Trinidad & Tobago nature holiday

Planet

The itinerary includes a number of lodges that have introduced specific environmental and conservation initiatives within their operations:

PAX, one of the oldest guesthouses in the English-speaking Caribbean, is a popular base for birdwatching and is situated on a hilltop within the grounds of a Benedictine monastery. The property aims to provide visitors with opportunities to experience the local flora and fauna. Several nature trails run through its approx 600-acre forested estate, while a large birdwatching terrace overlooks the surrounding rainforest and provides opportunities for observing raptors and other bird species.

Cuffie River Nature Retreat is a locally owned and operated lodge situated on the edge of Tobago's rainforest. Its buildings incorporate features designed to encourage natural ventilation and reduce the need for mechanical cooling, including the extensive use of French doors and windows and construction materials such as clay tiles and brick. The lodge does not use conventional air conditioning. Its rain-fed water system uses charcoal filtration, while the swimming pool uses a salt-based treatment system. The property also operates a composting system and grows produce on site where possible, with additional supplies sourced from villages in the surrounding area.

Asa Wright Nature Centre was established in 1967 as a not-for-profit land trust by a group of naturalists and birdwatchers. The centre manages a protected area of rainforest and provides opportunities for visitors to experience its flora and fauna. Entrance fees are included in the tour price and contribute to the operation of the centre. In January 2026, the centre was awarded Green Key certification, an international tourism sustainability certification programme coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The centre has introduced measures including waste sorting and recycling, solar energy systems and water-conservation practices, together with changes to the use of plastics and cleaning products. It also works with local farmers and provides employment opportunities for people from nearby communities.

People

In Trinidad & Tobago we work with local ground handlers, helping to retain a significant proportion of our operational expenditure within the Trinidad & Tobago economy and supporting employment, including in more remote regions. By incorporating locally owned hotels, restaurants and the services of local guides and drivers into our itineraries, we aim to keep as much tourism expenditure as possible within the local economy, allowing local businesses and communities to benefit from tourism.

We were the first tour operator in the UK to form a partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to work towards the implementation of best management practices in tourism. In practical terms, this has involved working with hotels that have introduced specific social, environmental and economic initiatives within their businesses and local communities.

The best person to introduce you to a country is someone who lives there. Undoubtedly the best way to experience the true magic of Trinidad & Tobago is with a local guide. You can sit back and relax while the guide shows you around and takes care of the driving. They are a font of local knowledge–the islands are small and there is not much that misses their attention. We have known most (if not all) of our guides personally for many years. You will find that most of them are very well known around the islands, especially on Tobago. Locals call out as the car passes, exchange a few words and a drawled “Aaaaall-right!” – the universal greeting on Tobago.