Overview

Explore the rich birdlife and diverse ecosystems of Trinidad and Tobago on this immersive journey, from Tobago’s coastal and forest habitats to Trinidad’s coastal rainforest, lowland wetlands, and the lush Northern Range. This itinerary offers excellent opportunities to observe a wide variety of species, including seabirds, wetland specialists, and iconic rainforest birds.

The experience begins in Tobago, where coastal lagoons, forest reserves, and nearby seabird colonies provide outstanding birding opportunities. Returning to Trinidad, the journey continues at Mt. Plaisir Estate along the scenic north coast, where river, forest, and ocean meet. Here, participants can search for the critically endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan (Pawi) and, in season, observe nesting leatherback turtles.

The final stage of the trip takes place at the renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre, offering exceptional close-range birding and guided exploration within one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated rainforest environments.

Offered at a special conference rate, this trip provides outstanding value, combining expert guides, accommodations, meals, and transport in a seamless, fully guided experience.

Accommodation

Tobago:
On the morning of July 28, take a short flight to Tobago for a two-night stay at Blue Waters Inn, a beachfront eco-hotel with direct access to excellent coastal birding habitats and nearby forest reserves.

Trinidad:
Return to Trinidad on July 30 and transfer to Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel for a two-night stay. This relaxed rainforest-edge ecolodge offers access to both the Northern Range and nearby coastal habitats.

On August 1, continue to Asa Wright Nature Centre for an overnight stay within its 1,500-acre protected forest.

Itinerary Highlights

• July 28 – Day 1: Tobago and Coastal Birding
  Fly to Tobago and transfer to Blue Waters Inn, with a stop at Bon Accord Lagoon for wetland birding.
  
  Birding Highlights: Southern Lapwing, Least Grebe, Purple Gallinule, White-cheeked Pintail, Rufous-vented Chachalaca.
• July 29 – Day 2: Rainforest and Seabirds
  Explore Gilpin Trace and the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Optional boat excursion to Little Tobago Island for seabirds.
  
  Birding Highlights: White-tailed Sabrewing, Trinidad Motmot, Collared Trogon, Blue-backed Manakin, Red-billed Tropicbird, Red-footed and Brown Boobies.
• July 30 – Day 3: Return to Trinidad and Coastal Relaxation
  Fly back to Trinidad and transfer to Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying light coastal birding.
• July 31 – Day 4: Endemic Birding and Optional Turtle Tour
  Join a targeted birding excursion for the critically endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan (Pawi). Optional evening tour to observe nesting leatherback turtles (seasonal).
• August 1 – Day 5: Transfer and Savannah Birding
  Transfer to Asa Wright Nature Centre, with birding stops along the way, including Aripo Savannah.
  
  Birding Highlights: Striped Cuckoo, Striated Heron, Savannah Hawk, Barred Antshrike, Silver-beaked Tanager, Red-breasted Meadowlark, Crested Oropendula, Limpkin, Purple Honeycreeper, Tufted Coquette, Channel-billed Toucan, Bearded Bellbird.
• August 2 – Day 6: Oilbirds and Conference Transfer
  Enjoy a guided trail walk and visit the Oilbird Cave. Later, transfer to Port of Spain for the conference.

Logistics

On July 28, participants will be transferred from the conference hotel to the airport for an early morning departure to Tobago. 

Participants may book a flight home on the afternoon of August 2 or opt to spend the night in Port of Spain for an early morning departure on August 3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Trincity is 5 minutes from the airport and has a free shuttle.

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