Coasts

The coasts of T&T are extremely varied in their physical appearance and topography. The north coast is sandy beached (much of a limestone nature) rising to rainforest. The west comprises mudflats and mangrove; the east is coconut lined for twenty-five miles, leading inland to herbaceous and swamp forest; the south, featuring cliffs and forests, is the closest point to the neighouring South American mainland, a mere 7 miles away.

Waterloo, on the West coast, is prime viewing for Whimbrels, Black Skimmers, Western Sandpipers, Semi-palmated Plovers, Frigate birds and Laughing Gulls. The Hindu Temple in the sea provides an unusual and beautiful backdrop for birding in the area. The Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea at The Toco Lighthouse on the North East coast and is a good viewing point for Common and Royal Terns as well as Noddies and Boobies.

The high cliffs of Little Tobago Island (off the North-eastern coast of main Tobago) are a favourite for splendid close-up, eye-to-eye contact with Red-billed Tropicbirds riding the updrafts produced by the pounding open ocean far below. The spectacular mobbing of these beautiful seabirds by Magnificent Frigatebirds with their seven-foot wing spans is well documented on film and available for observation here any time during the season, December - April.

The Nariva River on the East coast provides excellent habitat for Waders, Rails and Raptors, like the Savannah Hawk. A walk along its banks as well as Bush Bush Creek may yield Black-crested Antshrike, Green-throated Mango and Sulphury Flycatchers. A visit to the Manatee Project is good for Rufescent Tiger-Herons, White-necked (Cocoi) Herons and Greater Ani. Parking along the beach is opportunity to scan the heavy surf for Brown Pelicans, Terns and the occasional Leach's Storm-Petrel.

At night on the North and East Coasts visitors are treated to the spectacle of nesting giant Leatherback Turtles. These magnificent reptiles return to our shores from March to August every year and in ever increasing numbers since being assured extra protection in recent times.