Trinidad , Trinidad and Tobago

Matura Beach Turtle-Watching Experience

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Head to the north east coast of Trinidad and watch annual turtle egg-laying at Matura Beach! The season is between March - August. Beach stop is approximately 2-3 hours.The tour is in conjunction with an authorized local turtle protection group. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Available options

Matura Beach Turtle-Watching Experience

Pickup included

What's included

Permits & Entrance Fee

Bottled water

Hotel drop-off (selected hotels only)

Driver/guide

Hotel pickup (selected hotels only)

Light Refreshments

Detailed itinerary

A night time excursion to view the giant Leatherback turtles lay their eggs on Trinidad’s eastern coast. From May to August there is also the chance of seeing hatchlings going back into the water.

Departing Port of Spain at approx. 6.00pm, drive through several villages towards the northeast coast. You'll arrive at Matura Beach at approximately 8pm. Here a small group of villagers who patrol the beach during the egg-laying season await us We are guided along the beach to view the nesting turtles in the moonlight.

These giant creatures have undergone few evolutionary changes in their 150-million year history. The female turtle swims thousands of miles, returning to the beach of her birth to lay her eggs in the sand, a moving 2 hour process. Often you will see more than one turtle – and if you’re lucky the chance to see baby turtles hatching and quickly running towards the sea. Each nest contains approx. eighty eggs from which only two-three mature turtles remain.

What's not included

Gratuities

Other Food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Dress code is smart casual

This tour requires a 2 person minimum to book

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Trinidad

Trinidad, the larger and more populous of the two main islands of Trinidad and Tobago, is a vibrant blend of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. Known for its rich Carnival celebrations, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty, Trinidad offers a unique Caribbean experience that combines Afro-Caribbean, Indian, European, and Chinese influences.

Top Attractions

Caroni Bird Sanctuary

A protected area known for its diverse birdlife, including the iconic Scarlet Ibis.

Nature 2-3 hours TT$150-200 (USD$23-30) for boat tours

Asa Wright Nature Centre

A renowned eco-tourism destination with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Nature Full day TT$150-200 (USD$23-30) for guided tours

Maracas Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Trinidad, known for its golden sand and clear waters.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Queen's Park Savannah

A large open space in Port of Spain, surrounded by historic buildings and used for various events and sports.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Trinidad Carnival

One of the biggest and most vibrant carnivals in the world, celebrated with colorful costumes, music, and dance.

Cultural Two days (Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday) Free to watch, tickets for special events

Must-Try Local Dishes

Roti and Curry

A flavorful Indian-influenced dish consisting of a soft, flatbread (roti) served with a spicy curry, often made with chicken, goat, or vegetables.

Main Course Can be vegetarian or vegan if requested.

Bake and Shark

A popular street food consisting of fried dough (bake) filled with fried shark, topped with various condiments like garlic sauce, cheese, and peppers.

Lunch Contains fish, can be adjusted for dietary preferences.

Doubles

A popular street food made with two fried flatbreads (bara) filled with curried chickpeas and topped with chutney and mango sauce.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian.

Pelau

A one-pot dish made with pigeon peas, rice, meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork), and coconut milk, cooked with spices like turmeric and pimento.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Northern Range Scuba diving in Tobago White-water rafting in the Caroni River Beach lounging at Maracas Bay Spa treatments in Port of Spain Sunset boat tours in Caroni Swamp Attending Carnival Visiting historic sites in Port of Spain

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season, offering pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Trinidadian English, Trinidadian Creole, Hindi, French, Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)

Time Zone

GMT-4

Electricity

115VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Trinidad is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas
• Use reputable taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Piarco International Airport • 20 km from Port of Spain

By bus

Port of Spain Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport. They are affordable but can be crowded and slow due to frequent stops.

Taxis

Available • Apps: iTaksi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Port of Spain San Fernando Chaguanas Toco

Day trips

Tobago

40 km from Trinidad (by air) or 60 km (by ferry) • Full day to overnight

Tobago is a smaller island known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and relaxed atmosphere.

Caroni Swamp

30 km from Port of Spain • Half day

A protected wetland area known for its diverse birdlife and scenic boat tours.

Asa Wright Nature Centre

60 km from Port of Spain • Full day

A renowned eco-tourism destination with lush rainforests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Festivals

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival • February or March (Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday) Diwali • October or November (date varies based on the Hindu lunar calendar) Hosay • October

Pro tips

Visit the Caroni Bird Sanctuary at sunset to see the Scarlet Ibis return to their roosting trees
Try the famous Bake and Shark at Maracas Beach and experiment with different toppings
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs and fresh produce
Attend a local festival or event to experience the vibrant culture and hospitality of Trinidad
Hire a local guide for hiking and nature tours to learn about the island's diverse wildlife and ecosystems