the federally endangered Snail Kite, Short–tailed Hawk, Masked Booby, Brown Noddy, federally threatened Florida Scrub–Jay, and Sooty Tern. Spend a day looking for the Miami exotics that are American Birding Association countable. Witness first–hand how special a place the Everglades truly is!
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $5,198. Members: $4,798.
Pelagic Birding: Repositioning Cruise
April 29 – May 4, 2025 Six Days!
Pelagic cruises have long been one of the most mysterious fields of birding. Many pelagic trips are long, single-day affairs out towards undersea shelfs. More recently, birders have discovered that regularly scheduled repositioning cruises, when companies move their cruise ships to different areas in preparation for the next season, are the new frontier in pelagic birding. Join us as we journey from San Diego to Vancouver, Canada, along the continental shelf, where deep sea species, including Hawaiian, Cook’s, and Murphy’s petrels, and Black-footed and Laysan albatrosses, are the main targets. All regular amenities of the cruise ship are available, and the boat is stable enough that spotting scopes can be used.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: Call for pricing.
May 2025
Magee Marsh: Warbler Capital of the World
May 11 – 17, 2025 Eight Days!
World-famous Magee Marsh has without a doubt earned the title of “Warbler Capital of the World.” Throughout spring migration, nearly every species of eastern warbler passes through the marsh, many times down low and at eye level! After enjoying all Ohio has to offer, venture into Michigan to yet another migration hotspot, Tawas Point. A day will also be dedicated to searching for the rare Kirtland’s Warbler, which breeds almost exclusively in the Jack Pines of Michigan. This is a can’t-miss trip that combines the wonders of bird migration with experiencing the greater birding community!
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $3,098. Members: $2,698.
Mount Auburn: Boston’s Birding Hotspot
May 23 – 25, 2025 Eight Days!
This is absolutely the best place on the East Coast to see and hear large numbers of migrant warblers during the peak of spring migration! Birds are often at eye level, offering excellent views and photographic opportunities. Mt. Auburn, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was founded in 1831 by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society as a “garden cemetery,” a concept since copied by many communities across the country. The stupendous variety and scale of the trees alone is not to be missed, providing an oasis that birds find irresistible. Birds in an unrivaled setting!
Leader: Jim Sherwonit.
Fee: $1,498. Members: $1,198.
June 2025
Connecticut Lakes
June 4 – 8, 2025 Five Days!
The Connecticut Lakes region is the wild area at the northern tip of New Hampshire, the center of the North Country’s moose habitat where the Connecticut River is born. Birds may include Spruce Grouse, Black–backed Woodpecker, Canada Jay, Mourning Warbler, and Boreal Chickadee. Stay at a peaceful lakeside lodge and hike to the headwaters of the river where it begins its journey .
Leader: Jim Sherwonit.
Fee: $1,798. Members: $1,498.
Colorado and Utah
June 30 – July 9, 2025 10 Days!
From the towering Rocky Mountains, windswept Great Plains, and the expansive Basin and Range, Colorado and Utah are home to breathtaking landscapes and unique scenery, while also holding species that are difficult to find elsewhere. Join us on early mornings and late evenings as we search for Flammulated Owl, Mountain Plover, Cassia Crossbill, White–tailed Ptarmigan, and more. Large portions of the western United States are public land, ripe for exploration! This four–state trip will also include forays into Nevada and Idaho.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $5,998. Members: $4,998.
July 2025
Maine’s Whales and Puffins
July 17 – 21, 2025 Five Days!
Maine is one of the most beautiful states on the East Coast. With its rocky shores, dense forests, and access to the ocean, it gives nature lovers a wide range of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. This trip allows participants to experience much of what Maine offers, with a puffin cruise, whale watch, forest walks, ocean strolls, and amazing views. Explore the beauty of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, one of the most picturesque parks and home to Cadillac Mountain, where sunrise and sunset are unequalled. Revel in the scenic beauty of historic towns and hidden coves. Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $2,398. Members: $2,098.
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