Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Caroni Bird Sanctuary

Trinidad


This 5611-hectare estuarine swampland of dense mangrove thickets crisscrossed with tea-colored channels is best known for its scarlet ibis, T&T's national bird. Each afternoon, these bright crimson beauties swoop in to roost in their thousands, giving the trees the appearance of being abloom with brilliant scarlet blossoms. Even if you’re not an avid birdwatcher, the sight of the ibis flying over the swamp, glowing almost fluorescent red in the final rays of the evening sun, is not to be missed.

Since 2016, Caroni has also been home to a colony of flamingos, now 200-strong and breeding in the swamp; boat tours take you close to the flamingos and to the preferred roosting trees of the ibis. The greatest numbers of ibis are to be seen outside of the late April to October nesting season, but they roost here throughout the year. In addition to the ibis and flamingoes, Caroni is home to 180-plus bird species, including herons, kingfishers and the colorful masked cardinal, depicted on T&T's $50 note, as well as spectacled caiman, Cook's tree boas, crab-eating raccoons and silky anteaters. The sanctuary is off the Uriah Butler Hwy, 14km south of Port of Spain; the turnoff is signposted. Many guesthouses and hotels in Port of Spain arrange trips, as do tour companies such as Island Experiences. If you have your own transport or arrange a taxi (around TT$400 from Port of Spain), including waiting time, you can also book boat tours directly with the excellent Winston Nanan Caroni Tours.


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Trinidad attractions

1. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

5.33 MILES

Built in the shape of a Latin cross from limestone quarried in the Laventille hills, and completed in 1851, the ornate, Gothic-style Roman Catholic…

2. Independence Square

5.47 MILES

The hustle and bustle of downtown culminates along Independence Sq, two parallel streets that flank the central Brian Lara Promenade, named for Trinidad's…

3. Central Bank Money Museum

5.62 MILES

Newly refurbished and with ferocious air-con that provides a welcome break from the downtown heat, the Money Museum is a surprisingly absorbing affair,…

4. Holy Trinity Cathedral

5.62 MILES

The majestic, Gothic-designed Holy Trinity Cathedral, at the south side of Woodford Sq, dates from 1818, but sustained major earthquake damage in…

5. City Hall

5.67 MILES

Painted a fetching shade of burnt umber, this block-like concrete construction from 1961 is the HQ of Port of Spain's mayor and the local governing body,…

6. Woodford Square

5.67 MILES

This grassy square with its central Eros and Aphrodite fountain and ornate bandstand is the symbolic center of downtown Port of Spain. Dr Eric Williams,…

7. Red House

5.74 MILES

Named for its burgundy paintwork, this imposing Renaissance-style parliament was constructed in 1906, having been rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire…

8. Hall of Justice

5.75 MILES

All pointy balconies and angular turrets, this 1980s concrete building houses Trinidad and Tobago's main criminal court.