Registration Will Close February 17, 2023

Participate in the Festival and learn from renowned professionals. Join us in this celebration of the birds, other wildlife and nature of western Mexico during three days of field and boat trips, expert presentations, and a internationally known keynote speaker.

Plan extra days before and after the Festival to join a private birding tour and continue adding birds to your life list, your camera’s memory card, or just your memory. The Bay of Banderas is always full of colorful birds, friendly people, and plenty of birders. Throw in a few tacos here and there, and you have a fiesta!

Early bird registration of $450 pesos MXN begins August 8, 2022 and continues through November 23, 2022. Registration will increase to $500 pesos MXN thereafter. Please contact us for student rates. Note that registration is required to participate in all field trips and to receive the discounted rate for the Hyatt Ziva.

The rest of the details:

Lunch will be available for purchase at the Vallarta Botanical Garden every day of the Festival.

Mexican Fiesta
will include a taco buffet, dessert, and three drinks (wine, beer, margarita)

Guests of the Hyatt Ziva

The coffee shop will open early at 6 am so field trip participants can get a healthy breakfast. For Coffee To Go, you must bring your own reusable coffee mug.

Day Pass at the Hyatt Ziva

This is a wonderful option for participants that are interested in attending the presentations and using the beach, restaurants, and pools. Day passes can be purchased at a special price for festival registrants and will allow access to the hotel property. More detailed information will be provided upon festival registration.

Welcome Self Drivers!

You may opt to drive yourself to any of the field trip starting locations. However, be aware of these important points:

  • It is important to be familiar with the departure location, and with the potential for traffic delays en route, before you opt to drive.
  • Some departure locations may have limited parking, which could delay you, and could also charge a parking fee, so be prepared.
  • You must arrive on time. If you miss a departure, there will be no refund.
  • A map will be sent by email if you opt to drive
  • Ensure to let us know that you are self driving!

Release Form

All participants must complete the VBNF Release Form before departure on a tour. The Form will be sent with your registration confirmation. You can return it via email to the VBNF email address or you can bring it with you to a tour. If you are registering for multiple tours and opt for the hard copy option, you must bring a copy to the start of each tour.

Waitlist

If a tour is sold out, please email us to be added to the waitlist.

Screechalacas preparing to disturb the peace, again.

HOST LOCATION:

Vallarta Botanical Garden

Carretera Barra de Navidad km.24. Las Juntas y Los Veranos C.P. 48447. Cabo Corrientes, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

The world-class, and bird-rich Vallarta Botanical Garden celebrates the gorgeous flora, and wildlife of western Mexico, raising awareness since 2004 about the importance of preserving wild lands and species for future generations. At the Garden you can enjoy learning about and seeing a large collection of Mexican orchids and other native plants, plus specimens from comparable ecosystems. Military Macaws are seen daily and more than 200 other bird species have been recorded over the years, including Lilac-crowned Parrots, Sparkling-tailed Woodstars, and many more endemic species. The garden was awarded the 2022 Garden of Excellence Award by the American Public Garden Association.

HOST HOTEL:

Hyatt Ziva

Carretera Costera Barra de Navidad Km. 3.5-Sur. Zona Hotelera, C.P. 48390. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

This all-inclusive hotel is situated on the beautiful Las Estacas beach; it is an open-air paradise with spectacular views of the ocean. The beach is surrounded by rocky outcrops that provide a rich source of food for shorebirds. Additionally, the surrounding jungle habitat supports a variety of endemic birds like the spectacular Yellow-winged Cacique. Conveniently located about 30 minutes south from the international airport, the hotel is offering a special rate for Festival registrants. Upon Festival registration you will receive a link to the hotel website. Rooms are limited, so please register early to obtain the exclusive rate.