An Afternoon at the Caroni Swamp

Image via Wikipedia

Located on the western coast of Trinidad the Caroni Swamp is found where the Caroni River meets the Gulf of Paria. The swamp is a huge attraction for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Even though it was a Tuesday afternoon our boat was almost full, and a few other boatloads of people were touring the swamp as well. Tours leave from the dock at 4pm daily (though some operators like T&T Sightseeing Tours leave at any time of the day) and you spend about two and half hours out on the swamp with a guide.

Motoring through the mangrove-lined waterways was peaceful and scenic. The swamp is home to three types of mangrove and many species of animals including caiman, anteaters and a multitude of birds. On our trip we saw a few blue herons; an iguana camouflaged among brown brush; a boa constrictor curled tightly around a branch; fast moving crabs; oysters; egrets; the four-eyed fish, which have two eyes that see above water and two eyes that see below water at the same time; and of course the red majestic scarlet ibis.

The scarlet ibis is the national bird of Trinidad and gets its brilliant fiery red colour from its rich diet of red crabs. Every evening at dusk, flocks of ibis fly into the swamp to roost. Excitement filled the boat as we saw the first few flying overhead, their vibrantly scarlet plumage colouring the sky. In order not to scare the birds away, the tour guide stopped the boat’s motor and everyone sat in silence watching and listening as they made their way to nest in the tops of trees.

The route back to the dock afforded us a beautiful view of the Northern Range and with the sun setting; the journey was stunningly beautiful. I am sure it was this ambiance that inspired a man from the spirited group that sat at the back of the boat to begin to loudly serenade a woman with popular Hindi songs.

Relaxing, fun and educational, a visit to the swamp is a great way to spend an afternoon! Below are some images from my visit.

Fast Facts:

• Visitor centre open daily 7am–7pm
• $60TT for adults, discounted local price is $50TT for adults
• $25TT for children (ages 12 and under); children under the age of 5 are free
• Bathroom facilities available
• Make sure to wear insect repellent
• Bring your own refreshments
• A pair of binoculars is a bonus
• T: (868) 645-1305

Tour boats waiting to be filled

A couple on the tour enjoying the scenery

Motoring through the waterways of the swamp

The swamp is lush and vibrant

The tour guide speaks to the group

A group of Scarlet Ibis in the distance

Their vibrantly scarlet plumage colour the sky

The guide tells us more about the Scarlet Ibis

Another tour group watching the magnificent birds fly in

A beautiful sunset accompanies us on our way back to the dock

All images are Copyright 2010 MEP Publishers/Ariann M Thompson

Ariann is ready to reacquaint herself with and in some cases ‘meet’ Trinidad and Tobago. Follow as she travels to different places and interacts with a multitude of faces while ‘Discovering T&T’.

Caribbean Airlines wins Best of TIC Booth Award

Yesterday, our Caribbean Beat partners Caribbean Airlines was awarded the “Federal Express Best of TIC 2011 Booth Award in the large exhibit category by the Trade and Investment Convention (TIC).

Caribbean Airlines Flight Attendants show off corporate materials for distribution to visitors at the winning Caribbean Airlines booth at the Hyatt Trinidad in Port of Spain

Caribbean Airlines took the coveted prize at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad where the convention was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago the Honourable Kamla Persad Bissessar on Wednesday 15 June.

(Left to Right) Guy Wilson of Caribbean Airlines Cargo and Michael Mcleod Caribbean Airlines Cargo in Miami look on as Chief Executive Officer (Ag) Robert Corbie tries his hand at golf at the Caribbean Airlines booth

Caribbean Airlines' Chief Executive Officer (Ag) Mr. Robert Corbie noted that the airline was keen to show buyers and those visiting Trinidad for the Convention all the value added benefits of uitlising the carrier. “We attracted attention and created interest because we have a good product to sell. The Caribbean Airlines booth featured its Cargo operations, Loyalty Reward Programmes: Caribbean Miles and Caribbean Club, and all the "extras" that we count as an integral part of our service on our flights like in-flight entertainment and meals,” noted the Caribbean Airlines acting C.E.O.

The Honourable Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar receives a model Boeing 737-800 dressed in Caribbean Airlines livery from Chief Executive Officer (Ag) Robert Corbie. Looking on is the airline's head of Corporate Communications Laura Asbjornsen

The Caribbean Airlines booth was also interactive, and featured a “putting green” where visitors could put their golfing talents to the test to get a chance to win a grand prize of four tickets to any Caribbean Airlines or Air Jamaica destination. The booth saw many high profile visitors including the Honourable Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and the Minister of Transport and Works from Jamaica the Honourable Mike Henry.

Jamaica's Minister of Transport and Works the Honourable Mike Henry receives a Caribbean Airlines model aircraft from the airline CEO (Ag) Robert Corbie while the Chairman of Caribbean Airlines George Nicholas and Marketing Manager Alicia Cabrera look on

 

The airline commences its Orlando flights on 5 July and will mark the occasion with a media launch at Piarco International Airport on that day. Customers are encouraged to visit caribbean-airlines.com or to contact the airline's Reservations Department for further information at (868) 625-7200.