The best thing to do at Caroni is open your eyes, relax, and cruise down the
swamp. Look for interesting animals and perhaps the ones you've seen before.
When you reach the roosting site, take a moment to inhale and absorb the beauty
of Trinidad's national bird, the Scarlet Ibis.
Jalpar, Tampa Florida
Fodor's Review
This large swamp with mazelike waterways is bordered by mangrove trees, some plumed with huge termite nests. 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. In the middle of the sanctuary are several islets that are home to Trinidad's national bird, the scarlet ibis. 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. Bring a sweater and insect repellent. The sanctuary's only official tour operator is Winston
Nanan.
Less than an hour's drive from Port of Spain is Trinidad's most heavily promoted environmental attraction, the Caroni Swamp and Bird Sanctuary . This is the only roosting place on the island of the scarlet ibis , the national bird sporting an amazingly bright red
plumage. The swamp is home to 157 species of birds and caimans, snakes and silky anteaters; all can be observed in the water and the surrounding mangroves. It's a quiet, mysteriously beautiful place, and well worth a visit. Tours, taken at dusk on small wooden
boats, are available.
Tour operator and wildlife
photographer/ornithologist, Winston Nanan yesterday received this year's Environmental Award from the Hindu Prachaar Kendra during the annual "Ganga Dhaara" festival, Blanchisseuse.
