General Tour Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Trinidad and Tobago. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they take this tour. Although we do our best to make sure that what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document which will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose content supersedes any information contained here.
ENTERING TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: All visitors must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. At the time of writing, citizens of the United States do not need a visa for visits of less than 90 days, but citizens of other countries should consult their local Trinidad and Tobago embassy or consulate for entry requirements. A combined departure tax and security fee of TTD100 must be paid on departure.
MAP AND COUNTRY INFORMATION: You can view maps of Trinidad and Tobago in the University of Texas series here. You can review the U.S. Department of State background notes on Trinidad and Tobago here.
HEALTH: There is no malaria risk. It is a good idea to have current inoculations for tetanus and typhoid— please consult your doctor about these and other recommended vaccinations. Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended by the CDC, but is not required by Trinidad and Tobago unless one is arriving from or via an infected country. You can review the latest CDC advisories here.
Specialized medication is difficult to obtain locally and we advise bringing all you will need with you. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes that requires food between set meal times, please consider bringing a supply of snacks with you.
On Tobago, we take one or two trips in small boats. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, please bring appropriate medications.
Poisonous snakes occur in Trinidad and Tobago but are rarely seen. Shoes or hiking boots rather than sandals are recommended when birding. Biting insects and chiggers are numerous. Bring your own repellent, as it may not be available in Trinidad, and if you are especially sensitive, please bring an antihistamine. We recommend using insect repellents with a high concentration of DEET.
Water is safe to drink throughout the tour. Asa Wright Nature Center (AWNC) provides filtered water for guests.
Please note that any health information provided here is gleaned from websites dedicated to travelers’ health. Please consult your own physician and the website of the Centers for Disease Control for up-to-date and individualized recommendations.
CLIMATE: At Asa Wright Nature Centre (1,200 feet), temperatures during the long dry season (January to May) range from the mid 60s to mid 80s F. It can be cool enough in the evening for a light sweater. At lower elevations, temperatures average 10-20° higher. Skies are generally clear and wind and rain are uncommon, but in recent years, there has been a tendency for the rains to continue into February, and we are virtually certain to encounter a few heavy showers.
On Tobago, the days will be hot, breezy, and sunny, with daily highs in the low 90s. As in Trinidad, rain is possible.
PACE OF TOUR: Island living and the general conditions of the Neotropics allow for relaxed, dawn-to- dusk and occasional night-time birding, with many opportunities to take optional leisure time. Birding can be exceptional from the verandah of Asa Wright for those who desire leisurely time off with afternoon tea while still enjoying the birds. Most days will begin with optional pre-breakfast birding followed by breakfast at our hotels and longer morning or day-long excursions farther afield, with picnic lunches or late lunches upon our return. When we do return to our hotel for lunch, there will be afternoon birding on the grounds or at more distant sites. Except for one picnic dinner when we stay out for night birding, all dinners will be at our hotels. One morning will involve a very early start and a picnic breakfast.
Birding in Trinidad and Tobago involves birding the roadside or walking well-maintained trails that are mostly flat or with gentle grades. Whenever possible, we’ll arrange to walk downhill and arrange for transport to pick us up to avoid an uphill climb. The trail to the Oilbird Cave at Asa Wright Nature Center, which we’ll walk only once, is moderately steep and can be muddy and wet, requiring caution. There will be 2 or 3 boat trips ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hours. One of the trips can be rough.
ACCOMMODATION: Our base on Trinidad will be the non- profit Asa Wright Nature Center. Our accommodations will be in a comfortable wooden estate house from the early 20th century, or in nearby bungalows. Set in the middle of a valley covered in tropical rainforest and several miles from the nearest house, the Center provides wonderful birdwatching opportunities both from its famous verandah and on the extensive grounds.
In northeastern Tobago we’ll stay at the idyllic Blue Waters Inn in Speyside. At the island’s opposite end we’ll stay at the Crown Point Beach Hotel. Both offer fine swimming, beautiful views, and abundant birds.
TRANSPORT: Transportation is by minibus; the drives are not long, but the leader will arrange a seating rotation, and participants should be able to ride in any seat in the vehicles. We also have a couple of internal flights.
DRESS: Dress will be informal throughout the tour.
SMOKING: Smoking is not allowed in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, do so well away and downwind from the group. If any site where the group is gathered has a stricter policy than the WINGS policy, that stricter policy will prevail.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information & Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours, and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Trinidad and Tobago will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary.
Updated: July 2008