Unexpected Wildlife Experiences Quintessential to Trinidad & Tobago
Travellers come to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the southern Caribbean for many reasons: the beaches, the tropical rainforests, the year-round warm weather and the vibrant culture. But one of the biggest draws to our nation is the chance to experience the incredible wildlife, making Trinidad and Tobago one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the Caribbean.
From howler monkeys, rare Oilbirds and endangered Leatherback turtles in Trinidad to hummingbirds, Scarlet Ibis, colourful frogs and the unique Trinidad Piping-guan (known locally as the Pawi—a once-endangered bird that is making a comeback thanks to local conservation efforts), the islands are home to some of the most unique animals in the region.
HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre: Discover Unique Animals in the Caribbean
HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre, set within the Arima Valley in Trinidad’s Northern Range, sits about 1,200 feet above sea level and is surrounded by evergreen seasonal forest.
Once used for coffee, cocoa and citrus production, the grounds are now a protected nature preserve, making them one of the best places for birdwatching and wildlife viewing in the Caribbean.
A walk through the rainforest presents opportunities to hear the distinctive calls of howler monkeys echoing through the Northern Range. Early mornings offer bird lovers from around the world the chance to spot some of the 170+ bird species found in Trinidad, including the Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Woodpeckers, Kites and Trogons.
Oilbirds: A Rare Glimpse of Trinidad’s Most Extraordinary Wildlife
Among the most fascinating wildlife connected to HADCO Experiences at Asa Wright Nature Centre is the opportunity to learn about the mysterious Oilbird, one of the world’s only nocturnal fruit-eating birds.
These rare birds roost in heavily protected caves that can be explored through guided hikes. The Dunston Cave at Asa Wright Nature Centre is home to the world’s most accessible colony of Oilbirds. Oilbirds are particularly remarkable because they use echolocation, much like bats, to navigate through the darkness of the forest while searching for fruit at night. Their calls echoing through caves and valleys make them one of Trinidad’s most unusual wildlife experiences and a highlight for birdwatchers eager to discover species found nowhere else in the Caribbean.
At night, the forest transforms into a haven for nocturnal wildlife in Trinidad and Tobago. The Yellow-throated Frog, Trinidad Stream Frog and Trinidad Poison Frog can often be heard, and spotted, after sunset. Insect lovers will also enjoy encountering a fascinating variety of tropical moths, spiders and caterpillars during the guided night walks offered each evening, making this a must-visit location for eco-tourism in Trinidad and Tobago.
Wildlife in Trinidad and Tobago: Where to See Leatherback Turtles
While Trinidad’s rainforests offer extraordinary views of birds, amphibians and nocturnal creatures, the island’s rugged north coast provides an equally unforgettable wildlife spectacle, one that unfolds along its beaches under the cover of night.
Trinidad is home to one of the planet’s most significant and densest populations of Leatherback turtles, an ancient but endangered species that marks Trinidad as an unforgettable location to witness these gentle giants. As one of the largest living reptiles in the world (one turtle can weigh as much as 728 kilograms) the Leatherback is a breathtaking sight for nature lovers visiting the Caribbean and Trinidad’s north coast.
At HADCO Experiences, we are fortunate that these stately creatures return every year for their annual turtle nesting season in Trinidad on the beaches of Grande Riviere, located along Trinidad’s scenic north coast mere steps from the rooms at Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel.
Because the Leatherback turtle is endangered, turtle watching in Trinidad is carefully regulated by the government to protect this important species. To help our guests enjoy safe and unforgettable turtle tours, Guests at HADCO Experiences’ properties can enjoy a front row seat to the spectacle from their balcony without needing to step foot on the beach. We also offer guided excursions led by eco-certified wildlife guides from the local community. These experiences provide exclusive, responsible viewing opportunities while helping guests learn more about these ancient reptiles and supporting wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism in Trinidad and Tobago.
Pawi Lodge: A Rare Birdwatching Experience on Trinidad’s North Coast
For travellers eager to continue their wildlife adventure along Trinidad’s scenic north coast, Pawi Lodge offers another unforgettable experience just minutes from Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel in Grande Riviere.
The forests surrounding Pawi Lodge are also home to an incredible diversity of birdlife, and visitors can often observe hummingbirds up close as they gather around flowering plants and feeders, offering remarkable moments for photographers and bird enthusiasts alike.
Combined with the region’s lush rainforest landscape and its proximity to Grande Riviere’s famous turtle nesting beaches, Pawi Lodge adds another layer to the extraordinary wildlife experiences that make Trinidad one of the Caribbean’s premier destinations for eco-tourism.
Experience Our Island’s Biodiversity
HADCO Experiences is fortunate to operate two flagship properties where guests can experience the rich biodiversity of Trinidad and Tobago and the southern Caribbean first-hand. However, we also encourage travellers to explore other iconic wildlife and eco-tourism destinations in Trinidad, including the world-famous Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
Located in Caroni, Central Trinidad, Caroni Bird Sanctuary (or Caroni Swamp) is far more than its name suggests. This incredible ecosystem contains Trinidad’s largest mangrove forest and encompasses 12,000 acres of protected wetlands, making it one of the most important wetland ecosystems and eco-tourism sites in the Caribbean.
It is also one of the best places to see the Scarlet Ibis in Trinidad, the country’s national bird and one of the most spectacular wildlife sightings in the Caribbean. To offer guests an authentic and sustainable experience, our team partners with experienced wildlife guides such as Lester Nanan, owner of Nanan’s Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tours and one of Trinidad’s eco-tourism connoisseurs.
For Lester, Caroni Swamp is more than a tourist attraction, it is a legacy. His father and grandfather were pioneers in advocating for the protection of the Scarlet Ibis and the conservation of Trinidad’s wetlands. Today, Lester continues that tradition through birdwatching tours and responsible wildlife tourism in Trinidad, highlighting the importance of protecting the region’s ecosystems.
With partners like Lester (and guests like you) we can continue supporting sustainable wildlife tourism in Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring that these remarkable ecosystems and the unique wildlife of the Caribbean thrive for generations of nature lovers to come.