Trinidad and Tobago
“Welcome to Paradise” will be the first words that you hear when you arrive on the island of Tobago. With its mild Caribbean climate and lush tropical forests you will feel like you have arrived in the legendary Shangri-La.
In the Caribbean nation of Trinidad & Tobago you'll find more than swaying palms and sun-kissed beaches. When you visit these historic islands you'll enjoy a multicultural feast prepared by descendants of settlers from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East.
Vacationers of all kinds will find the islands well-suited to their favorite leisure activities. Birders will find tropical species to saturate the senses from the rain forests to coastal estuaries and everywhere in-between. World famous Asa Wright Nature Center will delight birders with their services and tours while Tobago offers a choice of two world famous birding bases at Cuffie River Lodge and Blue Waters Inn.
If scuba diving or snorkeling is your choice, the calm waters of the Caribbean are made just for you. Rich and colorful shallow water reefs surround Tobago, making it easy for you to explore the island's spectacular aquatic communities by scuba diving or snorkeling from shore.
For adventure travelers, you will find ample opportunities to test your skills while hiking, biking, kayaking or exploring the many caves found on the islands.
10 Day Guided Group Tour, Trinidad & Tobago
Based at the world-renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, a 200-acre wildlife sanctuary in Trinidad's rainforested Northern range and at the charming Blue Waters Inn in Tobago, participants will travel with expert local guides to visit several unique natural areas throughout both islands
DAY ONE Arrival at Piarco International Airport in Port-of-Spain and transfer to the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge.
DAY TWO Awaken this morning to the raucous noise of the Crested Oropendola and a host of other exotic sounds. A first-time visitor might see 20-30 life birds before breakfast! Our day will start with a guided tour of the several trails that traverse this rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary, On our introductory walk we should see such species as Violaceous Trogon, Channel-billed Toucan, Chestnut Woodpecker, White-bearded Manakin, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Turquoise and Bay-headed Tanager.
The Centre is situated in a typical valley of Trinidad's Northern Range. These sites have been traditional centers of coffee, cocoa, and citrus plantations and many of these plants are still maintained at the Centre. Natural second-growth has taken over and festooned the abandoned plantation vegetation with vines and a host of epiphytes. The whole effect is one of being deep in a tropical rainforest. The afternoon will be free to allow you to relax, enjoy the trails and adjust to the tropical sun and heat. Birding from the veranda of the Asa Wright Nature Centre is one of the world's most pleasant, and exciting, ornithological experiences with the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Tufted Coquette, Barred Antshrike, Green Honeycreeper among the many species that can be easily seen. top
DAY THREE This day sees us on an all-day excursion over the Northern Range to the seaside village of Blanchisseuse. Enroute we will look for Swallow-tailed Kite, Common Black Hawk, Ornate Hawk-eagle, Bat Falcon, White-tailed Trogon, and Rufous-tailed Jacamar among many others. Along with rich birdlife, we will also have an opportunity to examine the fascinating world of leaf-cutter and army ants, and photograph orchids and other tropical flora. At the seashore we will look for Magnificent Frigatebird, and the Green Kingfisher. Be sure to bring your bathing suit for a very pleasant day on this Caribbean beach, where, depending on the tide we might also be able to explore and discover a host of tidepool organisms.
DAY FOUR Today we will wind our way out of the Northern Range to Trinidad's east coast and the Nariva Swamp. This is the 
largest freshwater herbaceous swamp in Trinidad. Along its edges are found "palm islands" where the tall Moriche Palm is common. Here too, we will see a unique mangrove community, made up primarily of the stilt-rooted rhizophora mangrove, which often reaches a height of 80 feet. Along the way we will look first in the lowland habitats for such species as Savannah Hawk, Red-breasted Blackbird, Southern Lapwing, White-headed Marsh Tyrant and Green-rumped Parrotlet. Arriving in the coastal area we will have an opportunity to look for Pinneated Bittern, Pearl Kite, Azure Gallinule, Wattled Jacana, and possibly Red-bellied Macaw, and Red Howler Monkey! Again, another swimming opportunity, this time on the Atlantic. Keep a look out in the surf for the fascinating Four-eyed Fish. We will end our long day at dusk, as we wait to hopefully see flocks of Red-bellied Macaws returning to their nighttime roosting areas.
largest freshwater herbaceous swamp in Trinidad. Along its edges are found "palm islands" where the tall Moriche Palm is common. Here too, we will see a unique mangrove community, made up primarily of the stilt-rooted rhizophora mangrove, which often reaches a height of 80 feet. Along the way we will look first in the lowland habitats for such species as Savannah Hawk, Red-breasted Blackbird, Southern Lapwing, White-headed Marsh Tyrant and Green-rumped Parrotlet. Arriving in the coastal area we will have an opportunity to look for Pinneated Bittern, Pearl Kite, Azure Gallinule, Wattled Jacana, and possibly Red-bellied Macaw, and Red Howler Monkey! Again, another swimming opportunity, this time on the Atlantic. Keep a look out in the surf for the fascinating Four-eyed Fish. We will end our long day at dusk, as we wait to hopefully see flocks of Red-bellied Macaws returning to their nighttime roosting areas.DAY FIVE This morning's journey to the lowland Aripo Savannah could provide yet another batch of new species. In the savannah, Plumbeous and Grey-headed Kite, Shiny and Giant Cowbird, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Blue-black Grassquit, and Ruddy-breasted Seedeater are likely to be seen. The Aripo Savannah is an area of extremely acidic soil with poor drainage, and is a remnant of what once was a major habitat type of lowland Trinidad. These remnant savannahs are now surrounded by extensively altered landscapes where much sugar cane is grown, as well as small-scale agriculture and housing development sprawl.
We will leave the centre in the late afternoon to return to the savannah region for some night birding. Our target species will include White-tailed Nightjar, Red-billed Macaw, Common Paraque, Common Pootoo, Tropical Screech Owl and Barn Owl.
DAY SIX This morning we will visit Dunstan Cave, a beautiful riparian grotto located on the sanctuary, to view the breeding colony of the fascinating nocturnal Oilbird. After lunch you will depart for the famous Caroni Marsh and its spectacular highlights 
... Neotropical Cormorant, Anhinga, Striated Heron, White-cheeked Pintail, Large-billed Tern, Pied Water-tyrant, Bicolored Conebill, and Red-capped Cardinal could be among the new species seen here. The Caroni is a very specialized mangrove forest that contains several genera and species of mangroves, showing classic examples of plant adaptation in this unique brackish water community. Our day will end with the spectacular flight of Scarlet Ibis returning to their mangrove roosts at dusk, truly one of the world's most dramatic natural moments. Returning to the boat dock we will search the mangrove-lined channels for the mysterious sounding Common Pootoo! top
... Neotropical Cormorant, Anhinga, Striated Heron, White-cheeked Pintail, Large-billed Tern, Pied Water-tyrant, Bicolored Conebill, and Red-capped Cardinal could be among the new species seen here. The Caroni is a very specialized mangrove forest that contains several genera and species of mangroves, showing classic examples of plant adaptation in this unique brackish water community. Our day will end with the spectacular flight of Scarlet Ibis returning to their mangrove roosts at dusk, truly one of the world's most dramatic natural moments. Returning to the boat dock we will search the mangrove-lined channels for the mysterious sounding Common Pootoo! topDAY SEVEN We will depart this morning to go to Trinidad's sister island of Tobago. This island forms the final link in the chain of mountain ranges extending from the Venezuelan Coastal Range, on the very edge of the South American Continental Shelf. Tobago's climate and rainfall more closely resembles that of the Lesser Antilles than of its sister island of Trinidad; being drier and windier. We will visit a marsh habitat searching for shorebirds, herons, egrets, and ducks, such as White-cheeked Pintail. We will then take a leisurely drive to our lovely beach side hotel. We will check into the Blue Waters Inn for a relaxing afternoon, where you can swim, snorkel or dive (Blue Waters Inn has a full dive shop).
DAY EIGHT This morning, weather permitting, we will depart by boat for Little Tobago Island, one of this nation's most important wildlife sanctuaries. As we cross over to the island we will watch for Leatherback and Hawksbill Sea Turtles and enjoy 
spectacular views of one of the Caribbean's most beautiful, and pristine coral formations from the comfort of our glass-bottom boat. Once landing, depending on the time of the year, we will explore the nesting colonies of Red-billed Tropicbird, Red-footed and Brown Boobies, and Sooty and Noddy Terns. top
spectacular views of one of the Caribbean's most beautiful, and pristine coral formations from the comfort of our glass-bottom boat. Once landing, depending on the time of the year, we will explore the nesting colonies of Red-billed Tropicbird, Red-footed and Brown Boobies, and Sooty and Noddy Terns. topDAY NINE This day will see us traveling to the Rainforest Preserve, where Tobago's best mountain forests are found, at elevations over 2,000 feet. We will pass among charming quiet villages, to the forested interior to look for White-tailed Sabrewing, Blue-backed Manakin, Yellow-legged Thrush and other Tobago specialties such as Red-crowned Woodpecker and White-fringed Antwren.
DAY TEN This exciting learning vacation ends this morning as you depart for your flight homeward.
2011 Dates: January 12-21, 15-24, 22-31, January 29 - February 7, February 10-19, 16-25, March 9-18, 12-21, 20-29, April 7-16, 15-24, May 7-16, May 28-June 6, June 11-20, July 16-25
April - July itineraries include a night-time visit to the nesting beaches of the spectacular Leatherback Sea Turtle. Conditions permitting, tour participants will experience one of the most remarkable moments in the natural world as you watch these incredible creatures excavate nest sites and lay their eggs before returning to their ocean world. top
January - March, $2,495
April, $2,250
May - July, $1.950
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy top
Inclusions:
All transportation in Trinidad & Tobago
All meals
9 nights accommodation
Experienced naturalist guides
Entrance fees, taxes & service charges
Not Included:
International airfare
Gratuity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a passport to visit Trinidad & Tobago?
A. Yes. A passport valid for three months longer than your stay and a return ticket is required for entry. Depending on your country of origin, an entry visa may also be necessary. Please see our travel tips for further information on entry requirements.
Q. How do I get to my destination from the airport?
A. Find out if your hotel/guesthouse provides an airport transfer and arrange this service in advance. Alternately, the Piarco International Airport Taxi Cooperative and Crown Point International Airport Taxi Service are both authorised to provide transportation from the airport with set fares for various destinations. At Piarco, authorised taxi drivers are usually seated just outside the customs area in the airport terminal. You can also rent a car from auto rental agencies situated in the airport terminal. Avoid travelling with persons offering transport outside the terminal building.
Please see our travel tips for further information on transport and taxi fares.</p>
Please see our travel tips for further information on transport and taxi fares.</p>
Q. What is the acceptable rate for tipping?
A. This is left to your own discretion; however you can follow the guidelines below:
- Taxi Drivers: 10% of the fare
- Service Staff at a Restaurant: 10 to 15 % of total bill
- Spa Attendants: 10% of total bill. top
Q. What type of clothing should I pack?
A. If you are visiting Trinidad and Tobago on business, suits, shirts, ties, blazers and jackets are appropriate. For vacationers, comfortable, light cotton clothing is recommended, to protect you from hot daytime temperatures, but pack a light sweater as it can get quite cool in the evening. You will also need sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and a hat, even during the Rainy Season.</p> Please note, it is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago for civilians to wear camouflage clothing and these items will be seized if found in your possession.
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Q. Are any special precautions required for a woman/women travelling alone?
A. You should observe the same precautions that you would at home, but be prepared for lots of attention. Ours is a macho culture where men are not shy about voicing their appreciation for women. Don't be alarmed if men direct a "psssst" or sucking sound at you, this is called "sooting". It usually signals that the man considers you attractive. Walking away or a firm "No" should do the trick.
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Q. What is the main language spoken?
A. English is the official language in Trinidad and Tobago. While you might find people who also speak French, German, Hindi or Spanish, they are in the minority. If you need to communicate with bank employees, police officers, hospital staff, service providers or Government agencies, a working knowledge of English is a must.</p>
Q. What are the business hours for malls, shops, banks and supermarkets?
A. As a rule, most shops open for business at 8am till 5pm from Monday to Friday. Stores in Port of Spain close at 2pm on Saturdays; however the malls are open from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday. Most business, including malls and shopping plazas, are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Groceries and some pharmacies are the exception. Banks are usually open Monday to Thursday 8am - 2pm. On Friday banking hours are 8am - 1pm, and 3 pm - 5 pm. Banks in malls are open from 10 am - 6 pm, Monday to Friday.</p>
Q. Can I use foreign currency to pay for goods and services?
A. US dollars are widely accepted in Trinidad and Tobago at approximately TT$6 to US$1. While some establishments may accept the Great Britain Pound (GBP) and Euros these currencies are not widely accepted. It is advisable to change your money to our official currency, the TT dollar, on arrival. You can reconvert any currency before your departure. Most ATMs will give advances on credit cards in TT dollars and banks will convert your cash.
Q. Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water is safe to drink, and bottled water is widely available at supermarkets, bars, neighbourhood shops and food stalls. top
Tap water is safe to drink, and bottled water is widely available at supermarkets, bars, neighbourhood shops and food stalls. top
