Guided Birding Tours

Birding in Cozumel is certainly safe and easy enough to do on your own.  Indeed, this entire website is designed to help you have a productive and enjoyable birding experience while visiting the island, whether or not you bird with a guide.

Getting an orientation to birding on Cozumel from a local expert can also be very helpful, especially if you are new to the area.  Local guides not only know the best sites for the birds you are interested in, but they also know best how to bird each hotspot during the different seasons, they are familiar with bird behaviors, and they can readily identify unfamiliar bird calls (Merlin Sound ID still struggles with many bird vocalizations in Cozumel).  When you contract for their services, you also support the local economy, you get an opportunity to learn more about the people and culture of the island, and you make a new friend! 

Listed below are two local bird guides that I see regularly in the field and that I recommend very highly*:

• Melba Aguilera - a certified guide specializing in nature-oriented tourism and birds at Parque Punta Sur; also guides bird tours outside the park.  On Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/cozumelbirdingtours and Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/people/Cozumel-Birding-Tour-by-Melba/100095294263434/;  Contact:  melbaguilera@gmail.com

• Elvis Jiménez - Cozumel-born and a certified nature guide and conservationist photographer.  On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gala_naturaleza_photography/;  Contact:  elvisfotografosilvestre@gmail.com

*Note, I have no financial interest in listing the guide information above -- I just really respect their knowledge and I want to help support the birding community and the the birds on the island.