Yerette Home of the Hummingbird

Imagine standing in a tranquil garden, surrounded by the bustling flutter of dozens of tiny, fiercely beautiful hummingbirds—each one a marvel of nature. That’s exactly what a visit to Yerette, Home of the Hummingbird, offers.

While we haven’t personally flown there (yet), this tour consistently catches attention for its close encounters with a stunning variety of hummingbird species, making it a standout for anyone interested in nature, birding, or just a peaceful escape in Trinidad.

What we really love about this experience is how intimate and personalized it feels — a private tour only for your group, with expert hosts Theo and Gloria Ferguson sharing their passion and knowledge. Plus, the chance to see up to 14 of the 18 hummingbird species in Trinidad and Tobago is a rare treat that turns a simple garden visit into a memorable wildlife event.

One potential drawback? Since the tour is booked 40 days in advance on average, planning ahead is definitely necessary if you want to secure a spot.

But if you love birds and peaceful gardens, this is perfect for those who prefer a quiet, authentic encounter rather than a crowded tourist attraction.

This experience is best suited for nature enthusiasts, bird lovers, and those seeking a relaxing, photogenic escape. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a small group and appreciate personalized attention and expert insights. For travelers looking for a genuine, slow-paced connection to Trinidad’s natural beauty, this tour offers a delightful window into the world of hummingbirds.

Key Points

• Exclusive experience: Private tour only your group participates, creating an intimate setting.
• Birding highlight: See up to 14 species of hummingbirds, including some rare varieties.
• Expert hosts: Theo and Gloria Ferguson provide friendly, informative guidance.
• Convenient: Pickup and drop-off included, easing logistics.
• Value for money: The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and light meals, making it a well-rounded experience.
• Limited availability: Booking about 40 days in advance helps ensure a spot due to high demand.

What to Expect from the Yerette Tour

The Journey and Logistics

The tour lasts approximately three hours, beginning with a pickup from your accommodation or designated meeting point. Transportation is private, which adds to the comfort and personalized feel of the outing. The tour is well-structured to maximize bird viewing and learning, with scheduled meal breaks that include a light breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea—a thoughtful touch that keeps you energized amid the garden’s visual feast.

The Garden at Yerette

Once at Yerette, you’ll step into a lush, well-maintained garden filled with feeders and flowering plants designed to attract hummingbirds. The setting is peaceful, often perched on a mountain top, providing stunning views alongside the close-up bird encounters. Guests consistently describe the garden as “beautifully maintained” and “a calming, magical place”—a real sanctuary for bird lovers.

Up Close with Hummingbirds

The real star here is the variety of hummingbirds you can see. The garden’s feeders attract up to 14 species, giving you the chance to watch these tiny birds dart, hover, and feed just inches away. Several reviews praise the opportunity to see “a dozen or more hummingbird species” in one place, with one reviewer calling it “excellent for viewing”.

Theo and Gloria Ferguson are passionate birders and conservationists, and they happily share their extensive knowledge. Guests report feeling welcomed and relaxed, with plenty of opportunity to learn about hummingbird behavior, their significance in local culture, and the property’s history. One visitor noted that Theo and Gloria “provide a relaxed and friendly atmosphere”, making the experience even more enriching.

Meals and Refreshments

Included in the tour are carefully chosen light meals, suited to the tropical climate and the leisurely pace. The morning begins with a light breakfast at 8:30 am, while later in the day, a light lunch is served around 11 am, followed by afternoon tea. If you prefer a full meal, you can order one at an extra cost—this flexibility adds value for those with bigger appetites.

Value and Cost

At $96.25 per person, the price might seem steep at first glance. But when you consider the private nature of the tour, the expert guidance, the close-up bird viewing, and the included meals and transportation, it offers good value. The experience is tailored, comfortable, and packed with opportunities to see rare and beautiful hummingbirds in a natural setting.

While some reviews mention the tour’s focus on hummingbird education as being lengthy, most agree that the visual payoff—stunning birds fluttering just feet away—makes it worthwhile. One guest even called it “just fabulous”, highlighting how much they enjoyed the peaceful environment and the chance to “learn so much about these small, fierce, and beautiful birds”.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience primarily appeals to bird watchers and nature lovers. If you enjoy peaceful gardens and close encounters with wildlife, you’ll find much to love here. It’s also great for small groups or families who prefer a more personalized experience. However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced tour or prefer to see many sites in one day, this might not suit your style.

It also suits travelers with an appreciation for conservation and authentic experiences—this is not a commercial zoo, but a private garden run by passionate conservationists sharing their love of hummingbirds.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Be prepared for the early start—the tour begins with a light breakfast at 8:30 am, so arrive rested.
• Wear comfortable clothing, considering Trinidad’s tropical climate.
• Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the vibrant, tiny birds.
• Book well in advance—about 40 days ahead—to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• Note that the tour operates most days, but check cancellation policies if planning around weather.
• Remember, no alcohol is included, but the serene setting makes it unnecessary.
• If you’re traveling solo, note that an additional fee applies—about 50% of the total cost.

Cancellation and Booking Details

You can cancel this tour free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, which offers some peace of mind. If the weather turns bad or minimum numbers aren’t met, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund—important if your plans are flexible.

Booking is through Sensational Tour, with contact details readily available. Since most travelers book about 40 days in advance, planning early ensures you won’t miss this special encounter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, private pickup and drop-off are included, making it convenient and stress-free.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including meals and bird viewing time.

What is the maximum group size? The tour accommodates up to 20 travelers, but most bookings are for small groups, ensuring personal attention.

Can I book for just one person? A minimum of two persons per booking is required. Solo travelers can pay an extra 50% of the total cost to join, which some find worthwhile for the experience.

Are meals included? Yes, light meals are part of the package—breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea, depending on your scheduled time.

Is this experience suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but children should be comfortable in outdoor garden settings and attentive enough for bird watching.

What if it rains? The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I visit without booking in advance? No, advance booking is highly recommended due to the demand and limited availability.

Final Thoughts

A trip to Yerette, Home of the Hummingbird, offers a peaceful, close-up look at some of Trinidad’s most dazzling little birds. The private setting, expert hosts, and focus on conservation make it more than just a garden visit—it’s an intimate encounter with nature that’s both relaxing and educational. The inclusive meals and transportation add convenience, while the opportunity to see up to 14 hummingbird species in one place is genuinely special.

While it requires some planning ahead, the experience provides authentic, memorable connections with Trinidad’s vibrant birdlife. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply seeking a peaceful spot to reconnect with nature, this tour is a solid choice.

Final Summary

Yerette is a superb option for travelers wanting a quiet, authentic experience with Trinidad’s hummingbirds. The private, guided nature tour offers excellent value, especially for those keen on birdwatching or capturing stunning wildlife photos. The comfortable logistics and friendly host approach mean you’ll leave feeling both relaxed and enriched.

Perfect for nature lovers, small groups, and anyone eager to enjoy a unique, up-close birding adventure in a tranquil garden setting. The combination of stunning views, educational insights, and the chance to see so many varied hummingbirds makes this tour a memorable highlight of any Trinidad visit.