Trinidad's Wild Side

Observe giant leatherback turtles, go bird watching, explore a bat cave and more!  Our friends at Reefs to Rockies have created an action-packed itinerary that helps to benefit local conservation efforts and communities on this unique Caribbean Island.

Tour Price: From $2,250 per person (double occupancy) which includes lodging, ground transport, guides, activities, and meals as listed in the itinerary.  Also includes a donation to local leatherback turtle conservation efforts.

*By booking through SEE Turtles, Reefs to Rockies will make an additional donation to turtle conservation at no cost to you!

Conservation Impact: $260 goes to turtle conservation (11%) (including $115 to SEE Turtles) and $235 is spent in local communities (10%).

Tour Dates: March - July (peak turtle nesting is from mid-April to mid-May and hatchlings start in mid-May through July.

Activity Level: Moderate, involves several rainforest hikes.

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Highlights

• See giant leatherback turtles dig nests and lay eggs, as well as hatchlings making their way to the ocean (later in the season)
• Bird watch at Asa Wright Nature Center and Caroni Wetlands
• Hike to a bat cave and waterfall

Full Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Port of Spain

Upon arrival at the Piarco International Airport, you will be met by your local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Port of Spain at Coblentz Inn.

Day 2 – Port of Spain and Asa Wright Nature Center

After breakfast at the hotel, you will set out for a tour of historical Port of Spain stretching along the Gulf of Paria. After lunch in Port of Spain, drive to Asa Wright Nature Center. Asa Wright is a 200-acre estate hemmed in by rainforest. A stay at the center provides an excellent opportunity to sample Trinidad’s abundant plant and animal diversity. More than 170 species of birds have been recorded in the adjacent Arima Valley and you’ll have a front row seat on the center’s veranda. Overnight at Asa Wright Nature Center. (CB,L,D)

Day 3 – Asa Wright Nature Center and Tamana Bat Caves

This morning you’ll have a guided hike at Asa Wright. After lunch at the center, head to the Central Range of the island for your hike to Tamana Bat Cave. Tamana’s caves are home to 11 of Trinidad’s 67 bat species, including the vampire bat. The real adventure begins at dusk when more than a million bats leave the cave for their nightly feeding frenzy. Overnight at Hacienda Jacana. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Grande Riviere

Today you will head to Grande Riviere on the northern coast of Trinidad. Grande Riviere beach is less than a mile long, but it is thought to be home to the densest nesting beach for endangered leatherback sea turtles in the world. From March to July, sightings of leatherbacks are almost guaranteed and in one night, more than 500 nesting females have been recorded on this short stretch of sand! After dark, set out on a private tour with a local guide in search of nesting leatherbacks. Your participation will help aid in conservation and protection of leatherbacks. Overnight at Mt Plaisir Inn. (B,D)

Day 5 – Grande Riviere

If you’re an early riser, head to the beach at sunrise for a chance to see nesting females by daylight. The rest of the day is yours to relax on the beach, go for a swim, or explore the surrounding area. Overnight at Mt Plaisir Inn. (CB)

Day 6 – Rio Seco Waterfall, Caroni Wetlands, and Port of Spain

Today, you’ll depart from Grande Riviere heading back towards Port of Spain. The day will be filled with activities including a hike to beautiful Rio Seco Waterfall with time for a swim, followed by a guided boat tour of Caroni Bird Sanctuary late in the afternoon. Caroni is one of the best places in Trinidad to spot numerous scarlet ibis, the national bird. Overnight at Coblentz Inn. (CB)

Day 7 – Flight Home

Transfer back to the airport for your flight home. (CB)  

*Note: This itinerary provides a guideline of suggested activities, but daily schedules and lodging can be customized for each client.

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