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Anyone been to Trinidad to see the leatherback turtles?

Anyone been to Trinidad to see the leatherback turtles?

Old Oct 18th, 2009, 09:54 PM
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Anyone been to Trinidad to see the leatherback turtles?

I am a turtle nerd and would love to see the leatherback turtles when they come ashore. Are there ranger-led tours or those sanctioned by naturalists? Is there good snorkeling in Trinidad? Besides loving turtles, I love snorkeling! We don't demand luxury but we do like mod cons in where we stay, and safety and tasty food. Any ideas?
Sally in Seattle
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Old Oct 20th, 2009, 08:54 PM
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Old Oct 21st, 2009, 02:53 AM
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There are no good snorkeling in Trinidad you can hardly find a good beach there,leather backs are endanger speices you stand a better chance going to Barbados.I been to Trinidad thinking i can do some watersport and snorkeling i was very dissapointed the water is quite murkey and i had to drive miles in a taxi to get to a beach i was staying in Port of Spain i will never go back never.
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Old Oct 21st, 2009, 11:36 AM
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You can also do the same type of turtle-watching tour in Grenada. The tours are overseen and led by Ocean Spirits, a non-profit eco organization on the island. I believe turtle watching season starts around April and lasts thru mid-June. Grenada is a lovely island, good local food, and the friendliest people we've met in our travels.

The downside is there is not great snorkeling on the island.
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Old Oct 21st, 2009, 08:25 PM
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Thanks for the info on Trinidad, mrknowall, sorry you had a negative experience. Thanks for the name of the non-profit eco org. Ocean Spirits, mymoosie, and the input on Grenada. I'll check them out!
Sally in Seattle
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Old Oct 22nd, 2009, 08:29 AM
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Hi Sally,

I hesitate to post as I haven't been to Trinidad for over 20 years but I did spent a couple of weeks working there and staying with a Trinidadian. Locals suggested that it was best to go to Tobago for snorkeling.

San Souci beach was good for surfing and Matura bay that's the area where the turtles are but the water is too choppy for snorkeling generally.

My main impressions of Trinidad were the abundance of flora and fauna on land (tons of birds!), the great food and a trip I took 'down the islands'to some stunning caves.

While researching for an upcoming trip (I'm into turtles too!) I came across some info that might help you.
Check out Nature Seekers for turtle tours (conservation) or Earthwatch
www.natureseekers.org
www.earthwatch.org
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Old Oct 23rd, 2009, 05:56 PM
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Lovely sites, sassy_cat! I am going out of town but will do my research when I get back.
Sally in Seattle
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Old Nov 3rd, 2009, 02:02 PM
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Hi Sally, Having been to Trinidad & Tobago many times, I can tell you that Tobago is the place to go to see turtles. In fact, Turtle Beach has official tours that you'd probably enjoy. I agree with some of the respondents that Trinidad can get a little crazy and unpleasant (I avoid it whenever possible)...but Tobago has a much slower pace, is much friendlier and has some great hotels and restaurants. Hope that helps/ Dennis in Coeur d'Alene.
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Old Nov 3rd, 2009, 03:34 PM
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Thanks, Dennis, for your info on Turtle Beach. I like that name! Which airline do you use from Coeur d'Alene? How long does it take? It takes an age to get to the Caribbean from the PNW. We have Alaska Airlines FF miles so use that or partners for long trips like this.
Sally in Seattle
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