Your holiday starts with a few days in the Asa Wright eco-lodge in Trinidad where you can enjoy sighting the many different bird species on the rainforest trails around the lodge. You may see birds such as the stunning Ruby Topaz hummingbird, the Squirrel Cuckoo and Tufted Coquettes. Trips include visiting the nesting oilbirds in the Oilbird cave, the nocturnal oilbird eats palm dates and other fruits at night using their excellent eyesight. Other trips include visiting Caroni swamp and the flocks of roosting Scarlet Ibis, flamingoes and a range of other water birds.
A short flight to Tobago and then on to Cuffie River Nature Retreat in the beautiful hills of inland Tobago. This gorgeous owner run lodge has gardens planted to attract hummingbirds, an onsite bird guide and trails around the lodge. Your stay here includes guided visits to the rainforest, wetlands and a boat trip to Little Tobago a bird sanctuary island where you can see red billed tropicbirds, red footed boobies and frigate birds.
You finish your stay at the fantastically located Castara Retreats, a stunning eco resort on the hillside above the fishing village of Castara. The apartments all have open air lounge areas with views to the beach and the Caribbean Sea. A variety of birds such as the brightly coloured Trinidad Motmot and the noisy chachalacas frequent the grounds. Relax at the beach, enjoy the local village life in Castara, or snorkel in the bay.
Day to Day
Below is an example day by day itinerary
Day 1
Met on arrival and transferred to Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge (approx. 1 hour drive). Settle into your room at this eco lodge and enjoy the stunning views of the rainforest.
Day 2
Today you will visit Caroni Swamp, a birder's paradise. As well as witnessing flocks of roosting Scarlet Ibis, birding highlights at Caroni include the Long-winged Harrier, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Bicolored Conebill, Masked Cardinal, Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Green-throated Mango, Northern Waterthrush, Anghinga, Striated Heron, White-cheeked Pintail, Large- billed Tern, Pied Water Tyrant, Black-crested Antshrike, Common Potoo and Flamingoes. Overnight Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge (BLD)
Day 3
Day at leisure to enjoy the onsite trails at the lodge. Your stay also includes a visit to the Oilbird cave to see the nesting oilbirds, the oilbirds are nocturnal fruit eating birds that search for date palms and other fruit at night. Overnight Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge (BLD)
Day 4
Today you will transfer to the airport and take a small propeller flight to Tobago (approx 25 mins). You will then transfer to Cuffie River Nature Retreat, where you can relax at the hotel and enjoy the pool or watch the array of brightly coloured hummingbirds on the feeders or walk the trails in the gardens. In the evening you will dine in the restaurant (BD).
Day 5
Today you will take a guided nature walk with the onsite guide who will share with you his vast knowledge of the local flora and fauna. You may see the endemic White-tailed Sabrewing hummingbird, Blue-backed Manakin, Ruby-topaz hummingbird, Collared Trogon, Trinidad Motmot and the Rufous Tailed Jacamar. Overnight Cuffie River Nature Retreat (BD)
Day 6
Today, you will have a guided birding tour visiting some locations such as Bon Accord Lagoon and Tobago Plantations. Then you will visit the Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve where a profusion of humming birds such as the Ruby Topaz and White Necked Jacobin can be seen all year round. Other birds are also found here, such as Trinidad Motmot, a variety of tanagers and the eye catching Barred Antshrike. A great spot for photographers. Overnight Cuffie River Nature Retreat (BLD)
Day 7
Today you will take a trip to Little Tobago, an island which is a protected bird sanctuary in the north east of Tobago. You will take a walk with your naturalist guide to a lookout where your guide will help you spot birds such as the majestic Red Billed Tropicbird, rare Red Footed Boobies and Magnificent Frigatebirds. After the lookout you will hop back in the boat and visit a nearby reef for some snorkelling. Overnight Cuffie River Nature Retreat (BLD)
Day 8
Today you will visit the Main Ridge Rainforest Reserve and take a guided walk with your naturalist guide either on the popular Gilpin Trace trail or one of the other trails. Overnight Cuffie River Nature Retreat (BD).
Day 9
Transfer to Castara Retreats, located above the beach in the picturesque fishing village of Castara. Settle into your room and enjoy the stunning views across the bay. (B)
Day 10
Day at leisure. Hire sunloungers to relax on the beach at Castara, snorkel around the bay or walk to the nearby waterfall. Boat trips to snorkel nearby coves are available, or fishing trips. A visit to the nearby beach at Englishman's Bay is a great day out, the beach is peaceful and secluded with a few stalls and a local restaurant. Hiring a car is a good option to visit some of the waterfalls of the island, visit the beach at Pigeon Point or kayak/paddle board at the Bon Accord Lagoon. Overnight Castara Retreats.
Day 11
Day at leisure. Overnight at Castara Retreats.
Day 12
Day at leisure. Overnight at Castara Retreats.
Day 13
Day at leisure. Overnight at Castara Retreats.
Day 14
Day at leisure. Overnight at Castara Retreats.
Day 15
Transfer back to Tobago International Airport for your international flight back to the UK.