Trinidad and Tobago is undoubtedly world’s most bio-diverse nations. Nature lovers from around the world are now increasingly looking up to this beautiful Caribbean nation for eco-tourism. The country rivals big South American nations in terms of bio-diversity. Eco-tours in this Caribbean destination are truly unique. Just sample all that you are going to discover here while undertaking one such eco-tour. Get mesmerized with over 460 tropical birds species, 2300 flowering shrub species including 700 orchids species, 620 butterflies species, and nearly 230 species of amphibians, reptiles and other mammals.
Trinidad and Tobago’s two important tourist hubs – Port of Spain, the country’s capital in Trinidad Island, and Crown Point in Tobago Island – continue to attract millions of tourists from across the world every year.
If you are a nature lover planning an adventure holiday in this premier eco-tourism destination, consider the below mentioned itinerary. This is significant as with proper planning and itinerary, you will be able to make the most of your eco-tourism holiday in Trinidad and Tobago.
Brief Itinerary
Here is a brief itinerary which you can yourself formulate while embarking for an eco-tour. Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, is the ideal place to begin your adventures. This Caribbean nation is the preferred destination for bird watchers from worldwide. The only reason being that plenty of bird species are found in one location.
Make your first stop at the Wild Fowl Trust to discover birds of all types – from the endangered Scarlet Ibis to ducks – which are being rehabilitated here before being set free in their natural environment. After you have spent some time here, you can head straight to Rio Seco, Salybia and Paria areas traversing the winding pathways enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the virgin rainforests and emerald green waters. You can also enjoy camping excursions, cave exploration, biking and kayaking.
Now it’s the time for you to have a hearty lunch after your exploration. Consider visiting one of the local restaurants in Port of Spain to gorge on delectable authentic Caribbean cuisines that are diverse just like the people and their culture. The lunch will be the climax of your Day 1 of your eco adventure.
Visit Caroni Bird Sanctuary
On Day 2 of your eco-tour, consider a trip to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. This 48-square-mile wetland area is situated on Trinidad Island’s northwest coast. It is partially lagoon and partially mangrove swamp. The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is home to the bright red Scarlet Ibis, the National Bird of Trinidad and Tobago. The tour of this area will help you explore the pristine mangrove swamp and its beautiful landscape. The boat ride on amazing waterways and open lagoons are a real delight. This rare landscape with the imposing Northern Range in its backdrop will leave you stunned. While exploring this area you will be able to discover many crustaceans, bird species and other wildlife. About 168 species of wildlife can be found here, some of them being completely new species that you might have ever seen. These include bi-colored cane-bill, snowy egret, red-capped cardinal, tri-colored heron, large-billed tern, and neo-tropical Cormorant, just to name a few.
While enjoying your boat ride gliding merrily along many lagoons and channels, you will be delighted to see white, black and red mangroves with several tiny oysters clinging to their roots. You will also come across many wetland birds residing in this area feeding on tree climbing fiddler crabs, which are their staple diet. You are also likely to be amazed with the sights of non-poisonous snakes coiled up sleeping on the branches of Cock’s Tree Boa, silky anteaters and caimans. The highlight of your Day 2 tour will be the sighting of the endangered Scarlet Ibis, which is spectacular and indeed memorable. This Caroni Bird Sanctuary and Caroni Mangrove wetland boat ride can be undertaken during the daytime and usually lasts for four hours.
Explore Asa Wright Nature Centre
Now it is Day 3 of your eco-tour. This is the time for you to head to the Asa Wright Nature Centre. This tour is in fact every bird enthusiast and nature lover’s dream. Here you will be offered a nature walk through the lush rainforest while simultaneously enjoying bird watching and seeing other wildlife from a very close distance.
The Asa Wright Nature Centre in fact functions both as a bird sanctuary as well as study centre. It is quite expansive spread over 200 acres area in the densely afforested Arima Valley. A tranquil atmosphere pervades as you enter the nature centre. You will discover an old woodlot house. You will also be elated to see many kinds of tropical birdies, which are simply incredible to watch. The Asa Wright Nature Centre is also home to the rare protected oilbirds living in a cave nearby, the dancing manakin bird, the guinea pig-like “agouti”, and the large tegu lizard, among other wildlife.
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