The high-energy revelry of Trinidad’s Carnival is an experience like no other. But after the music trucks stop and the costumes are packed away, Trinidad still continues to offer many different experiences. March is the perfect time to unwind in nature and explore Trinidad’s rich biodiversity – from its unique flora and fauna to majestic landscapes that set it apart in the Caribbean. Here are some engaging eco-activities from the March calendar that offer a refreshing post-Carnival reset.
Turtle Watching on our Beaches
This month, Trinidad’s northeastern shores come alive with a very different kind of nocturnal spectacle: Leatherback turtle nesting season. Beaches like Grande Riviere and Matura on the north and east coasts are among the world’s most important nesting grounds for the giant leatherback turtle. On scheduled nights in March (often around the new moon), small groups trek to the beach with certified guides to witness these gentle giants lumber ashore to lay eggs. It’s a humbling, almost spiritual experience to watch a 700-pound turtle digging a nest under the stars. Five species of sea turtles visit these islands, making turtle-watching a key wildlife attraction in Trinidad. Community organizations help manage the nightly tours – for example, at Matura Beach the local group has noted that turtle tours generate vital funding for conservation. Visitors are often amazed at the dedication of villagers who patrol the sands, ensuring the turtles are safe from harm. Post-Carnival, an evening on a quiet moonlit beach, guided only by a red flashlight and the hush of the waves, offers serenity and a chance to connect with nature. (Tip: March is the start of the nesting season, so sightings are not as guaranteed as in peak months, but the early season often means smaller crowds and a more intimate experience.)
Birdwatching in Wetland Sanctuaries
Just a short drive from our capital city, Port of Spain, is the Caroni Swamp, a 12,000-acre mangrove wetland designated as a Ramsar site of international importance. Every evening at dusk, nature puts on a show here as flocks of bright red Scarlet Ibis (Trinidad and Tobago’s national bird) glide in against the sunset to roost – a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary. Gliding in a small boat through Caroni’s maze of mangrove channels, you’ll spot snowy egrets, herons, and maybe a snoozing tree boa or two. The swamp’s extensive mangrove forests (over 56% of Trinidad’s mangrove cover) create a rich habitat for wildlife, and the scarlet ibis and other birds thrive in this protected sanctuary. Birding enthusiasts will appreciate that Trinidad’s avian variety is huge – ornithologists can find a wide variety of species common to both islands, with Caroni being a prime spot for wetland birds.
Over on the east coast, the Nariva Swamp offers a more off-the-beaten-path adventure. As Trinidad’s largest freshwater wetland, Nariva comprises marshes, palm islands, and swamp forest brimming with life. Here you can kayak or canoe along quiet waterways where lilies bloom and parrots chatter overhead. Within Nariva lies the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected reserve where you might encounter troops of Red Howler Monkeys and White-fronted Capuchin Monkeys in the wild. Paddling under the shade of moriche palms and mangroves, you might also glimpse caimans lurking at the water’s edge or hear the distant roar of a howler echoing through the trees. March, which falls in the dry season, is an ideal time to visit these wetlands – water levels are manageable and mosquitoes less intense. Whether you join a guided boat tour at Caroni or a day trip to Nariva, you’ll find that Trinidad’s wetlands are a birdwatcher’s paradise and a peaceful antidote to your Trinidad vacation.
Hiking to Waterfalls and Hidden Pools
Trinidad’s Northern Range mountains invite you to hike and recharge beneath lush green canopies. Our March calendar of events calendar features guided hikes to sites like 3 Pools to Avocat Waterfall Loop (March 15, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Opposite Uncle Sam’s, Maracas Bay) – an adventure that combines river treks, rock scrambling, and plunging into crystal-clear pools. Another highlight is Maracas Waterfall and Balata Basins (March 22, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Meeting Point: Mt. Hope – Northern Entrance), which leads hikers to Trinidad’s tallest waterfall, hidden in a rainforest oasis.
For those craving a mix of culture and nature, consider The Paramin Experience (March 8, 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM, March 16, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Hyatt Trinidad), where you’ll explore this charming hilltop village with panoramic views and a touch of local spice farming.
Adventures in Chaguaramas
One of the tours featured this March is Gasparee and Monos Islands (March 23, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Island Property Owners Association, Chaguaramas), where you’ll journey by boat to hidden caves and secluded beaches. For thrill-seekers, the Covigne Gorges adventure (March 23, 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Samana Park, Chaguaramas) lets you trek through narrow river canyons, wading and climbing over natural rock formations. On March 30, hikers can explore Guanapo Gorges (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Food Basket, Arima) – a thrilling trek through a stunning rock canyon, involving swimming, scrambling, and navigating waterfalls.
TOURS
WHERE TO STAY
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
