Caroni Swamp National Park.

I did this trip as part of an organised tour. However it can be done as an individual kayaking expedition with the relevant permissions. This trek explores the Caroni Swamp National Park and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in Trinidad. The Caroni Swamp is the second largest mangrove wetland in Trinidad and Tobago and is protected under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international significance. It is second only to the Nariva Swamp which is located on the east coast of Trinidad. This swamp is located along the north-west coast of Trinidad just south of the Capital City Port of Spain and north-west of the borough of Chaguanas. It lies along the Gulf of Paria coastline. This swamp is an estuarine system comprising 5,611 hectares of mangrove forest and herbaceous marsh, interrupted by numerous channels, and brackish and saline lagoons, and with extensive intertidal mudflats on the seaward side. This Swamp is an important wetland since it is ecologically diverse, consisting of marshes, a mangrove swamp and tidal mudflats in close proximity. The wetland provides a variety of habitats for flora and faunal species and as such, supports a rich biodiversity. It is highly productive system that provides food and protection and is a nursery for marine and freshwater species. There are many tour operators that operate daily boat cruises and kayaking trips through the channels of this swamp. The swamp is also the primary habitat for the Scarlet Ibis (Eudocimus ruber), one of the national birds of Trinidad and Tobago.
This adventure begins at 10.60515°N and -61.42520°W from the jetty where the boat launches are done. From here you’d simply head 270° along the manmade channel that leads to the open swamp area. There are forty-seven species of snakes that have been recorded in Trinidad and along the mangroves you’d most certainly encounter the Cascabel dormillon or Cook's Tree Boa (Corallus ruschenbergerii). You might also be very fortunate to see the Silky Anteater or Pygmy Anteater (Cyclopes didactylus). Numerous birds of prey populate the swamp like the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), Rufous Crab Hawk (Buteogallus aequinoctialis), Lesser yellow-headed vulture (Cathartes burrovianus), and the Yellow-headed caracara (Milvago chimachima) to name a few. There are also quite a few wild ducks. This area is directly under the approach to the Piarco International Airport so it affords opportunities for people interested in “plane spotting.”
The usual precautions apply for swamps and marshes for those wishing to explore this fascinating site in Trinidad. Kayaking exists commercially on the swamp but it can be done individually at your own pace. Most of the waterways are clear and open but some are overgrown so exercise caution. Most people would opt to take one of the commercially available boat tours of the swamp...
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