Trinidad and Tobago Birding Odyssey
6 Days, 5 Nights Package – Trinidad and Tobago
Quick Details:
Dates
From July 28 to August 2
Max. Capacity
15 persons
Cost
$1,779 per person
Includes: Accommodation at Blue Waters Inn Tobago (24, 25) and HADCO Experiences at AWNC (26, 27, 28, 29) and Blue Waters Inn Tobago (29, 30), Private transport during tour and transfer to conference venue, all meals, all reserve entrance and cultural program fees, and expert guides.
Not included: Round-trip flight to Tobago (we will advise on which flights to purchase; seats being held by Caribbean Airlines for our group), and gratuities.
What to bring: Comfortable clothing, medication, reusable water bottle, natural/non-toxic sunscreen, natural/non-toxic insect repellent, bathing suit, hat, ziploc bags to keep items dry, towel, snacks, small backpack, small umbrella or raincoat, hiking poles, hiking shoes, binoculars, and any other necessary items.
Overview
Experience the remarkable diversity of Trinidad and Tobago through a thoughtfully designed birding journey that spans rainforest, wetlands, savannah, and coastal ecosystems. This multi-day trip offers exceptional opportunities to observe a wide range of species—including many South American birds not seen elsewhere in the Caribbean—while exploring some of the country’s most iconic natural areas.
The itinerary combines immersive birding with moments to relax and take in the surroundings, from Tobago’s scenic coastline to the world-renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre, where you can watch hummingbirds and tanagers at close range from the famous veranda. Cultural experiences, including a visit to Brasso Seco for local cuisine and cacao traditions, add depth to this unforgettable introduction to Trinidad and Tobago.
Designed exclusively for conference participants, this trip offers outstanding value for a fully guided, all-inclusive,multi-day birding 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 Asa Wright Nature Centre for a four-night stay. Set within a 1,500-acre protected forest, the Centre offers extensive trail systems and exceptional birdwatching right from the lodge.
Itinerary Highlights
- July 28 – Day 1: Tobago and Coastal Birding: Take a short flight to Tobago and transfer to Blue Waters Inn. En route, enjoy birding at Bon Accord Lagoon, known for its rich coastal and wetland birdlife.
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, home to several endemic species.
Birding Highlights include White-tailed Sabrewing, Trinidad Motmot, Collared Trogon, Stripe-breasted Spinetail, and Blue-backed Manakin.
Optional boat excursion to Little Tobago Island to observe seabirds such as Red-billed Tropicbird and Red-footed and Brown Boobies. - July 30 – Day 3: Return to Trinidad and Forest Birding: Fly back to Trinidad and transfer to the renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre. Spend the day observing hummingbirds, tanagers, and other forest species.
Birding Highlights include: Bearded Bellbird, Tufted Coquette, Purple Honeycreeper, Green Honeycreeper, Turquoise Tanager, Bay-headed Tanager, and Channel-billed Toucan. - July 31 – Day 4: Wetlands and Savannah Ecosystems: Visit Aripo Savannah, Nariva Swamp, and Bush Bush Island, exploring diverse habitats and their abundant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
Birding Highlights include Striped Cuckoo, Striated Heron, Savannah Hawk, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Barred Antshrike, Silver-beaked Tanager, Red-breasted Meadowlark, Crested Oropendula, and Limpkin. - August 1 – Day 5: Northern Range and Cultural Experience: Birding in the Northern Range, including Las Lapas and Paria Junction. Continue to Brasso Seco for a cultural experience featuring lunch and a cacao and chocolate demonstration.
Alternative option: Visit Waterloo and Caroni Swamp (Orange Valley).
Birding Highlights: Copper-rumped Hummingbird, White-chested Emerald, Guianian Violaceous Trogon, Orange-winged Amazon, White-bearded Manakin, Violaceous Euphonia, White-necked Thrush, Silver-beaked Tanager, and White-lined Tanager. And the possibility of an Ornate Hawk-Eagle! - August 2 – Day 6: Oilbirds and Conference Transfer
Enjoy a guided trail walk and visit the Oilbird Cave. Later, transfer back to one of the conference hotels in Port of Spain, or transfer to an airport hotel for convenience as you prepare to depart Trinidad.
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.
