TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Mindful Birding RETREAT
- Next tour dates August 10-17, 2028
- Duration 8 days
- Lodging 5-star eco-luxury resorts
- Difficulty Easy
- Group size Max. 10 people
- Price US$5,650 per person*
Overview
Trinidad & Tobago is a rich ecological hotspot with a diverse array of ecosystems – from mangroves and white-sand beaches, to grasslands, savannas, and broadleaf forests. Its unique location on the South American continental shelf makes it home to a wonderful mix of mainland South American wildlife and species unique to the islands.
This 8-day mindful birding retreat is set mainly in the beautiful setting of the Asa Wright Nature Center, with two additional nights on the beautiful coast at Mt. Plaisir Ecolodge. In addition to birds, we can also revel in the beauty of native plants, butterflies, flowing rivers, and other wildlife. Nature trails, meandering streams, and peaceful settings will contribute to our Mindful Birding experience.
On this retreat, we will be joined by Holly Merker, author of Ornitherapy: For your Mind, Body, and Soul, who will open our eyes to the practice of ornitherapy through gentle ornitherapy sessions and forest bathing.
Optional mindful activities
A certified Yoga instructor will be present throughout this tour to provide daily optional group mindful movement sessions when birds and other wildlife are less active. Whether you have a long-standing Yoga practice or are interested in experiencing mindful movement for the first time, we will offer gentle classes that fit everyone’s needs. This activity enhances the practice of mindful birding in a positive way.
There will also be plenty of time for you to explore the forested trails, snorkel or kayak while on the coast, engage in some nature sketching, or relax in a beautiful setting, perhaps sipping a cool drink beneath the shade of rainforest trees.
Throughout our journey, we will be staying at a beautiful nature resort surrounded by the lush forest and great onsite birding.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN PORT OF SPAIN AND TRANSFER TO ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTER
Welcome to T&T! Today we will meet at the airport and transfer to the first stop on our Mindful Birding retreat, the spectacular Asa Wright Nature Center. Upon arrival, we will settle in to our surroundings. As time permits, we will do some light, enjoyable birding right on the grounds, and start to feel the benefits that birds bring us right from day one. Spectacled Thrush, Silver-beaked Tanager, Channel-billed Toucan, Turquoise Tanager, Ochre-lored Flatbill, and much more are common here, delighting us around every corner.
DAYS 2-5: MINDFUL BIRDING AT ASA WRIGHT
Over the next four days, we will enjoy therapeutic mindful birding on the property of our wonderful lodge and beyond. We will take in the beautiful scenery around us, and begin exploring the gardens, trails, and forest edge as we search for some the region’s incredible bird life. Here we will be delighted by bird calls all around us as we search for White-bearded Manakin, Violaceous Euphonia, the stunning Ruby Topaz Hummingbird, as well as other hummingbirds such as Green Hermit, White-chested Emerald, Copper-rumped Hummingbird, and Blue-chinned Sapphire. We will also search for Orange-winged Amazon, White Hawk, the endemic Trinidad Motmot, and one of the many highlights, the Bearded Bellbird, among many others. After dark, we will walk the lodge’s forest trails to seek out nocturnal critters just waking up and beginning their day.
During our stay, we will also visit the world-famous Caroni Bird Sanctuary in search of the unparalleled Scarlet Ibis and American Flamingo. If we get lucky, we will spot a lovely mammal as well, the Silky Anteater.
We will enjoy all of the benefits of mindful birding – we will feel the serenity and joy in birds songs and take time to observe our feathered friends as they charm us with their beautiful plumage and unique behaviors. In the mornings and evenings, we will offer optional yoga classes, engage in some nature sketching, and partake in ornitherapy activities led by Holly Merker.
DAYS 6-7: MT. PLAISIR ESTATE HOTEL
We will transfer to our final destination for this retreat. Located on the northeastern coast of Trinidad in Grande Riviere, Mt. Plaisir is an ideal place to relax, take a walk in nature, visit waterfalls, enjoy the beach, and seek out Leatherback sea turtle hatchlings, making their way out to sea to begin their new life. Here, one of our main targets will be the endemic and endangered Trinidad Piping-Guan.
Among daily mindful birding at a relaxed, slow pace, we will enjoy free time – strolling the beach, taking a swim, snorkeling or kayaking on the ocean in the evening.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast and some final birding, yoga, or other enjoyable activities of our choice, we will transfer to the airport to catch your return flights home.
Species
BIRDS
- White-cheeked Pintail
- Trinidad Piping-Guan (endemic)
- Gray-fronted Dove
- Nacunda Nighthawk
- Common Potoo
- Oilbird
- Brown Violetear
- Tufted Coquette
- White-chested Emerald
- Copper-rumped Hummingbird
- Scarlet Ibis
- American Flamingo
- White Hawk
- Tropical Screech-Owl
- Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
- Spectacled Owl
- Green-backed Trogon
- Collared Trogon
- Guianan Violaceous Trogon
- Channel-billed Toucan
- Trinidad Motmot (endemic)
- Blue-and-yellow Macaw
- Red-bellied Macaw
- Lilac-tailed Parrotlet
- Orange-winged Amazon
- Bearded Bellbird
- White-bearded Manakin
- Golden-headed Manakin
- Cocoa Thrush
- Violaceous Euphonia
- Trinidad Euphonia
- Yellow-hooded Blackbird
- Masked Cardinal
- Swallow Tanager
- Silver-beaked Tanager
- Turquoise Tanager
- Purple Honeycreeper
TOUR BASICS
Guides: Jenn Sinasac & Marta Curti
Single Supplement: US$280
Lodging: 5-star eco-lodges
Food: Excellent, with a touch of Caribbean flavor
Weather: Tropical climate, hot and humid, but can be cooler in the evenings
Difficulty: Easy. Short walks on mostly level surfaces throughout most of the trip
This trip is ideal for birders or nature enthusiasts with a companion with other interests, those who enjoy birding at a slower pace, those who would like to maintain a regular, gentle Yoga practice while traveling, and those who are interested in learning more about the benefits of mindfulness and birding.
*For more information on what is included/not included, as well as our booking and cancellation policies, please review our Terms & Conditions.
* Pricing is based on 8 participants. With smaller groups, an additional fee will be charged.
LEARN MORE
Upcoming tour dates:
August 10-17, 2028
From our blog:
Our Guide to Ornitherapy – Getting Started
Ornitherapy: Birding for the Soul
Ornitherapy