Nariva Swamp

Nariva lies behind the dunes of the east coast and is the largest freshwater swamp in Trinidad, protected as a Ramsar site since 1993. It holds West Indian manatee, red howler and weeping capuchin monkeys, anacondas, caiman and a very long bird list, and the Bush Bush forested island within it is a wildlife sanctuary. Kayaks and pirogues go in through the channels with guides, which is the only way to see any of it.

Background

The wetland lies on the east coast of Trinidad, just inland from Manzanilla Bay, and covers over 60 square kilometres. Four main kinds of vegetation grow here: freshwater marsh, swamp wood, palm forest and mangrove swamp forest. Its species count includes 204 birds, 213 insects, 45 mammals, 39 reptiles, 33 fish, 19 frogs and 15 molluscs. The swamp became a forest reserve in 1954, and Bush Bush, an area of high ground, was made a wildlife sanctuary in 1968. Orange-winged parrots and red-bellied macaws roost in its Roystonea and Mauritia palm stands, and a 1998 count found 136 parrots, down from 600 in 1969, and 224 macaws.

Source: Wikipedia, "Nariva Swamp"

The landscape

• The manatees - West Indian manatees in the swamp channels, rarely seen but present.
• The red howlers - howler monkey troops in the Bush Bush forest island.
• The macaws - blue and gold macaws, reintroduced after local extinction.
• The kayak channels - waterways through the swamp worked with local guides.

When to go

January to May is driest and best for access. The wet season floods the swamp and changes what is reachable. Early morning is best for wildlife.

Good to know

Access is only with guides and boats arranged in advance; there is no independent visiting. Mosquitoes are severe. Wildlife sightings, especially manatees, are far from guaranteed.

Nearby

Manzanilla is north, and Mayaro is south.

Key facts