Based at the world-renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, a 200-acre wildlife sanctuary in Trinidad’s rainforested Northern range and at the charming Blue Waters Inn in Tobago, we will visit several unique natural areas throughout both islands. We will also have an opportunity to experience the unique culture of this island-nation through its food, music, and history.

Day 1 Arrival at Piarco International Airport in Port-of-Spain and transfer to the Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge.

Day 2 Awaken this morning to the raucous noise of the Crested Oropendola and a host of other exotic sounds. Our day will start with a guided tour of the several trails that traverse this rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary. On our introductory walk we will see colorful birds such as the Bay-headed and Turquoise Tanager, numerous hummingbirds, and secretive antbirds spotted by their haunting calls. We will search for the elusive Bearded Bellbird whose “bonging” call can be heard constantly throughout the day; and we will delight in the antics of the White-bearded manakins, as we visit their courtship display grounds or leks.

The Centre is situated in a typical valley of Trinidad’s Northern Range. These sites have been traditional centers of coffee, cocoa, and citrus plantations and many of these plants are still maintained at the Centre. Natural second growth has taken over and festooned the abandoned plantation vegetation with vines and a host of epiphytes. The whole effect is one of being deep in a tropical rainforest. On our walk we will be introduced to the more common trees and flowers, as well as the ecology of this diverse ecosystem.

The afternoon will be free to allow us to relax, enjoy the trails and adjust to the tropical sun and heat. From the veranda of the Asa Wright Nature Centre we will enjoy the colorful array of tanagers, hummingbirds, and honeycreepers that come to the bird-feeders and flowers, as well as an occasional agouti. And for those who wish, there is the opportunity for a cooling dip in the natural pool.

Day 3 This morning we will visit Dunstan 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 trees while in flight. In the late afternoon, we will take a picnic supper to Matura Beach to await the evening arrival of nesting Leatherneck turtles. These ancient giants come ashore to dig their nests, and deposit their eggs between April and July, and this beach is one of the best spots to experience this even in the Caribbean.

Day 4 This morning we will visit the Caribbean coast of Trinidad. Our first stop will be Pointe-A-Perre Wildfowl Trust. Established in 1966, this ezquisite compound composed of two lakes surrounded by native plants hostsnumerous migrant waterfowl and Purple Gallinule, Anhinga, and land birds like the White-winged Becard. Saffron Finch, and the Red-capped Cardinal. In addition, it will be a good opportunity to see some of the captive ducks involved in the Trust's endangered species program such as the Black-bellied, Fulvous and White-faced Whistling Ducks. We will have a picnic lunch along the coast. After lunch you will depart for the famous Caroni Marsh.

The Caroni is a very specialized mangrove forest that contains several genera and species of mangroves, showing classic examples of plant adaptions in this unique brackis water community. We will learn about this endangered habitat, as we cruise the channels and lagoons, looking at both the marine and bird life that make this marsh their home. Out day will end with the spectacular flight of Scarlet Ibis returning to their mangrove roosts at dusk, truly one of the world's most dramatic natural moments. Returning to the boat dock we will search the mangrove-lined channels for the mysterious sounding Common Pootoo! We will return the the Centre for a late dinner.

Day 5 We will depart this morning to go to Trinidad’s sister island of Tobago. This island forms the final link in the chain of mountain ranges extending from the Venezuelan Coastal Range, on the very edge of the South American Continental Shelf. Tobago’s climate and rainfall more closely resembles that of the Lesser Antilles than of its sister island of Trinidad; being drier and windier. Upon arrival, our first stop will be Bon Accord Marsh and the Water Treatment Plant for shorebirds, herons, egrets, and ducks, such as White-cheeked Pintail. We will then take a leisurely drive to our lovely beach side hotel. We will check into the Blue Waters Inn for a relaxing afternoon, where you can swim, snorkel or dive (Blue Waters Inn has a full dive shop).

Day 6 This morning, weather permitting, we will depart by boat for Little Tobago Island, one of this nation’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. As we cross over to the island we will watch for Leatherback and Hawksbill Sea Turtles and enjoy spectacular views of one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful, and pristine coral formations from the comfort of our glass-bottom boat. Once landing, depending on the time of the year, we will explore the nesting colonies of Red-billed Tropicbird, Red-footed and Brown Boobies, and Sooty and Noddy Terns. After lunch we will take a boat to snorkel the reefs off of Goat Island. The reef flora and fauna found here are diverse and abundant, containing over 40 species of corals and 65 species of fish, along with other reef invertebrates such as sea urchins, brittle stars and sponges. We will return to the Blue Waters Inn for the evening.

Day 7 This morning we will visit the Rainforest Preserve, where Tobago’s best mountain forests are found at elevations over 2,000 feet. A walk in this lush forest of tree ferns, waterfalls, and exotic birds such as White-tailed Sabrewing, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Blue-backed Manakin, Collared Trogon and other Tobago specialties such as Red-crowned Woodpecker and White-fringed Antwren will be a wonderful ending to our learning vacation. We will return to the Blue Waters Inn for the evening. Tonight we will delight in the music and dance of the people of Tobago, as we enjoy a local cultural presentation from one of the nearby towns.

Day 8 This exciting trip ends this morning as you depart for your flight homeward.