Kayak through Caroni Wetlands

Home of the Scarlet Ibis

This is the home of Trinidad's national bird, the Scarlet Ibis - a beautiful sight as they flock to Caroni's mangrove trees to roost at sunset. The swamp is home to a wide variety of wildlife including 186 species of birds: osprey, herons, white flamingoes, ployers and egrets.

Caroni Swamp is a truly unique "trini" treasure, certified as a wetland of international importance. The Swamp includes fifteen thousand acres of marshland, tidal lagoons, and mangrove trees. Several thousand Scarlet Ibises nest and roost in the sanctuary and are often seen in large numbers during the last two hours of daylight. Just before sunset the ibis arrive by the thousands, their richly colored feathers brilliant in the gathering dusk, and as more flocks alight, they turn the mangrove foliage a brilliant scarlet.

The swamp is also the place where it’s rumored to still be home to manatees. If you're lucky, you may see lazy caimans idling in the water and large snakes hanging from branches on the banks, taking in the sun. The best time to arrive is at the end of the afternoon. At the entrance you can choose from several guides and take a boat ride along the swampy waters in search of the scarlet ibis. Boat tours are offered especially for visitors to see this spectacular scene. Check out the informative video below and be sure to visit on your next visit to Trinidad!

Don’t forget your insect repellent, though.