Trinidad , Trinidad and Tobago

Sunset Boat Tour into Caroni Wetlands

Active

(44 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This nature tour takes you in an open flat-bottomed boat into the famous Caroni Wetlands with open lagoons and waterways and a beautiful scenery of the serene landscape of this untouched mangrove swamp. In the sunset you view dozens of different species of wildlife with the highlight being the spectacular Scarlet Ibis. See hundreds of birds fly in unison to their roosting trees.

Available options

Sunset Boat Tour into Caroni Wetlands

Pickup included

What's included

Local guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Detailed itinerary

This tour takes you into the beautiful serene landscape of the untouched mangrove Caroni Swamp, a world-class destination for bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts, and home to the National Bird of Trinidad, the bright red Scarlet Ibis.

Bird life is particularly abundant in Trinidad and this tour provides a delightful introduction with appeal to bird-watching enthusiasts as well as those just interested in the outdoors. The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is a 48 square mile wetland area on Trinidad’s western coast, part mangrove swamp and part lagoon.

Upon arrival you will board a large flat-bottomed boat with outboard motor and slowly travel along the beautiful waterways admiring the unusual landscape and variety of birds, crustaceans and other wildlife. Birds you may spot include the neo-tropical cormorant, large-billed tern, tri-colored heron, red-capped cardinal, snowy egret and bi-colored cane-bill – to name just a few. Red, black and white mangroves populate the edges of the waterways and many tiny oysters cling to the roots of the mangroves. There are also possible sightings of non-poisonous snakes in the branches of the trees, caimans or silky anteaters.

Arriving in the wide lagoon, the boat becomes your floating vantage point to witness the protected brightly colored Scarlet Ibis. The birds feed and nest in this area and every sunset they fly in unison to roost, a spectacular cloud of red against the evening sky. They settle in the mangroves as the sun is setting, the quiet atmosphere of the lagoon adding atmosphere to a memorable trip.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

25 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Dress code is smart casual

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Important notes

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

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