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Little Tobago Nature and Snorkeling
Tour
Rainforest Tour #1
Rainforest Tour #2
/ Bon Accord Mangroves
& Bucco Swamp
Grafton Caledonia &
Arnos Vale /
Birding Packages
Little Tobago (Bird of
Paradise) Nature And Snorkeling Tour
The Tour: You will need to obtain a permit to visit
the island, so please advise the staff at Manta Lodge a day
or two in advance of your plans so they can secure this
permit for you. This is an unguided tour you can easily make
by yourself. The transfer to take you to the boat departs
Manta Lodge at 8:00 a.m. for the 20 minute boat ride to
Little Tobago. The crossing can be a bit rough at times, but
the trip is well worth it.
The island has been a wildlife sanctuary since 1926, and is
home to 50 species of native birds including many very
impressive seabird colonies. It is the only location on
Tobago where you can get incredibly close to such a wide
variety of nesting birds.
Make your way up a set of concrete steps to the wardens
cottage, present your permit, or if the warden is not there,
simply sign the visitors log and continue on. |
Red Billed Tropicbird Image
courtesy of
Roger Neckles |
Your path takes you eastward to a
lookout point that is ideal for viewing colonies of the gracefully
flying Red-billed Tropicbird. The lookout area also offers
optimal viewing opportunities at close range of Sooty and
Bridled Tern, Brown Booby, Red-footed Booby, Magnificent Frigate
Bird, Laughing Gull, and Brown Noody, though sighting will
always vary depending on the season.
Heading back down the trail, you will come to a well trod path just
past the warden's house that leads uphill into a deciduous seasonal
forest environment. Birds to look for soaring above the forest
include the Peregrine Falcon and Broad-winged Hawk.
Crested Oropendola can be found roosting in bamboo plants,
flocks of Short-tailed Swifts darting about the sky in search
of insects, and Blue-crowned Motmot, Venezuelan and Brown
Crested Flycatcher perching in the forests undergrowth.
After walking the island spend an hour or two snorkeling or relaxing
on the beach until your scheduled pick up time. If the season is
right keep your eyes open for flocks of Spotted Sandpiper
darting along the beach.
If sea conditions allow, your boat captain may opt to circumnavigate
the St Giles Islands on the return trip. Many authorities
consider St. Giles to be the most important seabird breeding grounds
in the southern Caribbean. It is also the nesting place for Red
Footed Booby's and Magnificent Frigate Birds.
Duration: Departure 8:30 a.m. 5 hours approximate.
Price: US $55 per person including tax. Minimum of 2 persons.
Included: Round Trip Boat transfers to the island, Birds of
Trinidad and Tobago Checklist. Snorkel gear not included.
What to Wear: Bathing suit under cover-up or shorts/t-shirt,
Teva�s or Sport Sandal if possible, otherwise walking shoes or
sneakers, hat or visor. A Light rain slicker in the rainy season is
also recommended.
Packing Considerations: Dry bag if at all possible or back
pack with Binoculars, Camera (put in plastic zip lock if no dry bag
is available) pencil/pen for completing Checklist, Bird Book,
Sunscreen, Beach towel, mask/fins/snorkel, Kleenex or TP (there are
no rest rooms available on the island), waterproof watch. Bring
plenty of drinking water and a light snack as no provisions are
available on island and in the (unlikely) event your pick up time is
delayed due to weather.
What You Don�t Need: Money or your room key. If you would
like to tip the boat captain you can do so once you are back at the
Lodge, and your room key can be left with the Front Office staff. |
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