Exceptional Wildlife Encounters in the Caribbean
Scattered across warm tropical seas, the islands of the Caribbean support a remarkably varied wildlife, shaped by their long isolation and their differing geological histories. This isolation has produced particularly high levels of endemism: Cuba alone supports more than 20 endemic bird species, including the diminutive Bee Hummingbird, while St Lucia has its own distinctive suite of island specialities, among them the St Lucia Parrot, St Lucia Oriole and St Lucia Blackfinch.
Habitats range from humid rainforest and misty mountain forest to mangrove swamps, wetlands, dry woodland and coral-fringed coasts. Trinidad, lying just off Venezuela, has a distinctly South American flavour, with hummingbirds, toucans, trogons, manakins and the extraordinary Oilbird among its rich Neotropical avifauna. At dusk, great flocks of brilliant Scarlet Ibis gather to roost in the mangroves of Caroni Swamp, while neighbouring Tobago adds seabird colonies, rainforest and coral reefs.
Beyond the birds, the region offers Leatherback Turtles, dolphins and other marine mammals, colourful reptiles, butterflies and a wealth of tropical plants – making the Caribbean far more than simply a destination of palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas.
Our Tours to the Caribbean
Our Caribbean Specialist Recommends
“For a first wildlife holiday to the Caribbean, I’d recommend our Trinidad & Tobago tour. The islands offer an exceptional introduction to Neotropical wildlife, with hummingbirds, toucans, trogons, Oilbirds and spectacular Scarlet Ibis, while Tobago adds seabirds, snorkelling and time to relax. Alternatively, for something quite different, St Lucia combines the island’s endemic birds – including the colourful St Lucia Parrot – with beautiful rainforest, dramatic volcanic scenery and the chance to look for dolphins and whales offshore. Both tours offer superb wildlife at a wonderfully relaxed Caribbean pace.”
