Eco-Tourism Adventures in Trinidad and Tobago

Trip overview

Steps away from the sand

Located on the Caribbean Sea, Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel is two hours by car from the airport or two and a half hours from the capital Port-of-Spain. The hotel can arrange transfers, leaving the visitor free to take in the dramatic coastline and glimpses of island life through small towns and villages.

From the moment of arrival, the harmonious integration of the lodge with sand, sea, and tropical rainforest is soothingly evident: local wood and stone blend with gorgeous carvings and other craft of local artisans. At reception, you are welcomed with a cool lemongrass-scented towel and a fresh, tropical fruit drink, sand and turquoise sea are mere feet away.

Reception area

Accommodation

Garden or ocean view rooms are air-conditioned, spacious and beds are very comfortable. Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers, make-up mirrors, and the wonderful local Galt and Maree toiletries, which are available for purchase at the gift shop. I recommend the first-floor beachfront rooms, which have huge patios overlooking the sand. Guests with disabilities can be accommodated in ground-floor rooms.

Ocean view from lodge dining room

Dining

The restaurant offers excellent food with a local flare, including fresh fish daily. They cater to all diets, including vegan and vegetarian, and to children. All meals are included in the rate and everything we had was delicious. Service is warm and friendly, and staff is accommodating and helpful.

Turtle season

Hatchlings are seen from June to August

The Leatherback turtle nesting season is from March to August, and guests can observe these gentle giants as they come ashore at night on one of the largest nesting sites in the world. The resort supports ongoing conservation efforts, from using turtle-safe red lighting throughout the property to assisting guests in booking responsible turtle-watching tours with the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guides Association.

Turtle enthusiasts can also take tagging and hatchling tours with certified guides. Get up close and personal with the newly hatched turtles from June to August, as you carefully assist in collecting them from their nests and releasing them into the ocean in the evening, avoiding birds and other predators. This is truly one of Nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, with females migrating from the oceans of the world to return to their place of birth to lay their eggs.

Hatchlings emerging

Activities

On offer are hiking tours to rivers and waterfalls, cocoa estates and caves.

The Pawi Lodge, part of the estate, is a short walk away. An easy to moderate hike features gentle inclines and leads to a breathtaking river, perfect for a dip.

The Grande Riviere Chocolate Company offers a fantastic bean-to-bar tour and is a five-minute walk from the hotel.

19th century cocoa house at the Grande Riviere Chocolate Company

Fishing, kayaking on the adjacent Grande Riviere river, snorkeling, and biking are complimentary. So you can do as much or as little as you like.

Grande Riviere river

• This resort is suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups. There are adjoining rooms and ground-floor rooms are suitable for guests with disabilities.

• Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, hiking shoes, or boots are recommended if you want to explore on a guided hike. Although we did not encounter mosquitoes, I recommend you bring along repellant and of course, hats and sunscreen.

• Two nights here is perfect, but allow more time if you want to further explore the waterfalls, birds, flora, and fauna in the area.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Caribbean page.