(Short and) Sweet, Sweet T&T

Optional extension to Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad: Summary

Trinidad is a melting pot of cultures and humanity that has served to transform the island into a sea of vibrant colours, every year culminating in the supposed two day (but in actual fact, month-long) festival of Trinidad Carnival. Many of the Carnival costume designers say that they get their inspiration for their elaborate headdresses and 20-foot trains from the country's birdlife. After witnessing first hand the extraordinary rainbow of colors the birds of the island have to offer, you will soon see why.

Following our wonderful multi-island adventure through the magical islands of the Lesser Antilles, you are invited to join us on a 6-day optional extension to the vibrant sister-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago. Birding the Islands has set aside 6 days for you to travel across the islands and delight in the extravagant colours and majestic displays of this country's plethora of South American species.

We board flat-bottom boats and delve deep into mangrove wetlands in search of Scarlet Ibis, Tropical Screech Owls, Bicolored Conebills and the impressive Green-throated Mango. We journey on a safari through grasslands that are home to Savannah Hawks and Crested Caracaras, flocks of Saffron Finches and Red-breasted Meadowlarks. We stroll along trails deep within the tropical rainforests of the Arima valley, home to a huge variety of spectacular species, including: Trinidad Motmots, Oilbirds, Channel-billed Toucans, Bearded Bellbirds, Blue-chinned Sapphires, Tufted Coquettes, Golden-headed Manakins, and Silver-beaked Tanagers. We also target one of the rarest species on the planet - the Trinidad Piping-Guan, along with a host of other species of tanager, euphonia, treecreepers, parrotlets and antwrens. We travel high into the mountains to be in the company of high elevation specialists such as Blue-headed Parrot and Speckled Tanager, and while there have an excellent chance of encounters with White Hawk, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Streaked Xenops, and Lilac-tailed Parrotlet. It is the sheer volume and variety of these and myriad other dazzling and enchanting species, that have served to make Trinidad a mecca for birders the world over.

Upcoming Tour Dates

2024

• October 27th - 31st (Trinidad) & October 31st - November 2nd (Tobago): Please contact us here to register your interest in joining this extension.

2025

• January 19th - 23rd (Trinidad) & January 23rd - 25th (Tobago): Please contact us here to register your interest in joining this extension.

If you would like us to arrange a private Trinidad & Tobago trip for you and a group of your birding friends, please contact us by clicking here. While this extension offers a great taste of this spectacular twin-island nation, we also offer an extended Sweet Sweet T&T tour, which allows more time for exploring the diverse habitats and plethora of species in more depth.

Tour Price

For pricing, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Sample Daily Itinerary

Day 1

This afternoon sees us make our way to the island nation of Trinidad on a quest for South American birds. Upon arrival at Piarco International Airport, we make the short 20 minute drive to the world-renowned Caroni Swamp - the second largest mangrove wetland in Trinidad & Tobago. 

Once here, we travel on a private flat-bottomed boat and begin our exploration of the mangroves that dominate this spectacular natural wonder. To delve deep into the very heart of an established mangrove swamp is something akin to journeying into a prehistoric ecosystem where everything appears to remain frozen in time. Mangroves have been on the planet for 250 million years and with their pattern of elaborate, interlaced aerial roots and entwined branches, appear determined to shield and protect the inhabitants of the swamp from the encroaching threats of the modern world.

Unsurprisingly, the tranquility of this magical place attracts an astonishing variety of birds and other wildlife. Herons of every possible description, the probing pencil-thin necks of Tricolored Herons looking positively dainty when seen in proximity to those of their rather heavy-set neighbors, the Boat-billed Herons; Gray-cowled Wood-Rails walk cautiously and silently through the tangled mangroves; American Pygmy Kingfishers and Green Kingfishers flit across our bow; Bicolored Conebills and Black-crested Antshrikes alight in the upper mangrove canopy; spectacular Red-capped Cardinals shift frantically from one bank to another; and all the while roosting Tropical Screech-Owls patiently await the setting of the sun. Others known to frequent the swamp include Green-throated Mango, White-tailed Goldenthroat, Greater Ani, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Olivaceous Saltator, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Yellow-breasted Flycatcher, and Pied Water-Tyrant. In the skies above, we may be treated to a selection of Trinidad's extensive variety of raptors including Short-tailed Hawks, Long-winged Harriers, Plumbeous Kites, Gray-lined Hawks, and Bat Falcons. 

The swamp's inhabitants are, however, not restricted to birds alone; its banks are ideal basking sites for Spectacled Caiman, the mangroves' branches offer prime hunting for Cook's Tree Boa, and although Silky Anteaters share the Screech-Owl's penchant for nocturnal foraging, they too can be seen on occasion during the day, securely curled up in the mangrove's embrace.

As the sun dips lower in the sky, and we emerge out into an open expanse of water, we are greeted by the sight of dozens of American Flamingos feeding. Cattle, Great and Snowy Egrets, and sometimes even a few Glossy Ibis and Little Blue Heron arrive and proceed to decorate the emerald-colored mangrove islands. 

However, all of this is but a precursor to the arrival of Trinidad’s national bird: the Scarlet Ibis, and our bearing witness to a sight sure to make bird lovers the world over envious. As we sit in our boat enjoying our rum punches and homemade cake the sky slowly begins to be patterned by the first few bright-red arrivals making their way towards us out of the west. But ones and twos soon give way to flocks of dozens of these resplendent birds, shifting and contorting in one rhythmic mass overhead as they negotiate the best approach to their roosts before nightfall. As more and more birds arrive, the dark green mangroves are gradually transformed into soft hues of gentle pinks and splashes of vibrant reds as the overlapping plumages of immature and adult ibises serve to form a natural collage of color befitting this magical setting.

A short drive takes us to our accommodation, where we have time to refresh before dinner. 

 Day 2

Today begins early with a scenic drive into Trinidad’s mountainous Northern Range and the famous birding “highway” Blanchisseuse Road. Birding stops allow us prime views of species which favor high elevations, such as: Speckled Tanager, Streaked Xenops, White Hawk, Ornate Hawk Eagle, Green-backed, Collared and Guianan Trogons, Channel-billed Toucan, White-necked Thrush, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Little Hermit, and Lilac-tailed Parrotlet.

A local lunch in a picturesque rural village will be followed by a cacao demonstration (featuring chocolate samples) from one of the local farmers belonging to a community initiative in the area. Here, surrounded by cocoa plants, we may also be joined by Turquoise Tanager, Lineated and Chestnut Woodpeckers, Yellow Oriole, and Green Hermit. 

In the afternoon we continue to a scenic valley known for Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Yellow-headed Caracara, Crested Oropendola and Long-billed Gnatwren. Settling down with tea and cakes (or a home-brewed rum punch should you prefer), we have the pleasure of watching colorful Blue-headed Parrots flying over the verdant valley en route to their roost, before making our way back to our accommodation for dinner.

Day 3

Today, an early start with a packed breakfast in hand, sees us bird the lowlands and open countryside of Aripo Savanna. Here, we will encounter entirely new bird species from those seen yesterday. These include Savannah Hawk, Grey-headed Kite, Fork-tailed Palm-swift, White-tailed Goldenthroat, Bran-coloured and Sulphury Flycatchers, Tropical Kingbird, Ruddy-breasted Seedeater, Plumbeous and Gray-headed Kites, Shiny and Giant Cowbirds, Blue-black Grassquit, Grassland Yellow-Finch, Green-rumped Parrotlet, as well as Striped and Little Cuckoos.

We then enjoy an al fresco lunch at a small rainforest lodge nestled in the Tamana Rainforest. A number of forest-dwelling bird species can be found throughout the grounds, including a selection of antbirds, antwrens, and anthrushes, White-throated Spadebill and Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant, as well as a variety of hummingbird species including: Tufted Coquette, Long-billed Starthroat, Ruby Topaz, Black-throated Mango, and Blue-Chinned Sapphire.

In the afternoon, we will make for Trinidad’s rugged and dramatic north coast, stopping at a number of birding hotspots along the way. 

Upon arrival at a small privately owned stretch of forest, we will seek the critically endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan as they settle in to roost. This is now the only reliable site remaining on Earth for encounters with a bird that once numbered many thousands of individuals, but that has been hunted relentlessly and now teeters on the verge of extinction - with less than 150 remaining. Following our incredible encounter, we check into our accommodation for the next two nights - a laid-back, boutique beachfront hotel, with air-conditioned rooms and private baths. Here one can enjoy quiet vistas overlooking the Caribbean Sea. 

Settling down to dine by candlelight on local cuisine prepared using locally-sourced, classic Trinidadian recipes, we know that the night is only just beginning as we look forward to bearing witness to one of the most dramatic events in the natural world. The one kilometre stretch of unspoiled quartz-rich sand in front of the hotel is one of the most important nesting grounds for the Leatherback Turtle in the world, and boasts hundreds of sightings during the months of March to August - as these gargantuan prehistoric marine reptiles haul themselves up the beach, clambering over one another, to lay their eggs along this protected coastline.

Day 4

Less than 10 minutes drive, with a packed breakfast in hand, sees us again in the lush forests that are home to the endemic Trinidad Piping-Guan, known locally as the Pawi. Even if the birds were sighted on the first evening, another encounter in alternate light will ensure that every opportunity is provided for observing this species and / or capturing the ideal photo. Dawn is also when the birds are far more likely to be actively feeding in the Wild Nutmeg Trees.

We then bird the gardens of a large cacao estate, where other birdlife includes: the difficult Little Tinamou, Smooth-billed Ani, White-tipped Dove, White-flanked Antwren, Purple, Red-legged and Green Honeycreepers, Pale-breasted Spinetail, together with a medley of hummingbirds. After then making our way back to the airport, we indulge in a final Trini lunch of delicious Doubles (we recommend you get 3 or 4…they’re that good!) before boarding our flights.

If you are leaving us here, Birding the Islands wishes you a safe and pleasant return journey home.

For those of you who just can’t bear to leave these sunny shores, we catch the 20-minute flight to the charming, quintessentially Caribbean island of Tobago! From the airport we make the short drive to a small mangrove wetland in order to target two specialist species - the White-fringed Antwren and recently split Tobago Greenlet. 

Our locally-owned accommodation on Tobago is nestled in the lush and remote Runnemede Valley on the edge of the historic Main Ridge Forest Reserve - providing a relaxed rainforest experience. The lodge itself is surrounded by forested mountains, and while there, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in its remarkable raised-deck saltwater swimming pool.

We finish the day by indulging in a delicious dinner of immaculately prepared and presented local cuisine, served in the open-air dining room, as the eerie calls of nocturnal dwellers gradually begin to pierce the cool night air. 

Day 5

After breakfast, we drive high into the mountains of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which we explore via a remote streamside trail. This is an ancient and pristine forest draped in mosses and lianas and positively teeming with the notes of myriad deep-forest dwellers. We visit a little-known lek for Blue-backed Manakin and delight in the acrobatic antics of this beautiful species.

Another treasured encounter will surely be with the absolutely stunning Yellow-legged Thrush, a typically secretive high elevation forest species - but one that along our chosen path will often perch and bathe in quiet streams - providing unparalleled viewing opportunities. This is a special place and other species possible here include Striped Owl, Trinidad Motmot and White-winged Becard, as well as the large and striking White-tailed Sabrewing (known only to Tobago and an ever-decreasing swathe of Venezuela).

We then take a drive along scenic bays and through colourful villages on our way to the blissful seaside town of Speyside, where we take the opportunity to tuck into a delicious local lunch. As we wait for our food, which is freshly made to order, we have some time here to enjoy the tranquility of this coastline.

In the afternoon, we board a glass-bottomed boat for a jaunt across to Little Tobago Island. The island, one of the country’s most significant wildlife sanctuaries, boasts one of the largest seabird colonies in the entire Caribbean and upon approach from the boat numerous seabirds should already be visible wheeling and cavorting over the waves.

Disembarking onto the jetty, we begin a gradual ascent into the dry tropical forest. The burrows of Audubon Shearwaters are dotted throughout this island and we may be fortunate enough to see this wonderful seabird out of its element and on land. Reaching the spectacular lookout perched high atop one of countless towering cliffs that dominate this landscape, we are soon enjoying unbelievably close views of Red-billed Tropicbirds, White-tailed Tropicbirds, Red-footed and Brown Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds all cruising by at eye-level. These encounters are interspersed with regular sightings of elegant Bridled, Sooty, Roseate and Royal Terns together with Brown Noddies and Laughing Gulls.

This is an experience quite unlike any other on the tour and is highly recommended. During the ascent, we will have sightings of the strikingly patterned T&T endemic Ocellated Gecko and other small inhabitants that make this tiny island home.

Leaving the island, the captain pauses (if sea conditions are favorable) to look for vibrantly-coloured tropical fish, and possibly Hawksbill Turtles, as we pass a former coral garden off Goat Island. 

We then head back to enjoy the amenities and serene environs of our lodge. The soft afternoon light falls on feeders and bathes a bevvy of tropical plants and flowering trees. Here you can select a favorite perch either on the front or rear balcony from which to enjoy a variety of hummingbirds - including the likely appearance of White-tailed Sabrewings. Other notable species include Ruby Topaz Hummingbird, Rufous-breasted Hermit and White-necked Jacobin. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted in this haven of serenity, including Golden-olive Woodpecker, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Barred Antshrike, and Great Black-Hawk. As sunset approaches flocks of parrots, parrotlets, and noisy chachalacas break the silence as they return to their evening roosts.

Preceded by a delicious rum punch should you so desire, we then enjoy another distinctly Caribbean dinner before taking less than 30 steps down the driveway for a remarkable encounter with the minuscule near-endemic White-tailed Nightjar. Bring your camera (or even phone) should you wish, this bird will be close! Sightings of Common Potoo and Common Pauraque are also distinct possibilities.

Day 6

After breakfast, we board our pre-arranged transfer to the airport for our 20-minute flight from Tobago to Trinidad to connect with our return flights home.

Thank you for your company on this unforgettable experience birding the islands with us and we hope you have a safe homeward journey.

To register your interest in either, or both of these extensions, please contact us here.

Please note that the length of this tour may differ from year-to-year based on regional flight connections with the Lesser Antilles main leg of the tour. This tour can be taken as a stand-alone trip, but we also offer an extended Sweet, Sweet T&T tour, which offers participants a longer time to explore a greater variety of all these sister islands have to offer. You can find out more about this extended trip here.

Pricing & Tour Info

2024

Trinidad & Tobago Extension price: USD$2350 per person (based on double occupancy rates and a maximum number of participants per tour). Single Supplement, i.e. if you would prefer to have a single room for the duration of your tour, there is an additional charge of USD$350.

Included in Price: A return domestic flight from Trinidad to Tobago; all accommodation; all ground transport on Trinidad & Tobago; all pre-arranged food; bottled water throughout; park admission fees; boat transport fee; local guide fees; and hotel and restaurant service charges.

Not Included in Price: Your international flight into and out of Trinidad or Tobago; extra charges incurred for overweight or additional pieces of luggage on international or internal flights; VAT; travel insurance; laundering services; drinks (unless otherwise stated in the final itinerary).

Group Size: Maximum of 10 clients plus guide.

Terrain and Pace: Trails are primarily well maintained and relatively level. Any light ascents are conducted at a slow, steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest along the way.

Please note that the above itinerary and pricing is subject to change.