Imagine yourself cruising on the Essequibo River through the black of night, maybe lit only by a pale moon. Your guide shines the spotlight and there it is: the red-eye glare of a Black Caiman.
Frequently seen lying on the river banks, the world’s largest of the alligator family grows to 6 metres (20 ft.) long. A boat ride at night may also introduce you to other nocturnal creatures such as the Tree Boas, Pacas, Nightjars, and Hula tree frogs.
At dawn you can take an early morning boat trip round Indian House Island. Ask your guide to show you the butterflies, snakes and macaws as they come out to have “breakfast” on the edge of the island. This early morning trip also gives you a chance to hear the dawn songs of the five species of Tinamou, Marbled Wood-Quail, Band-Rumped Swift, White-Banded and Black-Collared Swallows and many more.
For more information about this tour visit www.iwokrama.org (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
Black Caiman lurking in the waterJaguar spotting (Photo by David Fernandes)Night JarScarlet MacawsTree Boa
