EXPLORE THE WILDLIFE AND NATURE OF TRINIDAD
Beyond its sparkling white sandy beaches and dazzling turquoise waters, Trinidad offers rich wildlife above and underwater, breathtaking nature, delicious food and incredible history and culture. From nature reserves to mystifying mangroves, thundering waterfalls and fascinating museums, there’s lots to discover!
fun facts
trinidad island
Caroni bird sanctuary
Trinidad is home to a 12,000-acre mangrove forest and wetlands, also known as the Caroni Swamp or the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
This protected ecological gem is located on the west side of the island and is a birder’s paradise. The swamp is a maze of waterways both manmade and natural, and is home to incredible bird species including Trinidad’s national bird – the magnificent Scarlet Ibis.
Witnessing this flock of feathered beauties at sunset is a must do, it’s an experience in itself.
The swamp is also home to more than 200 species of birds including herons, boatbills, kingfishers, egrets, Common Potoo, flamingos and more! Travellers explore the Caroni swamp in a flat-bottomed boat while birdwatching and taking photos.
They might also spot caimans, the smaller relatives of crocodiles, resting in the tall grass!
Asa Wright Nature Centre
This old cocoa & coffee estate is located in one of the most diverse areas in the West Indies. Sprawling across 260 acres in the Arima Valley and surrounded by lush rainforests, it’s a proud landmark, an eco lodge, and an important research centre for wildlife and birds.
Situated 17km along the Blanchisseuse Road at an altitude of 360 metres, the estate boasts a bird list in excess of 160 species.
It is the easiest place to find the Channel-billed Toucan, Bearded Bellbird, the famous oilbird, Manakins leks, all three trogons, woodcreepers, honeycreepers, tanagers and more.
On one hike alone, guests could encounter close to 50-60 species of birds. Hummingbirds are everywhere, over 10 species can be found here, visible even from the restaurant or the eco lodge!
Situated 17km along the Blanchisseuse Road at an altitude of 360 metres, the estate boasts a bird list in excess of 160 species. It is the easiest place to find the Channel-billed Toucan, Bearded Bellbird, the famous oilbird, Manakins leks, all three trogons, woodcreepers, honeycreepers, tanagers and more.
On one hike alone, guests could encounter close to 50-60 species of birds. Hummingbirds are everywhere, over 10 species can be found here, visible even from the restaurant or the eco lodge!
Maracas Waterfall
Trinidad has 25 breathtaking waterfalls that are scattered throughout its lush rainforests but by far the most popular is Maracas Waterfall, the tallest waterfall on the island and a favourite with tourists. Located in St Joseph, the hike to the waterfall is short and easy, about 3km long, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful view as they hike through the forests and bamboo groves, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds, butterflies and flowers.
Maracas Waterfall itself is a 150-metre-tall cascade that thunders down onto the rocks below.
Visitors can stand underneath the spray to cool down, or just relax and enjoy the gorgeous views and soothing ambience. Those feeling adventurous can explore the longer trails that lead deeper into the rainforest where there is another waterfall to explore – Balata Waterfall, a 10-minute walk off the main trail.
Watch Leatherback
Turtles Nesting
DID YOU KNOW?Trinidad is one of the top three nesting sites in the world for the critically endangered leatherback turtles! Over 10,000 turtles nest on the island, which is 80% of the leatherback turtle population in the Caribbean region. They visit Trinidad between March and August to nest on the north and northeast coasts.
Visitors can join conservation groups on official guided tours approved by the Trinidadian authorities. The tours, which start at 7pm and last approximately 2 hours, and were designed to minimise disturbance and educate participants about turtle conservation.
Remember that all visitors must join a tour group and must have a permit from the Ministry of Lands and Marine Resources, otherwise they must pay a fine of approximately USD 3,000
Nariva Wetlands
The largest freshwater wetland in all of Trinidad and Tobago, Nariva Swamp is a forest reserve and a Ramsar site for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.
Located on the eastern coast, immediately inland from the Manzanilla Bay, the swamp covers over 60 sq. km, and is home to over 58 different species of mammals including the West Indian manatee and the red howler monkey and over 200 species of birds in their different habitats including the Yellow-headed Caracara, ospreys, Zone-tails Hawks, Gray-lined Hawks, Long-winged Harriers, Red-breasted and Yellow-hooded Blackbirds and Pinnated Bittern.
Boat and kayak tours are available, as well as hiking tours and birding tours.
