Birding Ventures for Independent Travelers
Set your own pace on this one-week fully-inclusive trip to this beautiful island-nation. This program is especially designed for independent travelers.
In Trinidad . . .
Experience a lush tropical island rain forest at Trinidad’s Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, which provides a civilized setting to enjoy the beauty of this unique habitat. Natural second-growth has taken over and festooned the abandoned plantation’s vegetation with vines and a host of epiphytes. The whole effect is one of being deep in a tropical rainforest. From the former estate house’s striking veranda you will enjoy the colorful array of tanagers, hummingbirds, and honeycreepers that come to the bird-feeders and flowers, as well as an occasional agouti. In the evening, as you relax with a tasty rum punch, you can watch the sun cross over the sweeping Arima Valley, highlighting colorful orchids and bromeliads, as the exotic sounds of the many rain forest birds surround you with their haunting calls.
Several trails traverse this rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary. There will be ample time for relaxation, as you adjust to the tropical sun and heat. And for those who wish, there is the opportunity for a cooling dip in the natural pool. One morning you will visit Dunston Cave, a beautiful riparian grotto located on the sanctuary, to view the breeding colony of the fascinating nocturnal Oilbird. This strange bird, lives and breeds in dark caves during the day, coming out at night to feed on fruit, which it plucks from palm trees while in flight. An optional night trip to watch nesting leatherback sea turtles at Matura Beach is available for an additional cost during nesting season.
Your visit will also include a trip to the famous Caroni Marsh where your day will end with the spectacular flight of the Scarlet Ibis returning to their mangrove roosts at dusk, truly one of the world’s most dramatic natural moments.
In Tobago . . .
Participants have the option of staying at either Blue Waters Inn, overlooking the azure sea, or a the charming and secluded Cuffie River Nature Retreat.
The Cuffie River Nature Retreat is located in a secluded tropical rainforest at the edge of Tobago’s main ridge – the oldest protected tropical rainforest in the western hemisphere. Along its trails you may find White-tailed Sabrewing, Blue-backed Manakin, Yellow-legged Thrush and other Tobago specialties such as Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Ruby Topaz Hummingbird, Collared Trogon, Red-crowned Woodpecker, and White-fringed Antwren. Here you may also choose to enjoy the elevated pool surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Blue Waters Inn is a lovely beachfront hotel on golden sand, looking out on the deep blue waters of the Atlantic, with good snorkeling right off the beach. This lush 46 acre hideaway has trails to explore, where you might see Blue-crowned Motmot, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and White-fringed Antwren.
Guests who stay are either lodge will also enjoy a glass-bottom boat trip over spectacular coral reefs en route to nearby Little Tobago Island and its nesting colonies of Red-billed Tropicbirds, Brown Boobies, Sooty and Noddy Terns.
Our Independent Birding Ventures Packages Include:
- Four Nights at the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge in Trinidad
- Three Nights at the Blue Waters Inn or Cuffie River Nature Retreat in Tobago
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers in Trinidad and Tobago
- Roundtrip airfare between the islands
- Tours can depart any date, pending availability
- All meals, tax, service, and guided tours as indicated in itinerary
- Price does NOT include international airfare to and from Trinidad. Single supplement price available on request.
NOTE: All prices are per person based on a minimum of 2 paying participants in double occupancy. Single supplement price available on request.
Asa Wright & Blue Waters Inn
| Date Range | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Aug. 1 - Dec. 15, 2012 | $1,250 plus int'l airfare |
| Dec. 16, 2012 - Jan. 15, 2013 | $1,525 plus int'l airfare |
| Jan. 16 - Mar. 31, 2013 | $1,795 plus int'l airfare |
| April 1-30, 2013 (with Turtles) | $1,595 plus int'l airfare |
| April 1-30, 2013 (without Turtles) | $1,525 plus int'l airfare |
| May 1-Dec. 15, 2013 (without Turtles) | $1,295 plus int'l airfare |
| May 1-July 31, 2013 (with Turtles) | $1,325 plus int'l airfare |
Asa Wright & Cuffie River Nature Retreat
| Date Range | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Aug. 1 - Dec. 15, 2012 | $1,475 plus int'l airfare |
| Dec. 16, 2012 - Jan. 15, 2013 | $1,675 plus int'l airfare |
| Jan. 16 - Mar. 31, 2013 | $1,895 plus int'l airfare |
| April 1-30, 2013 (with Turtles) | $1,675 plus int'l airfare |
| April 1-30, 2013 (without Turtles) | $1,595 plus int'l airfare |
| May 1-Dec. 16, 2013 (without Turtles) | $1,475 plus int'l airfare |
| May 1-July 31 (with Turtles) | $1,525 plus int'l airfare |
All Caligo Ventures Tours and other programs are subject to our Trinidad & Tobago Terms and Conditions. Please review them prior to any purchase.
All prices are subject to change without notice and are based on double occupancy.
