ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

Trinidad’s beaches host one of the largest nesting colonies of leatherback sea turtles in the world. Approximately 60% of leatherback turtles that forage in Canadian waters during the summer months originate from the Trinidad nesting population. During nightly volunteer sessions, our field trip participants will assist with counting, measuring, and tagging these endangered leatherback turtles as they arrive on the nesting beach to lay their eggs. We will provide you with training on sea turtle identification, data collection, and use of research equipment. While there is a small chance of seeing hatchling baby turtles during this trip, the focus of our work will be adult nesting females. To learn more about what it’s like to work with leatherbacks on Matura Beach in Trinidad, please check out our blog.

WELCOME TO TRINIDAD

Our expedition will be based in the village of Matura, a small, friendly, rural community in northeastern Trinidad where our research partner, Nature Seekers, has its headquarters. The village of Matura is surrounded by thick tropical forest with a wealth of wild fauna. Nearby is the Matura Beach Protected Area, where large numbers of leatherback turtles nest annually. Trinidad is the southernmost island in the chain of Caribbean islands stretching from Florida to South America. It is located less than ten miles off the northeast coast of Venezuela, and this proximity means that Trinidad is populated by flora and fauna more similar to South America than most other Caribbean islands. The island enjoys a tropical climate year-round.

WHY TRAVEL WITH US

The Canadian Sea Turtle Network has been working collaboratively with colleagues on tropical sea turtle nesting beaches since its inception. Our partnership with Nature Seekers stretches back to 1999. Our experience and expertise working in Trinidad allows us to plan and coordinate this expedition in direct partnership with Nature Seekers – no third party required. This means that you will truly become a member of our field research team during the trip (and many participants stay involved long after returning home!).  It also means that 100% of the cost of the trip goes to supporting our work and the work of our grassroots partners on the ground in Trinidad.

EXPLORATION AND ADVENTURE

Trinidad has a rich cultural diversity and our Trinidadian friends and colleagues will be happy to share lively music and delicious food with you throughout your stay. In addition to your evening research tasks, you’ll have an unparalleled chance to learn about Trinidad’s natural environment through interaction with local guides and during daytime excursions to local ecotourism establishments.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

This is a trip geared towards adult participants, although teens 14-17 are welcome to join if supervised by a parent or guardian. Good physical fitness is an asset. There is a lot to explore, so being open-minded and eager to learn about a new environment is a must!

TRAVEL DATES:

Session 1: April 21-29, 2025

Session 2: May 1-9, 2025

PRICE:

$3,500 CAD per person. There is an optional single supplement fee of $725 CAD if you wish to have a private room.

Note: Prices above include meals, accommodations, outings, research training, and all travel within Trinidad throughout the trip. The following are additional costs that are the responsibility of the participant: airfare to and from Port of Spain, medical insurance, and any additional personal expenses.

Spaces are limited (15 participants per trip) and your spot is confirmed when we receive your trip deposit. Submit your deposit by January 15th, 2025 to receive a $250 coupon towards your trip balance! 

AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

Airport transfers from Piarco International Airport to Matura, Trinidad are included in the trip cost.

Airport pickups will occur at 9:30am on the first day of each trip session. Drop-offs will occur at Piarco International Airport at 10am on the last day of the trip session.

For more trip details, please download the 2025 Field Trip to Trinidad Expedition Guide