Caribbean Bird Watchers Lodging
Trinidad and Tobago Offer Travelers Beds Near Nature Sanctuaries
Oct 3, 2007
To be in birdland 24 hours a day, book your lodgings at facilities located within nature centers or at resorts in areas noted for their large bird populations.
Birdwatchers flock to Trinidad and Tobago since they’re reputed to be the best islands in the Caribbean for bird-watching. What makes them super-special is that it’s possible for birders to experience total immersion by staying at hostelries purposely established for them.
Sanctuary Accommodations
At Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge in the Trinidad's Northern Range, each of the 24 twin-bedded rooms has a private balcony – so you don’t even have to leave your quarters. Rates, which are higher from December 16 and March 31 than they are between April 1 and December 15, include service charge and government tax, three meals a day, afternoon tea and a complimentary rum punch each evening as well as a complimentary guided tour of the grounds. A visit to the famous Oilbird Cave is also included for stays of three or more days. Round-trip transfers between the Nature Centre and Piarco Airport are available (Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, P. O. Box 4710, Arima, Trinidad, West Indies; tel: 868/667-4655 and fax: 868/667-4540.
While every resort on Tobago has its share of exotic birds flitting around, bird-watchers especially enjoy Arnos Vale Hotel on 400 acres of what was formerly a sugar plantation. Winter rates (January-April) for the less expensive rooms drop about 20 percent in the off season (Arnos Vale Hotel, P. O. Box 208, Scarborough, Tobago, West Indies; tel: 809/639-2881.
Wherever you stay, you don't have to stop photographing birds just because it's mealtime. Choose to eat at outdoor dining rooms, sprinkle sugar or place a piece of fruit on a nearby railing or unoccupied chair. Then sit quietly in one spot, camera in hand. At Asa Wright Nature Centre, sliced bananas, papaya and watermelon seem to work especially well.
Finding Accommodations Near Caribbean Sanctuaries
Although Trinidad and Tobago are acknowledged to offer the finest bird-watching, all of the islands have places where feathered creatures nest. Staying at resorts in close proximity to nature centers and wildlife preserves maximizes your opportunities for seeing birds.
The easiest way to obtain information about these accommodations is to query your travel agent or booking source. You’ll find that hotels that are not within hiking distance often offer tours to sanctuaries at places such as Half Moon Caye National Monument (Belize), Grand Etang National Park (Grenada), Rockland Bird Sanctuary (Jamaica) and Punta Guianiquille (Puerto Rico).
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