Overview

Explore the full ecological range of Trinidad and Tobago on this diverse birding journey, spanning coastal rainforest, lowland wetlands, montane forest, and offshore island ecosystems. This thoughtfully designed itinerary offers exceptional opportunities to observe a wide variety of species, from wetland specialists and forest birds to seabirds and island endemics.

The experience begins along Trinidad’s scenic north coast at Mt. Plaisir Estate, where river, forest, and ocean meet, offering opportunities to search for the critically endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan (Pawi) and, in season, observe nesting leatherback turtles. The journey continues into the Northern Range at the renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre, where close-range birding and guided forest exploration provide a rich and immersive rainforest experience.

The final days are spent in Tobago, combining coastal and rainforest birding with opportunities to explore the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and nearby seabird colonies.

This trip offers excellent value, combining expert guides, accommodations, meals, and transport at a price rarely available to independent travelers.

Accommodation

Trinidad: Stay at Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel for two nights, a comfortable rainforest-edge ecolodge offering access to coastal and lowland birding systems. Arrive in Trinidad on July 16 for an introductory experience in the island’s wetland and savannah ecosystems.

On July 18, transfer to Asa Wright Nature Centre for a two-night stay within its 1,500-acre protected forest in the Northern Range, offering exceptional rainforest birding, canopy observation, and immersive field experiences.

Tobago: On July 20, transfer to Tobago for a two-night stay at Blue Waters Inn, a beachfront eco-hotel with direct access to outstanding coastal birding sites and nearby forest reserves. The trip concludes with forest and seabird exploration before returning to Trinidad for the conference.

Itinerary Highlights

July 16 – Day 1: Arrival in Trinidad
Arrive at Piarco International Airport and transfer to Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel. Settle into the coastal rainforest setting with optional evening birding in nearby lowland habitats.

July 17 – Day 2: Coastal Rainforest, Pawi, and Turtle Experience
A full day at Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel offers an immersive experience where river, forest, and sea meet within a single landscape. Set directly at the edge of the Grande Riviere estuary and beach, the estate provides flexible, self-paced access to both structured and optional field experiences throughout the day.

Pawi Lodge Birding (optional guided access)
Guests may visit nearby Pawi Lodge (approximately 5 minutes uphill from the hotel), one of the most reliable sites to observe the critically endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan (Pawi) in its natural forest-edge habitat.

Observation sessions can be arranged through the hotel and are typically conducted at:

• Early morning (06:00–07:00)
• Late afternoon (16:00–18:00)

These time windows align with peak activity periods for the species in surrounding forest corridors. Access is guided and arranged on-site.

Daytime Coastal and River Activities
Between birding sessions, participants may enjoy:

• Kayaking along the Grande Riviere River, offering quiet exploration of riparian habitats and estuarine systems
• Swimming at Grande Riviere Beach
• Snorkelling along the coast (conditions permitting)

Evening Leatherback Turtle Experience (seasonal: March–August)
Optional guided observation of nesting leatherback turtles along Grande Riviere Beach, one of the Caribbean’s most significant wildlife events at an internationally recognized site.

• Permit cost: TTD $115 per person
• Arranged through Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel
• Timing varied depending on nesting activity and conservation protocols

Birding Highlights: Trinidad Piping-Guan, Tufted Coquette, Channel-billed Toucan.

July 18 – Day 3: Transfer to Asa Wright and Savannah Birding
Morning transfer into the Northern Range with birding stops across Trinidad’s lowland and savannah habitats, including Aripo Savannah. These open and wetland systems provide a strong contrast to forest environments and support a wide diversity of species.

Continue into an increasingly lush forest before arriving at Asa Wright Nature Centre for afternoon birding and veranda-based observation.

Birding Highlights: Savannah Hawk, Barred Antshrike, Silver-beaked Tanager, Crested Oropendola, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Limpkin, Pied Water Tyrant.

July 19 – Day 4: Full-Day Rainforest Experience (Asa Wright)
Full-day guided exploration of rainforest trails, focusing on mixed-species flocks, canopy feeders, and hummingbird assemblages.

In the afternoon, visit the Oilbird Cave, one of the most accessible colonies globally, offering a rare opportunity to observe this remarkable nocturnal frugivore in a natural roosting environment.

July 20 – Day 5: Transfer to Tobago and Coastal Birding
Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Tobago. Stop at Bon Accord Lagoon, a key wetland supporting resident and migratory species, before arriving at Blue Waters Inn.

Afternoon at leisure with optional coastal birding or relaxation along the shoreline.

July 21 – Day 6: Tobago Forests and Seabirds
Morning exploration of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, home to Tobago’s endemic and near-endemic species, including Trinidad Motmot and White-tailed Sabrewing.

Optional boat excursion to Little Tobago Island, a critical seabird breeding site supporting tropicbirds, boobies, and shearwaters.

July 22 – Day 7: Return and Conference Transfer
Return flight to Trinidad followed by transfer to the conference hotel in Port of Spain.

Logistics

Participants should plan to arrive in Trinidad on July 16, ideally early enough to reach Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel during daylight hours. If this is not possible, consider arriving the day before and overnighting at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Trincity (5 minutes from the airport with free shuttle; not included in the tour price), with a transfer to Mt. Plaisir the following morning (included). Check-in is at 3:00 PM, but guests are welcome to enjoy birding from the veranda and around the property upon arrival.