Trinidad
& Tobago
January 28 - February 7, 2010
SHORT TRIP OPTION, TRINIDAD-ONLY Jan. 28-Feb. 2
As winter rages in the northern realm, imagine yourself walking trails through lush rainforests, snorkeling from island coastlines or watching a parade of jewel-toned birds feeding right outside your door! Join us to explore the two small islands of Trinidad (35 by 50 square mile) and Tobago (26 by 7.5 square miles). These Caribbean islands provide a range of habitats spanning from rainforest to mountain forests, savannahs, beaches, seaside cliffs, mangrove swamp, even a large cave -- home to the fascinating Oilbird.
Because of its proximity to South America, Trinidad hosts a greater diversity of flora and fauna than the other isles of the West Indies. Approximately 430 species of birds, 108 mammals, 2,300 flowering plants and over 600 species of butterflies have been recorded on the island. Tobago, with more Caribbean characteristics, hosts approximately 200 species of birds, including 12 not found on Trinidad. As recently as the end of the Pleistocene, when sea levels were significantly lower, Trinidad and Tobago were likely connected. Today, Trinidad is distinctly tropical, with 80-200 inches of rainfall a year in some areas; 20 miles to the northeast, Tobago is drier and windier, an idyllic climate that resembles that of the Lesser Antilles.
The Asa Wright Nature Centre, our base for four nights, is ideally situated at a pleasant 1,300 ft. The Centre (and its adjacent research facility, SIMLA) was the site of early seminal research on tropical ecology. Birding from the veranda here is one of the world’s most exciting ornithological experiences. At dawn we can watch Ruby-topaz Hummingbirds, Purple Honeycreeper, and Bay-headed Tanagers come in to the feeders. We explore this 200-acre sanctuary, walking on trails through lush, intriguing forests. Here we can compare the lek behavior of three species: the White-bearded and Golden-headed Manakins and the Bearded Bellbird. Learn why Iguanid and Tegu Lizards’ tongues flick, how bats and oilbirds navigate in the dark, and how color plays a part in learned feeding behavior of hummingbirds. At night we venture out to spot night birds such as potoos and nightjars, and set up a spotlight to attract katydids, mantids, walking sticks, colorful beetles and other insects of the night.
We continue with four nights on Tobago. We explore from an intimate 10-room lodge set in lush forests and then, from beachfront lodgings, we offer opportunities to swim, snorkel and take a glass-bottomed boat to an offshore seabird sanctuary.
ITINERARY
Thurs., Jan. 28 Arrival in Port of Spain / Asa Wright Nature Centre
Today we arrive at Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Here, a warm gust of tropical air greets us as we leave the plane. Plan to meet our guides from the Centre at the airport, from where we drive about an hour into the cooler mountain realm to our accommodations at the famed Asa Wright Nature Centre. A number of flights come in during the day and guides will meet all flights – though we highly recommend that you arrive in time to settle in, enjoy dinner and rest from your travels.
Please note: If you need to arrive in Port of Spain the night previous, there are several hotels near the airport or we can recommend the Kapok Hotel where we will stay our final evening.
Once settled in, Asa Wright Centre naturalists join us on the veranda. From there we often spot a shy mammal, the Agouti, and numerous colorful birds such as Violaceous Trogons, Channel-billed Toucans, Chestnut Woodpeckers and mixed flocks of such beauties as the Turquoise and Bay-headed Tanagers. At the feeders we find a colorful array of honeycreepers and hummingbirds. We may also see a White Hawk, one of the most beautiful raptors of the tropics. In you arrive in the late afternoon, simply relax with a cup of tea or the local specialty, rum punch. Our dinner entrees will feature local fruits and vegetables, many of which are grown right here at the Centre.
Accommodations at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, Trinidad (www.asawright.org) (B,L,D)
Fri., Jan. 29 Montane Rainforest Birding
Awaken to the raucous noise of the Crested Oropendolas, or Barred Antshrikes, a species that does a marvelous rendition of an alarm clock. Guests typically gather at dawn for fresh local coffee, morning birdwatching and to see the sun rise over a pristine expanse of forest. One has the feeling of being perched in a tree house surveying all below. In the early hours, you’ll soon learn to recognize the haunting notes of Little Tinamous. Many visitors tell of seeing 20 life-birds before the first breakfast! We take advantage of the veranda and let the birds come to us: hummingbirds such as White-chested Emeralds, Ruby-topaz Hummingbirds, Tufted Coquettes and the White-necked Jacobins visit the gardens and feeders, as well as other colorful birds such as Green Honeycreepers, Red legged Honeycreepers, Turquoise Tanagers and Violaceous Euphonias.
This morning we walk the Centre’s network of trails, taking time to carefully observe animal behavior and communication. Our route takes us to a courtship display area for two species of manakins and the Bearded Bellbird. Deep in the forest, the White-bearded Manakins does a ritualized courtship dance complete with a snap, crackle and pop. This small dynamo hurls himself from twig to twig, his activity attracting more males to come to the lek, which will then be more attractive to the real goal – females! The Golden-headed Manakin has a different twist on this while the Bearded Bellbird adds a strong vocal component.
Mid-to-late afternoon, we venture down the mountain to a national park, established on the old WW II U.S. airbase, Waller Field. This is a good open area with Moriche Palms where Red-bellied Macaws come in to roost. Before dusk we may also find Fork-tailed Palm Swifts, Sulphury and Bran-colored Flycatchers, Moriche Orioles and both Little and Striped Cuckoos as well. Enjoy this spectacle, a picnic dinner and then, as darkness falls, we look for night birds such as White-tailed Nightjars, Common Pauraques, Barn Owls and Common Potoos. If the weather cooperates, we also enjoy incredible star-filled skies.
Accommodations at the Asa Wright Nature Centre (B,L,D)
Sat., Jan. 30 Blanchisseuse / Caribbean Coast
Today we explore Trinidad’s picturesque Northern Range, driving a winding mountain road to a viewpoint across the range and a trail that winds through the forest to the seaside village of Blanchisseuse. En route, we see a change in plant life as we climb in elevation to the highest moist forest on the island – home to White-tailed and Collared Trogons, Tropical Pewees and both Swallow and Speckled Tanagers.
Trinidad’s Northern Range has traditionally been home to small farms that grow coffee, cocoa and citrus. Many are now abandoned and nature has taken over and festooned the plantations with vines and a host of epiphytes. As we walk trails lined with Elephant Ear Philodendrons, ferns and mosses, we look for the insect creatures of the forest realm. Learn more about the co-evolution of insects and their host plants and observe the incredible behavior of Leaf-cutter and other ants, termites and other social insects. You can then test your behavior-watching skills on the avian realm. Observe the sit-and-wait predator strategies of Rufous-tailed Jacamars. Along the ridgeline we scan the sky for predatory raptors: Bat Falcons, Ornate Hawk Eagles, Common Black Hawks and acrobatic Swallow-tailed Kites.
Enjoy a beachside lunch and, for those that wish, a swim in the blue Caribbean. Watch for Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Pelicans and the tiny Green Kingfishers. Returning to the Centre late afternoon, we can indulge in the customary cup of tea or rum punch while birding from the veranda (this can get habit-forming…).
Accommodations at the Asa Wright Nature Centre (B,L,D)
Sun., Jan. 31 Dunstan Cave / Caroni Marsh: Ibis and Night Birds
This morning we hike along one of the Centre’s trails to nearby Dunstan Cave, a grotto on the Guacharo River. Here we’ll look for the fascinating Oilbird, an 18-inch, nocturnal, fruit-eating bird. Related to whippoorwills and nightjars, Oilbirds forage over hundreds of square miles and are thus an important disperser of large seeds. A good trail leads us through beautiful rainforest and the geology of the cave is interesting as well. On our way back, we check again the leks of White-bearded and Golden-headed Manakins, which along with Bearded Bellbirds perform elaborate ritualized dances to attract their mates. We return to the Centre for lunch.
Mid-afternoon, we depart for the famous Caroni Swamp to see its fantastic waterbirds: Scarlet Ibis, Neotropical Cormorants, Anhingas, Least Bitterns and Roseate Spoonbills. As we glide along the mangrove-lined canal we search for Silky Anteaters, roosting bats, Greater Anis, Pied Water-tyrants and Red-capped Cardinals. The Caroni protects mangrove forests that exhibit unique adaptations to brackish water conditions. The network of interlacing roots provides refuge and habitat for myriad creatures, from small shellfish to their predators.
From our boats, we end the day watching the spectacular flight of Scarlet Ibis coming to roost at dusk – some returning from feeding as far away as Venezuela, across the 7-10 mile ocean gap! Returning slowly along mangrove-lined channels after dark, we listen for the mysterious sounding (and looking!) Common Potoos and the nocturnal Boat-billed Herons.
Accommodations at the Asa Wright Nature Centre (B,L,D)
Mon., Feb. 1 Aripo Savannah / Asa Wright
This morning we drive down to lower elevations to visit an agricultural research station and the nearby Aripo Savannah where we encounter different habitat than at the Centre. Here we hope to see raptors such as Savanna Hawks, Yellow-headed Caracaras and other birds such as Southern Lapwings, Red-breasted Blackbirds and Masked Yellowthroats. The Aripo Savannah is an area of extremely acidic soil with poor drainage, a small remnant of a once more extensive habitat of lowland Trinidad. Here we may see Plumbeous and Grey-headed Kites, Shiny and Giant Cowbirds, Yellow-rumped Caciques, Blue-black Grassquits and Ruddy-breasted Seedeaters. We get an early start today to beat the heat. Mid-afternoon we return to the Centre for a siesta.
Our afternoon is reserved for looking for any key species we may have missed, or simply to relaxing and taking in the beauty and birds from Asa Wright’s famed verandah. Dinner is at the Centre.
Accommodations at the Asa Wright Nature Centre (B,L,D)
Tues. Feb. 2 Flight to Tobago / Bon Accord Lagoons / Grafton Estate / Cuffie River
We drive back to Port of Spain, where we catch our short (25-minute) flight to Tobago, an island with a strong Caribbean flair. Tobago’s scenic mountains comprise the final link of a mountain range extending from the Venezuelan Coastal Range to the very edge of the South American continental shelf. At the small airport, Brown Pelicans, Magnificent Frigatebirds and a variety of gulls and terns may greet us. We drive across the island -- making birding stops en route. One of these is to the historic Grafton Estate where Blue-crowned Motmots and other spectacular species come in to a regular afternoon feeding. We then check into the delightful Cuffie River Nature Retreat, a delightful 10-room inn tucked into the forest. Relax before our evening meal; enjoy a swim in the pool, followed by a delicious dinner.
Accommodations at the Cuffie River Nature Retreat, Tobago (www.cuffie-river.com) (B,L,D)
Wed. Feb. 3 Rainforest Trails
This morning we join our local guide for a full morning hike along the Cuffie River Trail, a beautiful route through the forest. In the deep, shaded ravine we look for White-tailed Saberwings, Blue-backed Manakins, Rufous-tailed Jacamars, Yellow-legged Thrushes and other Tobago specialties. Collared Trogons may utter their distinctive calls and we should also find Red-crowned Woodpeckers and Ruby-topaz Hummingbirds. Butterflies and other insects rival the birds for their beauty, form and pattern.
The Cuffie River property lies adjacent to the oldest rainforest preserve in the Western Hemisphere. Time after lunch is free for you to read on the porch, enjoy the pool, photograph hummingbirds – or take a nap! Dining at this lodge is always a treat; afterwards, relax and enjoy the evening air.
Accommodations at the Cuffie River Nature Retreat (B,L,D)
Thurs. Feb. 4 Gilpen Trace Cloudforest / Blue Waters Inn / Optional Snorkeling
Today we cross Tobago’s mountains to the other side of the island at Speyside, with sightseeing stops and a hike in Tobago’s rainforest en route. Atop the mountainous ridgeline that divides the island, we enjoy a picnic lunch, then a walk at Gilpen Trace, set in the world’s oldest forest reserve which was established by the British Crown in 1765. Hurricane damage has been frequent here and the recovering forest is rich in palms and Jurassic-era tree ferns. It was here that Adolphus James, a local birding specialist, re-discovered the White-tailed Saberwing after many years of absence. Compare the rainforest structure here to Trinidad’s tropical moist forest and enjoy a hike.
Once at Blue Waters Inn, located on a secretive cove of the Caribbean near Speyside, the ocean will be calling! The beach is great for swimming, you can snorkel from the beach to the rocky headland between it and town and there are sea-kayaks to use. The water is so clear you can observe the reef and some of its creatures from the kayaks. Birds are fun here as well. Ruddy Turnstones feed on crumbs from the beachfront restaurant and tropicbirds and boobies can be spotted offshore. The hotel logo is the Blue-crowned Motmot, which is remarkably tame here, sometimes sleeping on the porch lights of the rooms! In the morning we wake to raucous calls of Rufous-vented Chachalaca.
The late afternoon is to do as you please – snorkel, swim, walk the beach, sea kayak or just relax. Dinner at Blue Waters is chosen from the menu, which often features fresh Kingfish, likely caught that day!
Accommodations at the Blue Waters Inn (www.bluewatersinn.com) (B,L,D)
Fri. Feb. 5 Little Tobago Island Seabird Sanctuary / Optional Snorkeling
This morning we visit Little Tobago Island where rugged cliffs support a large seabird nesting sanctuary. Riding to the island on a glass-bottomed boat, we watch for Leatherback and Hawksbill Sea Turtles and colorful fish inhabiting the coral reef. A good trail traverses this dry and rugged small offshore isle where cactus and arid-habitat shrubs dominate the eastern (windward) side. We hike to observe nesting colonies of Red-billed Tropicbirds and Red-footed and Brown Boobies and search for a variety of terns. While walking through forests of Fan Palm and Gumbo Limbo to reach the seabird cliffs, we may see Chivi Vireos, Tropical Mockingbirds, White-tipped Doves or perky little Bananaquits.
Those who enjoy snorkeling will want to go out in the boat (optional activity) mid-afternoon to best experience the reef. This is weather dependent, and some may prefer to just relax on the beach or venture off to explore Speyside, a charming Caribbean town. Any of the activities provide a great way to spend our final day – immersed in the ambiance of the Caribbean.
Accommodations at the Blue Waters Inn (B,L,D)
Sat. Feb. 6 Return to Trinidad / City tour of Port of Spain
You have the morning free until our bus arrives to return back across the island to the airport. This time we follow the scenic southern coast. Depending on our flight time, we have a restaurant lunch either on Tobago or in Port of Spain upon arrival. In the late afternoon we plan to show you some highlights of the city and a little guided shopping, including a store known for its fine island textiles. We stay in Port of Spain our final evening to facilitate flights out the next day – only by leaving very early can you make flights back to the mainland (particularly Western US) in one day. Enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations at the Kapok Hotel, Port of Spain (B,L,D)
Sun. Feb. 7 Departures from Port of Spain
This morning we coordinate airport transfers via taxis according to your flights. Until the next adventure!
PLAN AHEAD!
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Cost
of the Journey
Cost of the journey is $3290.00, based on double occupancy from Port of Spain, Trinidad. Single supplement (as available) is $550.00. The cost includes all accommodations, meals as noted in the itinerary, airport transfers, the flight between Trinidad and Tobago and return, professional guide services, local park and other area entrance fees and miscellaneous program expenses. This cost is based on a minimum of 8 persons; if there are fewer than 8, a small-group surcharge (typically $100-$300) may apply.
Tour cost does not include round trip airfare to Port of Spain, optional activities (such as snorkeling from the boat at Blue Waters Inn), or items of a personal nature such as laundry, porterage, beverages from the bar (including soft drinks), telephone charges, or gratuities for local drivers and guides (which are left to your discretion).
SHORT TRIP OPTION
TRINIDAD-ONLY Jan. 28-Feb. 2 $1775.00 from Port of Spain; SS $325.00.
NEW!! If you donate to offset the CARBON footprint of your flight, we will contribute $50.00 which you can deduct from your final tour payment.
Travel
Arrangements
NOTE: Please note that to arrive in Trinidad by the welcome dinner, you may need to start your travel a day early –and stay overnight in Port of Spain or a gateway city such as Miami or New York. In Miami we suggest either the Hotel Mia in the airport or the nearby Marriott complex of hotels near the airport (a Fairfield, a Courtyard, and a Marriott situated together that share pool and restaurant facilities, so you can choose the type of room and rate you wish to pay).
We will have a representative from the Asa Wright Centre meet participants arriving from Miami (American Airlines, Continental, US Airways, Delta, Northwest and others) and from New York (Caribbean (formerly BWIA). Transfers from afternoon-arriving flights will be considered group transfers and that cost is included with your tour. Later (i.e., evening) flights will require individual transfers at your own expense. We encourage you to arrive in time for dinner, but understand if the later flight is more economical or more convenient.
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
Photo Credits:
Red Howler Monkey, Drs. Howard Topoff and Carol Simon;
Leaf Cutter Ant, Dr. Alex Mintzer; Common Pootoo, Tony Beck - www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/;
all other photos by Peg Abbott.
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