Trinidad and Tobago packs an unusual range of habitats into two small islands, and the wildlife is the reason many visitors come. Trinidad sits close to the South American mainland and shares much of its life, from forest birds to a great variety of butterflies, while Tobago offers a protected rainforest and a living reef. This guide gathers the best wildlife experiences in the roster and explains how to choose and prepare for them.
Scarlet ibis at Caroni
The headline wildlife sight on Trinidad is the roost of scarlet ibis in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. A boat takes you through mangrove channels in the late afternoon, and as dusk falls flocks of bright red birds fly in to settle in the trees, turning them red. Herons, egrets and other waterbirds are also common. Go on a sunset boat tour, bring repellent and a light layer, and keep quiet in the channels so the birds are not disturbed.
Hummingbirds and forest birds at Asa Wright
The Asa Wright Nature Centre in the Northern Range is famous for its veranda, where feeders draw hummingbirds, honeycreepers and tanagers in numbers. Trails lead into the forest, where guides can find species such as motmots and manakins. A full-day tour from Port of Spain is the practical way to go. Binoculars make a big difference, and a patient morning on the veranda is as rewarding as a long walk.
Leatherback turtles
From March to August, leatherback turtles come ashore on Trinidad's north and northeast beaches to nest, according to the national tourism site, which names Matura, Grande Riviere and Fishing Pond as accessible beaches. Night visits must be made with a licensed guide, and the rules about lights, cameras and distance are strict for good reason. Sightings are not guaranteed, so allow more than one night if you can.
Waterfalls and forest
Trinidad's Northern Range hides waterfalls reached by guided walks, and the Avocat Waterfall hike with a beach stop is an accessible introduction. In Tobago, Argyle Falls drops in three tiers with cool pools, and the walk from the visitor co-operative passes cocoa and fruit trees. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the highlight of Tobago's forest, protected since 1776, and it is a place for guided birdwatching and butterflies. Wear shoes with grip and carry water.
Reef and sea
Tobago's Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool are the island's best-known marine sights, reached by glass-bottom boat from the south-west, where you can see coral and fish without getting wet or walk into the shallow pool for a swim. Snorkelling gear is often available. After dark, a bioluminescence trip from Buccoo can show glowing water on the right night, though the glow depends on the moon, weather and tides.
Gardens and urban green
In Port of Spain, the Royal Botanic Gardens, established in 1818, hold about 700 tree species and a butterfly garden, and are free to enter. Queen's Park Savannah, beside it, is the city's great open green. Both are good places to see common birds and butterflies in an easy setting.
Strange landscapes
At La Brea in south Trinidad, the Pitch Lake is a plain of natural asphalt with pools of water in the cracks, which is not wildlife but is one of the island's most memorable natural features. Pair it with a day tour of the south.
Choosing between them
If you have only a few days, pick by habitat. For a single evening of wildlife, choose Caroni. For a full day of birds and forest, choose Asa Wright. For a gentle swim and a walk, choose Avocat on Trinidad or Argyle on Tobago. For something truly different, choose a night on a turtle beach in season or a night boat to look for glowing water. Most of these can be linked into one week without backtracking, particularly if you base yourself near Port of Spain for Trinidad and near Crown Point for Tobago.
Planning and etiquette
Use licensed guides, especially for turtles and forest walks. Keep your distance from animals, never feed wildlife and take your rubbish with you. Pack binoculars, repellent, sun protection, a rain jacket and quick-drying clothing. The dry season, roughly January to May, is easiest for trails and boats, but wildlife is rewarding all year. Check your government's current travel advice before you book, and reserve the headline tours a few days ahead.
