Grand Etang Lake & Rainforest Reserve Grenada
The azure waters of a volcanic lake, along with the lush rainforest and beautiful waterfalls which surround it, provide one of Grenada’s most stunning natural settings. The varied terrains and eco-systems of Grand Etang are accessible via a network of well-marked hiking and trekking trails. Mahogany and gommier trees tower above a forest floor home to rare orchids, pink ginger lilies and mimosa ferns. Mona monkeys, opossums, tree frogs, mongooses and armadillos can be seen, as can tropical birds including purple throat caribs, gree gree hawks and crested hummingbirds.
A list of guides is available from the Grenada Board of Tourism on (473) 440 2279/2001 or visit www.grenadagrenadines.com/cruise/local-tours/

Barbados Wildlife Reserve, St Peter Barbados
Described as a zoo without bars, the Barbados Wildlife Reserve is an excellent place to get close to animals in their own environment. Set in a mahogany forest 20 minutes from Bridgetown, the reserve is home to species that include green monkey, red brocket deer, otters and hares; reptiles such as Cuban iguanas and red-footed tortoise; and more than 470 bird species with parrots, macaws, flamingos, peacocks, brown pelicans, budgerigars, lovebirds and guinea fowl all prevalent.
Opening hours: 10am-5pm daily, last admission 4pm. Entrance fee: BBD$23 for adults, children half price; which also gives access to the adjoining Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station.
For details call (246) 422 8826.      

Iwokrama Forest Reserve Guyana.
Located in one of the world’s four last untouched tropical forests, Iwokrama in Guyana is home to the rare and elusive jaguar, ocelots, brown and weeper capuchins, tapirs, two-toed sloths and gray foxes, as well as over 500 bird species. Experience the 154-metre-long, 30-metre-high canopy walkway, learn forest survival techniques, hike Turtle Mountain, visit indigenous Indian communities and much more.
A visit takes planning so contact the Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development (IIC) for guidance.
Visit www.iwokrama.org email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (592) 225 1504.

Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary, Nariva Swamp Trinidad.
The once-threatened Nariva Swamp on Trinidad’s east coast, now enjoys the protection of Ramsar site status. The swamp is home to giant anaconda, caimans and the secretive but beguiling manatee, as well as a host of waterbirds and the successfully reintroduced blue and gold macaw. Cruise the labyrinthine wetland channels by boat or kayak, pass through mangroves and across the expansive swamp before reaching the high ground of Bush Bush, where red howler monkeys and troops of white-faced capuchin dexterously traverse the branches above.
A guide is a necessity and two of the best are Emile Serrette: email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (868) 740 2860 and Stephen Broadbridge: email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (868) 620 1989.

Morne Trois Pitons National Park Dominica
Dominica is known as the Nature Isle and the jewel in its crown is Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 for its spectacular mix of natural attributes, its landscape is characterised by volcanic piles, precipitous slopes, deep valleys, hot springs, mud pots, sulphur vents, rivers, waterfalls, freshwater lakes, a ‘Boiling Lake’ (the world’s second largest) and towering rainforest.
For more details contact Discover Dominica Authority on (767) 448 2045 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Maria Islands Nature Reserve St Lucia
Three km off the coast of St Lucia , two tiny islands, Maria Major and Minor, form a unique habitat and nature reserve. Five endemic reptiles, including the rarest snake in the world, the kouwes grass snake (St Lucia racer), and the vibrantly-coloured zandoli terre ground lizard are found here. Offshore there is also a coral reef for snorkelling. Visitors, who must book ahead, board boats at the Reserve’s Interpretation Centre, Pointe Sable, near Vieux-Fort. Closed during peak nesting season (around May 15th-July 1st).
Call (758) 452 5005 or visit www.slunatrust.org