QUICK JUMP TO: Nature lovers & Bird watching / Activities
heritage
Although it is true that the two islands offer very different atmospheres and pace of life, Trinidad and Tobago agree on what makes them so special: their fascinating land and bountiful wildlife. Sure, a trip to the islands could be as simple and relaxing as soaking up the rays on one of Tobago's idyllic beaches, and enjoying the local crafts at the vibrant market, but the country's true spirit is one of adventure, and one that, when embraced, takes visitors to the heart of the Trinbagonian culture, heritage, and beauty.
Multiple trails to explore on foot, bike, horseback, Jeep, or zip-line, take you through the country's abundant rainforests, picturesque waterfalls, majestic mountains, and mystical limestone caves. From expeditions down the stunning diving sites, to kayaking through the thick mangroves looking out for one of the islands' countless species of bird, nature awaits to amaze you with its many beauties, in the shapes of rocks, vegetation, animals, fish, and bioluminescent plankton.
CULTURE TO TASTE
The unique blend that composes the vibrant heritage of Trinidad and Tobago can be found in all aspects of its culture, and its cuisine is no exception. African, Indian, European, Latin American and Chinese flavours mix to create a variety of colourful and fragrant flavours that won't bore your taste buds. From street food, to family-run eateries or even fine dining, the islands offer a diversity of tasty options to suit all budgets.
FORT KING GEORGE
If you're perfect holiday isn't complete without a bit of history, head to Scarborough, on the South East coast of Tobago. There, overlooking a steep hill, you will find Fort King George, the island's largest fortification.
CULTURE TO TASTE
Get acquainted with the local roti, callaloo and corn soup before heading to Maracas Bay and enjoy your very first Bake' n Shark, a local delicacy made of deep-fried shark meat in two slices of fried dough, called "bake", and seasoned with a multitude of condiments such as chadon beni sauces, garlic and hot pepper.
TEMPLE IN THE SEA
Created by the Indian worker Seedad Sadhu, this temple is a vision of peace and devotion that becomes particularly picturesque at sunset, as it lays quietly on the vast sea.
CULTURE TO TASTE
On the sweet side, get a taste of the local Snow Cone, where shaved ice is drizzled with condensed milk and colourful fruit-based syrups, or of Tobago's Bene Balls, made from molasses, sesame and sugar. A cultural experience in itself!
TOBAGO COCOA ESTATE
Take a tour around the island's cocoa plantation and savour the aromas of one of the world's best chocolate, with award-winning creations by expert Duane Dove, a trained sommelier, and located near Roxborough.
“ ”
nature lovers & bird watching
TOBAGO
Located on the northern half of the island, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest protected tropical rainforest in the western hemisphere and has been attracting visitors since 1776. Nature lovers will enjoy losing themselves in this lush forest that is home to an incredible biodiversity composed of astonishing varieties of animal and vegetal species.
GASPAREE CAVES
Off Trinidad's northwestern coast is Gaspar Grande, an island that is home to an intricate network of caves, with impressive stalagmites and stalactites, as well as limestone formations of various shapes. The sun shining through the top of the cave and reflecting in the deep blue waters create a truly stunning and magical image that is hard to resist.
ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE IN NORTHERN TRINIDAD
Located at the heart of Trinidad's Northern Range rainforest, the centre is home to no less than 166 bird species, including toucans, bananquits and rare hummingbirds, that its many trails enable you to spot and observe.
YERETTE - HOME OF THE HUMMINGBIRD, TRINIDAD
Located in the small town of St Joseph, this garden owned by former biology university lecturer Theo Ferguson is home to 13 of the island's 17 indigenous hummingbird species.
TRINIDAD
Trinidad's northern coast is lined by the majestic Northern Range, a chain of mountains rising over 900 metres and covered in thick rainforest that is home to opossums, armadillos, agoutis, anteaters, golden tree frog, as well as the many species of indigenous hummingbirds
ARGYLE WATERFALLS
Tobago's most impressive waterfalls are found after a short walk through the island's rainforest, leading to the three cascades falling from a 45 meter-high drop point. At the bottom, the peaceful water pond is the perfect spot for a refreshing dip after the hike through the forest.
CARONI SWAMP, TRINIDAD
For a chance to spot the stunning and rare scarlet ibis, the islands' national bird, take a tour of this bird sanctuary and watch these incredibly beautiful creature turn their favourite roosting tree a vibrant red, as they all fly home to roost at dusk - a truly wonderful sight!
GRAFTON CALEDONIA BIRD & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, TOBAGO
Despite its small surface of 300m2, Tobago is home to more than 200 bird species, and bird lovers will be able to observe most of them at the sanctuary, with daily feedings regularly attracting species such as antshrikes, colourful mot mots, jacamars.
TRINIDAD
On the island's southwestern coast visitors will find the world's largest commercial deposit of natural asphalt, which is mined and exported for manufacturing and road paving. The site is home to the La Brea Pitch Lake, a natural sulphur pool holding around 10 million tonnes of asphalt and home to a bountiful birdlife.
BIRD WATCHING
Trinidad and Tobago are the home to an astonishing variety of fauna, including no less than 400 species of birds, and 17 types of hummingbirds, making of the islands a dream destination for bird lovers. Visitors will find plenty of spots around the islands offering ideal observation points for the likes of the blue-crowned motmot or great black hawk.
POINTE-A-PIERRE WILD FOWL TRUST, TRINIDAD
Dedicated to the preservation of waterfowls and wetlands, this is a great spot to observe the blue and gold macaws, whistling duck, and Muscovy duck.
LITTLE TOBAGO
This small island located on the Atlantic side of Tobago, near Speyside, is a natural refuge for a variety of seabirds, and features trails and observing points for visitors to spot species such as Brewsters, Terns, Boobies, Mire Crows, and other tropical birds.
“ ”
activities
JEEP SAFARI & ZIP-LINING
When you fancy breaking away from the sightseeing routine, inject a little fun with some of the activities offered on the islands. In Tobago, opt for a Jeep safari that will get you off the beaten track and take you to the island's hidden beauties such as stunning waterfalls and mountain villages.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Tobago is also home to the yearly Tobago International Cycling Classic, which takes place in September and is attended by cyclist from around the world.
HORSEBACK RIDING
If you like the sound of nature trails but not of the long hikes that go with them, consider one of the horseback riding tours offered by the islands' many stables. Some tours even involve beachside rides with horseback swims.
DIVING & SNORKELLING
You will find many internationally certified diving centres dotted around the island's coastline offering lessons and trips to popular diving sites such as Parlatuvier, St. Giles Island, Crown Point, Speyside and the island of Little Tobago.
DIVING & SNORKELLING
Tobago is a favourite destination amongst snorkelers and divers, and is often referred to as the diving mecca of the Caribbean.
GLASS-BOTTOM BOATS
For those wishing to discover Tobago's maritime wildlife whilst remaining at the surface, glass-bottom boat trip are available on a daily basis, leaving from Pigeon Point and Store Bay to the protected area of Buccoo Reef, as well as Nylon Pool, an off-shore shallow pool of water believed to have rejuvenating properties.
JEEP SAFARI & ZIP LINING
. In Trinidad, experience the beautiful landscapes from a bird's view, with the island's zip lines, taking you across the rainforest and offering beautiful vistas of Macqueripe Bay in Chaguaramas.
HIKING
With such abundant nature to explore, it's no wonder both islands have created trails for hikers to explore the country's hidden and unspoilt beauty on foot.
HIKING
On Trinidad, most trails can be found on the northern side of the island, taking hikers through the island's hidden waterfalls, old cocoa and citrus plantations, or up the island's second highest peak, El Tucuche, rewarding hikers with stunning panoramic vistas over the island.
DIVING & SNORKELLING
Tobago has year-round water temperature averaging at 27C, its 300 types of coral, and numerous tropical species including turtles, nurse sharks, parrot fish, barracudas, and manta rays.
KITESURFING
On Tobago, surfers will enjoy Mount Irvine's waves, whilst Pigeon Point is a great place for wind and kite-surfing.
CARNIVAL
Starting after Christmas and culminating on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, Trinidad and Tobago's carnival is reputed to be one of the biggest parties on Earth.On the Monday, celebrations start as early as 4am with the J'Ouvert, where revellers parade the islands' streets covered in paint or mud until sunrise, before the towns get filled with colourful masqueraders later on in the day, to the irresistible sound of soca, calypso and steelpan music.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
With its brilliant topography, Trinidad and Tobago is a great place for mountain bike lovers, who will enjoy exploring the islands' hilly rainforests. The available paths present various levels of difficulty, and guides are recommended. Advanced riders will love the thrill of the downhill and challenging routes such as the Chocolate Cake and the Sky Loops.
HIKING
Tobago is home to the western hemisphere's oldest protected forest, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which covers two-third of its land and is home to countless species of plants, trees, and birds that can be discovered and observed through its many trails.
SURFING
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there are places for you to learn and ride the waves on Trinidad and Tobago, with the best surfing conditions taking place between December and May. Experienced surfers will find the best swells on Trinidad's northern coast, with the most popular surfing spots being at Sans Souci, Blanchisseuse, and Grande Rivière.
SAILING
Take a day trip around Tobago and get a chance to access some of the island's beautiful secluded bays and untouched beaches, as well as great snorkelling spots such as the Bon Accord Lagoon. For the full experience, make sure your boat trip includes a visit to the stunning Nylon Pool, a stretch of emerald waters said to have rejuvenating virtues!
KAYAKING
Kayak along Trinidad's black and red mangroves to spot and observe the local wildlife, such as howler monkeys and anacondas, in their natural habitat at the Nariva Swamp & Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary.
KAYAKING
For a stunning evening treat, take a trip through the Caroni Bird Sanctuary to observe the thousands of striking scarlet ibises when they return to roost, or head to Tobago's Bon Accord Lagoon, where bioluminescent plankton put a unique lighting show as you paddle through the lagoon.
“ ”