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Trinidad Northern Eco-Cultural Full-Day Highlights Tour from Port of Spain

Trinidad Northern Eco-Cultural Full-Day Highlights Tour from Port of Spain

caroni swamp tour

The Caroni Swamp is the largest mangrove wetland in Trinidad and Tobago where the Caroni River, the largest river in Trinidad, meets the Gulf of Paria. The large areas of mangrove trees are separated by waterways that can be navigated by small pirogues. The Swamp is known for many different species, including caimans, swamp boas, crabs of different types, herons and egrets, bur in particular the Scarlet Ibis, one of Trinidad’s National birds.

Most of the Ibises feed in Venezuela eleven miles away. Similar to flamingos and reseate spoonbills, the Ibis gets its rich colour from their diet of crab. The Caroni Swamp is a favourite with visitors to Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in the early evening when the flocks of Ibis are returning to roost in the mangroves.

It takes about three years for the Ibis to develop its full colour, remaining a dull grey through adolescence. Although officially protected as a bird sanctuary, the Scarlet Ibis population, like the manatee of the Nariva Swamp, has declined considerable since 1970 and continues to be at risk from poaching and pollution of the river and Gulf.

  Address: Off the Uriah Bulter Highway

Town/City: Caroni

Region: Chaguanas

Site Type: Natural Heritage

Ownership: Public

Public Accessibility: Limited Access

Habitat: Mangroves & Swamps

Eco-System: Freshwater

Caroni Swamp Sharmila Narwani_1213_007

Caroni Swamp Sharmila Narwani_1213_007

Caroni Swamp Sharmila Narwani

Caroni Swamp Sharmila Narwani

Caroni Swamp Sharmila Narwani 2015 (2)

Caroni Swamp Sharmila Narwani 2015 (2)

Caroni Swamp Sharmila Narwani (3)

Caroni Swamp Sharmila Narwani (3)

Caroni Bird Scantuary - Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Scantuary – Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Santuary 2 Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Santuary 2 Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Sanctuary Mangrove - Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Sanctuary Mangrove – Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Sanctury Side View - Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Sanctury Side View – Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Santuary - Arnold Persad

Caroni Bird Santuary – Arnold Persad

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Off the Uriah Bulter Highway, Caroni, Chaguanas

caroni swamp tour

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caroni swamp tour

Winston Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary Boat Tour

Experience the thrill of motor-boating through a maze of mangrove lined waterways in the Caroni Swamp to view the exotic Scarlet Ibis.

Key Details

  • Best for foreign visitors
  • Motor-boating through a maze of mangrove-lined waterways in the Caroni Swamp

Experience mammals, reptiles, marine organisms and many species of birds

  • View beautiful Scarlet Ibis.
  • Tour includes transportation from and back to your hotel in Scarborough or Crown Point (and environs).

What to Expect

Experience the thrill of motor-boating through a maze of mangrove-lined waterways in the Caroni Swamp to view the exotic Scarlet Ibis.

What you will Do and See

Motor-boating through a maze of mangrove-lined waterways.

Experience the thrill of motor-boating through a maze of mangrove-lined waterways in the Caroni Swamp with the company that started the tours there in the early 1940s.  Nanan’s Bird Sanctuary Tour Operator has been operating our signature boat tours for over 60 years in the Caroni Swamp.  Today, the Caroni Swamp is known throughout the world and has emerged as a National Treasure.  In June 2015, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary was renamed to the Winston Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary in honour of their lifelong dedication to Winston’s development of this site.

We cruise through the beautiful, serene mangrove wetland – home of the exotic Scarlet Ibis.  The journey in the sanctuary gives the opportunity to experience mammals, reptiles, marine organisms and many species of birds. You also see the different species of mangrove and the way in which they have adapted to this environment creating one of the most beautiful mangrove wetlands in the Western Hemisphere.

View the Beautiful Scarlet Ibis

As the sun sets, thousands of Scarlet Ibis birds return from feeding grounds to roost for the night. Visitors are mesmerized by the transformation of mangrove trees into living Christmas trees – a sight to behold!

What To Wear and Carry

  • Jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, hats, shades.
  • Bring along insect repellent
  • Cameras and binoculars
  • Private Certified Tour Guide
  • Boat tour of the Caroni Swamp
  • All fees, taxes and handling charges
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (Port of Spain and environs)
  • Food / Drinks
  • Gratuities (optional)

Important Information

  • Confirmation will be received within 24 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Age: 5 years and over
  • Minimum group size per booking: 2 persons

  Cancellation Policy

  • 100% refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Home / Things To Do / Tours / Wetland Lunch Tour of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary

WETLAND LUNCH TOUR OF THE CARONI BIRD SANCTUARY

Caroni Swamp 2

Caroni Bird Sanctuary

Winston Nanan’s Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tours

Experience the thrill of motor-boating through a maze of mangrove-lined waterways in the Winston Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary with the company that started the tours there in the early 1940s. Nanan’s Bird Sanctuary Tours has been operating our signature boat tours for over (60) years in the Caroni Swamp. In fact, the Caroni Swamp was declared a sanctuary when the founder of Nanan’s Tours, Simon Oudit Nanan, and his son, Winston Nanan, submitted a petition to the government outlining the importance and possibilities of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

Today, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary is known throughout the world and has emerged as a National Treasure. In honour of the lifelong dedication of Winston Nanan to the development of this precious bird conservation site, in June 2015 the Caroni Bird Sanctuary was renamed the Winston Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

Nanan’s Bird Sanctuary Tours are recognized worldwide and trusted for their professionalism, information and safety. Visitors cruise through the beautiful, serene mangrove wetland – home of the exotic Scarlet Ibis . The journey in the sanctuary gives the opportunity to see mammals, reptiles, marine organisms and many species of birds. You also see the different species of mangrove in which they have adapted to this environment creating one of the most beautiful mangrove wetlands in the Western Hemisphere. All boats are equipped with life jackets for every guest.

All COVID-19 safety protocols observed including physical distancing and regular sanitization of boats.

  • Time : 11:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
  • Cost: Contact to confirm (dependent on group size)
  • via Phone : 1-868-645-1305 / 1-868-681-1671 / 1-868-681-8274 / 1-868-776-2046 / 1-868-372-2176
  • via E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Island Girl In-Transit

Caroni Swamp Tour: What You need to Know

At the risk of sounding contrived, touring the Caroni Swamp is something every Trinbagonian should do in their lifetime, and every visitor should prioritise on their visit to Trinidad and Tobago. Towering mangroves climb high above clear, shallow waters. Slumbering animals blend seamlessly into their surroundings. While svelte birds, clambering crabs and elusive reptiles all coexist, each playing a vital role in a fragile but protected eco-system. Even if you’re not an avid outdoors(wo)man, you’d be hard pressed to resist the unwitting charm of this excursion. It somehow manages to endear you with its simplicity while still invigorating you with its edification. Trust me when I say that this mini-adventure should be on your bucket list. Here is a simple guide outlining everything you need to know to tour the Caroni Swamp.

Who to Book With (and How)

There are several operators who cruise the swamp, however I opted for Nanan Eco-Tours . The company has over 60 years of experience and tens of thousands of tours under their belt. Take into consideration the fact that the swamp was recently renamed the Winston Nanan Caroni Bird Sanctuary, in of honour of the company’s founder, and I was convinced these guys knew what they were doing. Fortunately, I wasn’t disappointed. Nanan offers a professional service with a knowledgeable guide who kept us entertained the entire time!

  • Booking with Nanan can either be done online ( via their website |  Facebook page) or over the phone by calling 681-8274.
  • Tour times: Tours depart daily at 4 pm

About the Swamp

An expansive 40 square km of tidal lagoons, mangroves and marshlands, the Caroni Swamp and Bird Sanctuary is the largest wetland mangrove in Trinidad and Tobago. Located on Trinidad’s west coast, between the Caroni and Madame Espagnole Rivers, the swamp supports a rich biodiversity. This lush habitat is a protect area that provides shelter for a wide variety of animals, from opossums and racoons to crustaceans and reptiles. Its mangrove trees also serve as ideal nesting grounds for approximately 157 species of birds, including one of Trinidad and Tobago’s national birds, the brilliant and beautiful scarlet ibis!

What to Expect

A knowledgeable guide.

Affable and vigilant, our guide Ali was a 20-year veteran of the swamp and Nanan’s tour operation. His keen eyes were able to spot even the most perfectly camouflaged animals and I truly appreciated his efforts to get the boat as close as possible to every creature he spotted – even the creepily coiled cascabel snake that at one point was directly overhead! He took the time to explain the story of each organism, from the minuscule crabs rapidly scaling the mangroves, to the red, white and black mangroves that lined the waterways. Patient and attentive, he answered all questions and he even threw in a good joke or two for good measure.

Amazing Wildlife Encounters

Snakes and crabs and caimans, oh my! You’ll catch a glimpse of all of these creatures, and more, as you cruise along the swamp. With a guide as observant as Ali, you’ll get a closeup look at many intriguing species. Before this tour, I never even knew the silky anteater existed, but thanks to him, I was able to catch a long look at this little fur ball contentedly curled up in a tree. I had also never been within such close proximity of a live (and long) snake, but there it was, wrapped around a branch a few feet away from my head! And to think there are hundreds of other species for you to observe, including an impressive list of birds that call the swamp home. From the stately flamingo to the elegant egret to the vibrant scarlet ibis – the swamp is a bird watcher’s paradise!

Spectacular Roosting Ritual

Sunset is a magical time at the swamp. Sit still long enough and you’ll witness the magnificent site of thousands of scarlet ibises returning to roost. The birds leave their nest at sunrise every morning and spend the day feeding. Some limit their hunt to the perimeters of the swamp, while other ibises are believed to travel as far as the Venezuelan mainland. This daily mass migration creates a spectacle that even non-birdwatchers like myself can get excited about. Just picture it…over the course of an hour or less, the once bare, bright green trees become increasingly decorated with the vivid scarlet red of these gorgeous birds. Trust me when I say that no image you have ever seen, no video you will ever watch, can do justice to this miraculous ritual being played out right before your eyes.

Pesky Insects (Not Cool)

The only downside to the tour? Vicious breeds of swamp insects that seem immune to all forms of repellent. According to our guide, the movement of the boat through the water stirs up the pests and they cling to the outside of the vessel. Once the boat settles for the scarlet ibis viewing, the mosquitoes take the opportunity to feast on all that stagnant new blood. Unfortunately, they also stick around for the entire return trip. My only piece of advice? Continue to apply layers of insect repellent generously and frequently throughout the journey. Hopefully it will reduce your risk of exposure to these elements.

What to Bring

The tour is approximately 2.5 hours long and takes place aboard a spacious boat with comfortable seating. There are no specific requirements as it relates to the supplies you should bring, however I strong recommend the following:

  • Capture the moment! You definitely want to walk with a camera – preferably with a long-range lens – to capture the beautiful sights and scenes.
  • Get a closer look! Bring binoculars to get a better look at the scarlet ibises in their nests as the boats are positioned a safe distance the island so as not to disturb them.
  • Be comfortable! Flat shoes aren’t required but are ideal to ensure you board and disembark the boat safely.
  • Stay hydrated! Walk with water because unfortunately, the tour doesn’t include beverages or food of any kind. Speaking of…
  • Don’t starve! Pack some snacks and other beverages to keep you entertained while you take in the beautiful ibises returning to roost.
  • Keep cool! Pack a cap or hat, along with sunglasses, for those moments when you’re not protected by the shade of towering trees.
  • Protect yourself! Insect repellent is an absolute must – get the strongest you can find because those swamp bugs mean business.

It was fascinating to discover a world this verdant mere meters away from the bustling Uriah Butler Highway. However, it was the close proximity to civilisation that made the escape into the jungle-like wetlands, even more endearing. My little girl gang appreciated the experience much more than we could have anticipated and I’m sure your crew will too!

Have you ever visited the Caroni Swamp? What was your favourite part of the excursion?

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 Caroni Swamp wildlife Tour

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  • About this activity

Caroni Swamp wildlife Tour

  • Free cancellation available
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Experience an eco tour like no other. The Caroni Swamp is the largest mangrove wetland in Trinidad and Tobago and is home to numerous species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and other wildlife. As evening approaches look out for the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago, the Scarlet Ibis, named after its vibrant scarlet colour. Evening is when the birds return to the swamp to roost, after feeding during the day, creating a spectacle of colour.

Activity and redemption location map

Activity location

  • Butler Highway,
  • Caroni, Caribbean

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Wed, Mar 27 -
  • Thu, Mar 28 $60
  • Fri, Mar 29 $60
  • Sat, Mar 30 $60
  • Sun, Mar 31 $60
  • Mon, Apr 1 $60
  • Tue, Apr 2 $60
  • Wed, Apr 3 $60
  • Thu, Apr 4 $60
  • Fri, Apr 5 $60
  • Sat, Apr 6 $60
  • Sun, Apr 7 $60
  • Mon, Apr 8 $60
  • Tue, Apr 9 $60
  • Wed, Apr 10 $60
  • Activity duration is 3 hours 3h 3h

What's included, what's not

  • What's included What's included All Fees and Taxes
  • What's excluded What's excluded Alcoholic Beverages

Know before you book

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Mimimum booking from 2 persons

Activity itinerary

Caroni bird sanctuary.

  • Admission ticket included

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Caroni Swamp wildlife Tour

caroni swamp tour

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Entry/Admission - Caroni Bird Sanctuary
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travellers with back problems
  • Most travellers can participate
  • Mimimum booking from 2 persons
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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Caroni Swamp wildlife Tour provided by Sensational Tour

Scarlet Ibis in the Caroni Swamp - The Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad

Scarlet Ibis in the Caroni Swamp - The Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad

Trinidad & Tobago

When Is the Best Time

The scarlet ibis can be spotted throughout the year in the protected Caroni Swamp. A larger number of these bright red birds can be seen roughly from mid-October to March. Each evening the scarlet ibis roost in the Caroni Swamp. It is a popular spectacle. Therefore, several boats leave the dock in the afternoon around 4 pm. The tour lasts up to 2.5 hours. Kayaking is also offered. 

Caroni Swamp young ibises

The breeding season lasts from April/May to September. The younger ibises are seen in the roosting area while the others heading deep into the swamp  They return to the roosting area around mid-October.

Weather Trinidad

Trinidad Beach in the north

The drier season from January to May is the best time for your vacation in Trinidad and Tobago. Temperatures remain tropical throughout the year ranging around 32°C/ 89°F during the day and 21°C/70°F at the night. Showers can occur throughout the year. During the rainy season, it frequently rains each day; however, the sky clears up in between. There is often a short break between mid-September until mid-October Luckily, Trinidad and Tobago are south of the hurricane belt and hardly experience any hurricanes. It still can occur but is extremely rare as it happened in September 1963 and September 2004. Trinidad is more likely to be affected between August and September.

The drier season from mid-December to May is the busiest time of the year on the Caribbean Islands. It's less crowded from October until Christmas and therefore a great alternative. Easter and summer holidays are also busy seasons in Trinidad and Tobago.

Tip for Birders

Trinidad is a birders paradise in many dimensions. The ASA Wright Nature Center was established in 1947. Nowadays, it is the most popular bird-watching retreat in the entire Caribbean Islands. Another excellent tour is to oilbirds in the Cumamca Cave . Or watch a million bats coming out of Tamana Cave in the night. 

Our room in a guesthouse in Trinidad

Tourism plays a minor role in Trinidad therefore only limited hotels are available. If you plan to visit Trini in the peak season it is recommended to book your stay in advance. We spent an entire week in a guesthouse and got tons of recommendations for our vacation. 

Best Months to Visit

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Location and Tips

Trinidad & Tobago

The Caroni Swamp is located south of Port of Spain, home to over 180 bird species. It is 40 sq km of tidal lagoons, mangroves, and marshland. It's easy to access the mangrove-lined channels by boat or kayak to get deep into the Caroni Swamp. You may spot tree snakes just above your head. Caroni is also been home to pink flamingoes for several years already. 

Tree Snake in the Caroni Swamp

The swamp got already protected in 1936. The scarlet ibis roost in the swamp on mangrove islands in the middle of the lagoon. Late afternoon the first birds return, and more are majestically gliding to the mangroves shortly before dusk. It's an awesome spectacle when the flocks in V-shaped formation arrive. During the day, they fly to Venezuela for feeding.

9 Facts About the Scarlet Ibis

Caroni Swamp scarlet ibis

  • It's the National Bird of Trinidad protected by law in 1962 when T&T got independent.
  • There are serious concerns due to poaching. Although, high fines and even imprisonment of up to two years exist.
  • This species of ibis feed on shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans, the reason for the red colour.
  • The juveniles' colour is brown, and grey and they need around two years to transform.
  • 2 to a maximum of 5 eggs are laid, which incubate for roughly 23 days.
  • The lifespan in the wild is around 15-20 years in the zoo for a minimum of 25 years.
  • The size of an adult bird is, on average, around 60 cm, and it can weigh up to 1.4 kg.
  • For roosting, they prefer leaf canopies, mostly mangrove trees.
  • They are very social, live in flocks of 30 and more ibis and for their protection in huge colonies, which can raise to thousands of individual birds.  

Tip for the Boat Tour

Try to sit in the front, first for a better view, and avoid the engine's noise and smell!

  • Have a water bottle in your bag and a snack as well. You can't buy anything at the pier.
  • Take precautions and use insect repellent before the boat leaves. Otherwise, you may be eaten up by mosquitos.
  • Boats are not allowed to get close; bring a binocular and a good zoom lens camera. 
  • Rain showers often occur in the afternoon; therefore, bring an umbrella to protect your camera while taking pictures.

The picture of the Scarlet Ibis in close proximity took my friends Umamisky

Red scarlet ibis

KALPOO'S BIRD SANCTUARY IBIS TOURS

Come tour with us, sunset bird watching tours.

caroni swamp tour

Take this boat ride through the bird sanctuary where you will see the beautiful scarlet ibis flock towards the smaller islands within the swamp. Just before sunset the ibis arrive by the thousands, their richly coloured feathers brilliant in the gathering dusk, and as more flocks alight, they turn the mangrove foliage a brilliant scarlet.

Fishing Tours

caroni swamp tour

Looking for a fun family outing? Join us on a fishing expedition! Our seasoned captains will take you from the Caroni swamp through the beautiful mangroves out to the Gulf of Paria. There is where the fun begins! Who’s going to catch the biggest one?

COMMENTS

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    About NANAN'S ECO TOURS. Simon Oudit Nanan, the son of an early indentured family, lived in Cunupia in close proximity to the Caroni Swamp. He worked as a part time farmer; and on the Sugar Cane Plantation for Tate and Lyle. Simon enhanced his earnings by going into the Caroni Swamp to hunt (hunting was legal then) and fish.

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    Tour times: Tours depart daily at 4 pm; About the Swamp. An expansive 40 square km of tidal lagoons, mangroves and marshlands, the Caroni Swamp and Bird Sanctuary is the largest wetland mangrove in Trinidad and Tobago. Located on Trinidad's west coast, between the Caroni and Madame Espagnole Rivers, the swamp supports a rich biodiversity.

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    Explore the wildlife of Trinidad and Tobago with a half-day adventure in Caroni Swamp. After a convenient hotel pickup, set off on a flat-bottomed boat cruise of mangrove forest, saline lagoons, inter-tidal mudflats, and herbaceous marsh. Learn about the swamp's vibrant flora and fauna and watch for wildlife like the Scarlet ibis, Caimans, silky anteaters, and snakes.

  10. Caroni Swamp wildlife Tour 2022

    Experience an eco tour like no other. The Caroni Swamp is the largest mangrove wetland in Trinidad and Tobago and is home to numerous species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and other wildlife. As evening approaches look out for the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago, the Scarlet Ibis, named after its vibrant scarlet colour. Evening is when the birds return to the swamp to roost, after feeding ...

  11. Caroni Swamp wildlife Tour

    Experience an eco tour like no other. The Caroni Swamp is the largest mangrove wetland in Trinidad and Tobago and is home to numerous species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and other wildlife. As evening approaches look out for the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago, the Scarlet Ibis, named after its vibrant scarlet colour.

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