How to experience manatee watching in the Caribbean’s Nariva Swamp.

Manatee watching: How to see West Indian manatees in Trinidad and Tobago

Manatee watching is the act of observing manatees in their natural aquatic habitat. Unlike other forms of wildlife watching, this experience offers a rare, tranquil encounter with one of the gentlest marine mammals in the Western Hemisphere, the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Manatee watching can be done on small boat tours, by kayaking, or during conservation-based expeditions.

These large, slow-moving herbivores are known as “sea cows” and are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and boat collisions. Their elusive nature and shrinking populations make sightings highly prized among eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.

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Why Trinidad and Tobago?

When people think of manatee watching, they usually picture Florida’s Crystal River, Belize, or Puerto Rico. But Trinidad and Tobago, particularly the Nariva Swamp on Trinidad’s east coast offers a uniquely raw and uncrowded opportunity to see manatees in the wild.

The country’s manatee population is small, which makes any sighting a rare and intimate experience. For those looking to witness manatees without the commercialisation of tourist hotspots, Trinidad’s wetlands are ideal.

Where to go: Nariva Swamp and Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary

The only known habitat for manatees in Trinidad and Tobago is Nariva Swamp, located near the eastern village of Manzanilla. This is the largest freshwater wetland in Trinidad and forms part of the Manzanilla–Mayaro Ramsar Site, a wetland of international importance.

Within Nariva Swamp lies the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected forested island surrounded by marshes and freshwater lagoons. This sanctuary is the heart of manatee watching in Trinidad and Tobago.

Key location facts:

Access point: From Manzanilla via the East Coast Main Road
Distance from Port-of-Spain: Approx. 2.5 to 3 hours by car
Tour duration: Typically 2–4 hours including boat or kayak time
Recommended guides: Local eco-tour operators familiar with the area

Best time for manatee watching

Manatees in Nariva Swamp do not have a defined migration season like those in Florida. However, the dry season (January to May) is considered ideal for manatee watching because:

Water levels are lower, concentrating manatees in certain areas.
Visibility is better for spotting them at the surface.
Weather conditions are generally more favourable for boating or kayaking.

That said, early morning and late afternoon offer the best chance of sightings year-round.

What you’ll experience

Manatee watching in Nariva Swamp is not guaranteed, but if you do catch a glimpse, it’s unforgettable. Visitors may see the round snout of a manatee surfacing for air, or the ripple of water from its large, paddle-like tail.

Most trips to Nariva Swamp involve:

A guided boat or kayak tour through mangrove tunnels and open lagoons
Education on the swamp’s ecology, flora, and fauna
Possible sightings of red howler monkeys, scarlet ibis, caimans, and macaws

Many visitors find that even without spotting a manatee, the journey itself through a peaceful wetland full of biodiversity is worth the trip.

Understanding the West Indian manatee

The West Indian manatee is the largest surviving member of the order Sirenia. Adults average 3–4 metres in length and can weigh up to 600 kg. Despite their size, they are graceful swimmers and can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes when at rest.

Key facts:

Diet: Aquatic plants such as hydrilla, water hyacinth, and mangrove leaves
Behaviour: Solitary or found in small, loosely formed groups
Lifespan: Up to 60 years in protected environments
Status: Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List

Manatees are essential for wetland health, as they help maintain aquatic vegetation and contribute to biodiversity.

Conservation efforts in Trinidad and Tobago

The small population of manatees in Trinidad possibly fewer than 10 individuals makes conservation vital. Threats include:

Illegal hunting (now greatly reduced)
Habitat degradation from farming and drainage
Accidental entanglement in fishing nets
Disturbance from unregulated ecotourism

Organisations like Nature Seekers, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA), and Wildlife and Environmental Protection of Trinidad and Tobago (WEPTT) have worked with local communities to promote awareness.

There are also plans for rehabilitation and reintroduction programmes, including research partnerships with the University of the West Indies (UWI).

How to get there

To reach Nariva Swamp from Port-of-Spain:

Drive east via the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway.
Turn south at Sangre Grande towards Manzanilla.
Head southeast along the Manzanilla-Mayaro Road.
Look for local tour operators or marked swamp entry points.

Tours can be arranged through:

Local tour guides in Manzanilla or Mayaro
Certified eco-tourism groups
Travel agencies specialising in nature tourism

Advance booking is strongly recommended due to the remoteness of the area and limited availability of guides.

Tips for responsible manatee watching

Responsible tourism helps protect manatees and their habitat. Follow these guidelines:

Do not touch or feed manatees. Let them behave naturally.
Keep quiet. Loud noises can frighten them away.
Use paddle boats or electric motors. They reduce noise and water disturbance.
Do not litter. Manatees can ingest plastic and other waste.
Follow your guide’s instructions. They know where manatees are most likely to be seen without disturbing them.

Being respectful ensures these animals remain in the wild for future generations to appreciate.

Additional activities nearby

If you’re making the trip out east, consider adding these to your itinerary:

Manzanilla Beach: A long, windswept coast ideal for picnicking.
Mayaro Beach: Perfect for a longer stay, especially with family.
Point Radix: A lesser-known scenic spot with a panoramic view of the Atlantic.
Fishing villages: Discover local life and fresh seafood in villages like Ortoire.

These activities round off your eco-adventure and make for a more rewarding journey.

Why manatee watching matters

Manatee watching is more than just wildlife tourism, it’s a form of advocacy. Every visitor who sees a manatee and learns about its fragile ecosystem becomes part of the conservation story. In Trinidad and Tobago, where the population is critically low, even a single sighting can generate awe and raise awareness.

For eco-conscious travellers, students, photographers and naturalists, Nariva Swamp offers one of the most intimate manatee watching experiences in the world. It may not have the commercial polish of Florida or Belize, but what it lacks in crowds, it makes up for in authenticity and raw natural beauty.