Trinidad & Tobago Independent Travel
If your schedule does not match that of our Guided Group Tours , or you simply prefer to go at your own pace, we offer Independent Birding Ventures (IBV) to explore Trinidad and Tobago. With an IBV, you pick the dates, the length of your stay, and the activity level. Independent travelers join other guests, typically not more than six persons in a group, for the outings scheduled during your stay at Pax Guest House, Hyatt Regency or Mt. Plaisir Estate or at either of our lodges on Tobago. Outings are determined by the number of people staying at the lodge, the available guides and vehicles, and the weather. Each day may be with different guides for your outings, all of whom are local, experienced guides.
Independent Birding Ventures
There is no better place to be immersed in birds and nature than on the islands. Explore the trails with a naturalist guide and view the wide range of species that congregate from South America and the Caribbean alike.
A highlight for all visitors is a boat ride deep into Caroni National Park, where your day ends with the spectacular flight of Scarlet Ibis returning to their mangrove roosts — truly one of the world’s most dramatic wildlife spectacles. During turtles season, see firsthand massive turtles laying eggs, or hatchlings scrambling to the sea. We offer a Basic IBV, or for those with time we offer a 10-day Ultimate IBV with additional off-site tours and time on both lodges on Tobago.
Designed for two or more people, travel with that special someone, a family member, or a group of friends. IBVs are great for photographers and for couples or friends with varied interests.
Next steps?
1. Choose your dates, length of stay and type of IBV (below).
2. Choose your lodges on Trinidad and Tobago.
3. Consider Trinidad’s Grande Riviere area which can also be added as an extension to any of the IBV choices.
4. Call (800) 426-7781 or email travel@naturalistjourneys.com to talk and book your trip with an experienced Travel Planner.
All pricing is based on double occupancy.
Relaxing Lodge Stays
We highly recommend Tobago for a relaxing lodge stay. You will be immersed in nature! Activities can be done — at your pace and as you want to book them, or not. We work with two fine lodges which are located in different parts of the scenic island of Tobago. Cuffie River Nature Retreat is an intimate 10-room ecolodge in a lush mountain valley. With modern rooms, delicious local cuisine prepared in-house, a refreshing swimming pool, and both indoor and outdoor verandahs for birding, reading and relaxing along with quiet roads and trails to bird, enjoy a total rainforest experience while still relaxing in a comfortable, eco-friendly environment.
Blue Waters Inn, a small 35-room island resort located directly on the beach across from Little Tobago Island, a birding destination. The Inn also offers swimming in the ocean or pool, snorkeling among the corals, kayaking, paddle-boarding and diving. Both fine and casual dining are available. All rooms face the ocean with either patio or balcony seating right out your door.
You can choose one lodge for the length of your stay, or combine them. Adding a Trinidad hotel at the end of your travels would position you for early flights out but also allow you to also experience the iconic Scarlet Ibis of Caroni National Park.
Speak with a Caligo Travel Planner to discuss the options that are right for you!
Photo credits: Banner: Birding on Little Tobago Island, Dodie Logue; Purple Honeycreeper, Peg Abbott; Blue-chinned Sapphire, Peg Abbott; White-necked Jacobin, Peg Abbott; Blue-gray Tanager, Mike Boyce; Great Egret, Peg Abbott; Ruby Topaz Hummingbird, Dave Ramlal; Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Karen Chiasson.