Bahamas Outdoors Limited
About Bahamas Outdoors
Since our founding in 1997 by renowned local naturalist Carolyn Wardle, we've been committed to offering guided tours that showcase the incredible biodiversity of The Bahamas. Whether you are a seasoned birder or just starting out, we will guide you through the diverse ecosystems and vibrant wildlife that make The Bahamas unique.
Our passion is connecting people with the natural beauty of our islands, so let us take you off the beaten tourist track to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of the natural wonders of The Bahamas.
30 Years of Bahamas Outdoors
What started in 1997 as a small ecotourism partnership has grown into Nassau's longest-running dedicated nature and birding tour company. Bahamas Outdoors was founded by naturalist Carolyn Wardle and is today owned and led by Lillian Russell, with Carolyn remaining close at hand, lending her expertise and support. Beyond guiding, Carolyn has helped shape how visitors and young Bahamians alike learn to see the islands' birdlife: she co-authored "Beautiful Bahama Birds" with Lynn Gape and Predensa Moore, and contributed the Bahamas chapter of the Caribbean Birding Trail guide.
What we offer
- Birding Tours: with over 200 bird species recorded in The Bahamas, including five endemic species, our tours are perfect for bird lovers of all skill levels. Whether you're an expert birder, a casual enthusiast, or an avid photographer, you'll find something special with us.
- Custom Nature Experiences: our tours are tailored to your interests and designed to accommodate everyone, from children to grandparents. With gentle walking and plenty of opportunities to explore, these tours are perfect for families and individuals alike.
Tour highlights
- Half-day and full-day tours: travel in a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle. Maximum group size of six persons.
- Included amenities: an experienced eco-tour guide, binoculars, field guides, refreshments, and for full-day tours, a picnic lunch (let us know about allergies or dietary needs when booking). For eBird users, we'll compile a trip report to share with you afterward.
The people behind the tours
Carolyn Wardle
Founded 1997 · Passed leadership in 2020Since taking up residence in The Bahamas in 1964, Carolyn has fallen in love with the country's natural wonders and become one of the most renowned naturalists in the archipelago. A founder member of the Bird Club of New Providence and published author of "Beautiful Bahama Birds," Carolyn co-founded the company in 1997 as Pedal & Paddle Ecoventures Limited, restructured and renamed Bahamas Outdoors Limited in 2003, to combine two of the greatest joys in her life: birding and meeting interesting people from far flung places.
Her book, co-written with Lynn Gape and Predensa Moore and published in 2014 by the Bahamas National Trust and BirdsCaribbean, introduces 60 common Bahamian birds to young and beginner birders, along with tips on becoming a better birder and a guide to the country's national parks. Carolyn also contributed the Bahamas chapter to the Caribbean Birding Trail guide.
In 2020, at 81, Carolyn passed leadership of the company to Lillian Russell. She remains involved behind the scenes, lending her expertise and support, and enjoys nothing more than encouraging the next generation of Bahamian birders and morning bird walks with her dog, Jaeger.
Lillian Russell
Born and raised on New Providence, Lillian has over 20 years of birding experience in The Bahamas. Her path into it began on a Bahamas National Trust nature tour, when a fellow birder spotted something along the trail and could speak at length about it, its habits, its markings, what made it worth noticing. That moment sparked a fascination with finding and understanding birds that has never let up.
In the years since, Lillian has taken that fascination seriously: completing courses and seminars to deepen her knowledge, and becoming a certified bird guide through BirdsCaribbean's Caribbean Birding Trail program in 2023. A fully accredited Bahama Host guide, she joined Bahamas Outdoors in 2017, and in 2024 completed the Bahamas Agriculture Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) Nature Guide certification.
As well as being an expert birder, she loves sharing her passion for the country's culture and, having grown up "in the bush," her extensive knowledge of local fruits and medicinal plants. Lillian regularly attends BirdsCaribbean conferences to keep honing her craft and support conservation efforts in the region, and currently serves as the regional Audubon Christmas Bird Count compiler for New Providence.
In 2020, Lillian took over ownership and leadership of Bahamas Outdoors from founder Carolyn Wardle, continuing the company's tradition of expert-led, personal tours while Carolyn remains close at hand as a trusted advisor.