Tailormade Holidays in Trinidad & Tobago

Situated on Trinidad's eastern flank, Nariva Swamp is the island's largest wetland complex and an internationally designated Ramsar site. It serves as important habitat for rare species including Red-bellied Macaw, Epaulet Oriole and Rufescent Tiger-heron, in addition to an abundance of egrets, crakes, bitterns and rails. The waterways also support West Indian Manatee, while the riverine forests host populations of Guyanese Red Howler and the endemic Trinidad White-fronted Capuchin Monkey, of which fewer than 50 mature individuals remain. Other notable resident birds include Silvered Antbird, Bicoloured Conebill, Black-crested Antshrike, Red-rumped Woodpecker and White-tailed Goldenthroat.

On the west coast of Trinidad, a network of forest-cloaked freshwater channels spill into the Gulf of Paria, creating a unique brackish water habitat that supports a diverse range of life. Along the muddy margins, a wealth of waders find their home, while kingfishers dart across the channels and raptors soar overhead. Caroni’s dense mangrove forest also hosts a marvellous array of herons and egrets, while chancing upon a sleeping Silky Anteater or a spectacular Ruschenberger’s Tree Boa is always a possibility. However, the star of the show is no doubt the afternoon arrival of hundreds of Scarlet Ibis, which, with the downing of the sun, gradually transform their mangrove-island roost into a fluorescent pink mass.

Asa Wright Nature Reserve sits amid the rich forested north of Trinidad. A network of well-marked trails wind through pristine forest, whose inhabitants include Palm, Silver-beaked and Blue-Grey Tanager, Crested Oropendola, Great Kiskadee, Orange-winged Parrot, Channel-billed Toucan, Bearded Bellbird, Scaled Pigeon, Black-tailed Tityra, Swallow-tailed Kite and more. Mammals to look out for include Red-rumped Agouti and Trinidad Squirrel, while the impressive Gold Tegu is commonly encountered. A visit here also provides a fantastic opportunity to observe an Oilbird colony from the mouth of their cave.

The Blanchisseuse Road winds through forest cloaking the higher elevations of the Northern Range, above the Asa Wright Centre. All three species of Trogon are likely and on occasions these impressive forest dwellers can offer remarkable viewing opportunities. If fruiting trees are in proximity, Channel-billed Toucans may be tempted near the road, as indeed might be other fruit-loving species such as Scaled Pigeon and Blue-headed Parrot. A variety of small birds inhabit the forest undergrowth and species to look for include Black-faced Ant-thrush, White-bellied Antbird, Rufous-breasted Wren, Stripe-breasted Spinetail, Red-crowned Ant Tanager and Plain Antvireo. It is always prudent to keep an eye on the birds soaring over the forests and whilst many will be Black or Turkey Vultures, Common Black Hawk, White Hawk, Short-tailed Hawk and Ornate Hawk Eagle are all likely to also take advantage of the thermals.

Tobago lies just 30 kilometres northeast of Trinidad, across the Caribbean Sea. Despite its proximity and legislative ties to its larger neighbour, Tobago boasts a distinct character and its own unique suite of birds. The Tobago Rainforest Reserve, running down the spine of the island, offers the chance to see species absent from Trinidad, such as Blue-backed Manakin, White-tailed Sabrewing, and Yellow-legged Thrush. Seabirds adorn the skies, and an excursion to Little Tobago Island may provide stunningly close views of Red-billed Tropicbirds, boobies, and Magnificent Frigates. Meanwhile, the beautiful white-sand beaches and glistening coral reefs, combined with a famously laidback atmosphere, provide a relaxing finish to a wildlife holiday.

This exceptional location is set up in the gardens of a private residence and accessible by appointment only, promising a truly intimate and unique experience. It is not unusual to see up to 14 different species of hummer in a single visit, and the opportunities for photography are second to none. Frequent visitors to the feeders include Copper-rumped and Ruby Topaz Hummingbirds; Blue-chinned Sapphire; White-chested Emerald; White-necked Jacobin; Green, Little and Rufous-breasted Hermit; Rufous-shafted Woodstar and Tufted Coquette. The owner also showcases a stunning photographic gallery, and some of his remarkable artwork is available to purchase on request.

Just to the south of Caroni Swamp lie the mudflats of Waterloo and Brickfields. This is an excellent location for pelagics and shorebirds alike, with large numbers of Yellow-billed and Large-billed Terns, as well as Collared Plovers that breed between April and October. Many of Trinidad’s shorebirds are passage migrants, but residents include Wilson’s Plover; Spotted, Solitary, Pectoral, White-rumped and Stilt Sandpipers; American Golden Plover and Hudsonian Godwit. The Gulf of Paria’s shallow waters provide sheltered habitat for such rarities as Maguari Stork, Derek Sandpiper and Rufous Crab-Hawk, while other highlights might include Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Pelican and a diverse collection of herons. The beautiful Hindu ‘Temple in the Sea’ is also worth a visit.

The Tamana caves are hidden away in Trinidad’s eastern interior, on the northern slope of Mount Tamana. Accessible only on foot, the walk through old plantations and dense forest can be tough going, but typically lasts about an hour. Upon arrival at the cave’s entrance, the trail descends some 20 metres into the first chamber, where thousands of bats make their home. For the brave, squeezing through an access hole permits entry into a second chamber. This is adventure not for the faint hearted, though, and the cave’s floor is carpeted in guano and insects. However, the spectacle of innumerable bats darting past at breathing distance, orchestrated with surgical-like precision so as never to make contact, is an experience like no other. 11 species of bat roost permanently here, including Geoffroy's Tailless, Greater spear-nosed and Trinidadian Funnel-eared Bat.

The expansive tropical savannah ecosystem of Aripo stands as one of the few remaining of its kind in the Caribbean. Located at base of the Northern Range, Aripo is characterised by its open grassland, scattered trees, and wetland areas, offering a distinct habitat to the moist forests of the hills. The savannah is home to a range of dry and open-country specialists, including Savannah Hawk, Pearl, Grey-lined and Plumbeous Kite, Yellow-headed Caracara, Southern Lapwing, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Striped Cuckoo, Black-crested Antshrike, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Golden-fronted Greenlet, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Masked Yellowthroat and more. Swathes of Moriche Palm also provide an important food source for several macaw species.

Nestled on the northern coast of Trinidad, the gorgeous beaches of Grande Riviere play host to one of the most significant nesting grounds for Leatherback Turtles worldwide. These marvellous creatures come ashore in their droves between March and August to lay their eggs. An adult Leatherback can weigh as much as 700 kilograms, making them the largest of marine testudines. Another star attraction here is the opportunity to encounter an endemic Trinidad Piping Guan. Known locally as ‘Pawi’, this segment of the island offers the most reliable chances for this iconic and otherwise elusive bird. Other birds might include Grey-headed, Plumbeous and Swallow-tailed Kites, Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Channel-billed Toucan and Crimson-crested Woodpecker.