Birding Cruises
Our expertly guided birding cruises offer unparalleled opportunities to explore some of the world’s most remote and wildlife-rich regions by sea. These extraordinary voyages combine superb pelagic birding with visits to little-known islands hosting a wealth of regional endemics, many of which are difficult or impossible to see any other way. All the Ornis leaders have spent months of their lives on the ocean in different parts of the world, and are experts in seabird identification.
From the tropical coral atolls and forested high islands of Polynesia, with their unique monarchs, lorikeets, and fruit-doves, to the rich lowland jungles and rugged mountain slopes of Melanesia and New Guinea teeming with birds-of-paradise, rare pittas, and intriguing white-eyes, each cruise promises a thrilling diversity of habitats and avian treasures. Further south, cruises to the Subantarctic and Antarctic offer dramatic scenery and superb encounters with endemic parakeets, snipe, and vast colonies of albatrosses, penguins, and petrels.
Whether you're a dedicated seabirder chasing ultra-rare Pterodroma species or a world lister seeking isolated island endemics, our birding cruises deliver unforgettable experiences in some of Earth’s most spectacular and biodiverse maritime realms.
Atlantic Odyssey: The Ornis Special
Join us on one of the best seabird cruises in the world! Dani and Josh are confirmed to be leading this tour, so this is sure to be an exciting time on the ocean, full of laughs and excellent birds.
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Chile: Fuegian Snipe & Juan Fernandez
Visit some of the remotest islands in the world! First see the mythical Fuegian Snipe on Carlos III, then hop over to Robinson Crusoe Island for the endemic Juan Fernandez Firecrown and Tit-tyrant. Several pelagics should produce the much-wanted Juan Fernandez Petrel, Masatierra Petrel, and Stejneger’s Petrel.
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Eastern Polynesia
Dream birds like Tuamotu Sandpiper, Ultramarine Lorikeet and Henderson Crake at the edge of the world! Throw in some poorly-known seabirds like Phoenix Petrel and Polynesian Storm Petrel, this is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition on the ocean! Includes all of French Polynesia and the Pitcairn Islands.
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Indonesia: Banda Sea & Tanimbar
Luxurious cruise visiting some of the most remote islands in Indonesia, many hosting pristine forest and remarkably abundant birdlife. Featuring Damar Flycatcher, Banda Sea Pitta, and Wetar Ground Dove! This tour is being run at a significant discount compared to similar itineraries by other companies.
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New Zealand: Subantarctic Islands
Our professionally-led version of the world's best seabirding cruise, with enticing island endemics like Snares Penguin, Erect-crested Pengin, Royal Penguin, Campbell Teal, Auckland Shag, Subantarctic Snipe, Antipodean Parakeet, and Shore Plover. Already guaranteed with an Ornis leader!
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Papua New Guinea: Islands
This unique birding cruise comprehensively explores the archipelagos east of New Guinea, all on a comfortable liveaboard boat with two land-based nights at the end on Manus Island. We expect to record over 65 endemics during the tour, including Superb Pitta, Goldie's Bird-of-paradise, and Mussau Fantail!
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