THE 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL LOCATIONS AND EXPERIENCES ON TRINIDAD
Picturesque coves and beaches, exotic locales, splendid biodiversity, lively, welcoming people, exciting nightlife and events all year round: Trinidad has all this and much more. For all those who are seeking an unforgettable holiday experience, these activities belong on your list:

1. CARNIVAL – ‘THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH’
You should join the celebrations at Trinidad’s Carnival at least once in your life. Dance to Soca and Calypso music through the streets of Port of Spain together with hundreds of thousands of artistically-costumed people. Described as the ‘greatest show on earth’ Trinidad’s annual Carnival celebrations attract visitors from all over the world.

2. MARACAS BAY – DREAM BEACH WITH TASTY TREATS
One of the best-loved beaches in Trinidad wins visitors over with its pure Caribbean flair: a white-sand beach lined with tall coconut palms and clear blue sea against a backdrop of lush green mountains. No visit to Maracas Beach is complete without visiting one of the booths for to buy the best bake and fish sandwich in the Caribbean.

3. CARONI BIRD SANCTUARY – MANGROVES WITH NATURAL THEATRE
Travel through this spacious marsh area with its mangroves, amphibians and water birds on a boat tour. The flocks of scarlet ibises are a lofty sight, which turn the evenings scarlet as they return to their roosts.

4. GASPAREE CAVES – A WORLD OF CAVES DEEP BELOW
There is an intricate limestone cave system on the island of Gaspar Grande, off Trinidad’s northwestern coast. Magnificent stalagmites and stalactites line the cave and some limestone formations have taken the shape of dinosaurs and other creatures. Sunlight streams through a hole to the top of the cave, making the water in the cave’s deep blue grotto glisten invitingly.

5. STEEL DRUM – THE SOUND OF CARIBBEAN JOY
The only new acoustic instrument to be invented and accepted worldwide in the 20th century originated in Trinidad and Tobago. The steel pan forms an integral part of everyday life in the twin-island paradise. Steelband performances are a celebration of abandon and pure musical joy. During the Carnival season up to a 100-member strong steel drum orchestras face –off against each other during the Panorama Competition.

6. LA BREA ASPHALT SEA– PURE NATURE BUT NOT AS YOU MAY THINK
A truly unusual natural wonder: 40 hectares of liquid bitumen rise to the surface and cool to natural asphalt. It is the largest phenomena of this kind worldwide. You can find out more about the Lake’s history on a guided tour.

7. LAS CUEVAS – SUN BATHING AND DISCOVERING CAVES
This is one of the of the most beautiful beaches in Trinidad. The beach is over 2km long and ideal for sunbathing and swimming in the clear water with gently lapping waves.

8. ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE – THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST SHOWS ITS DIVERSITY
Bananaquits, Mot Mots, Toucans and other species of bird rendezvous directly in front of the northern Trinidad nature centre. On excursions with knowledgeable guides you can delve deeper into the exotic animal and plant world of the rainforest. A definite must, not only for fans of nature.

9. YERETTE – VISITING THE ‘FLYING JEWELS’
Whether tufted coquette or blue-chin sapphire hummingbird, in the ‘Yerette’ garden of Theo and Gloria Ferguson, around a dozen types of hummingbird flitter through the air. Visitors are welcome on daily guided tours, although you do need to book in advance. There is hardly any other location where you can get so close to the shimmering birds.

10. TEMPLE IN THE SEA – A PILGRIMAGE SITE WITH HISTORY
As in a painting, the Hindu temple rises above the vast expanse of the sea before sunset. An aura of calm and prayer surrounds this special location which exists thanks to the stamina and devotion of a single man, the Indian worker Seedas Sadhu.

The people of Tobago have turned relaxed living into an art form. The scenery here is plucked from a movie: palm lined beaches around the island with turquoise waters and coral reefs bursting with fish. Hiking paths run through the middle of the country under the green ceiling of the tropical rainforest, which is home to a wide variety of colourful butterflies and birds. These are must have experiences during your next visit to Tobago:

1. PIGEON POINT – DREAM BEACH NUMBER ONE
Of all the island’s dream beaches, Pigeon Point with its white sands and turquoise wter is number one. The image is known worldwide with its iconic wooden jetty, which leads to the warm Caribbean water under a shining blue sky.

2. SPEYSIDE – FASCINATING EXPERIENCES IN THE SEA WORLD
It is the diving mecca of Tobago: off the coast of Speyside are several first-class diving spots. Corals in all shapes and colours, including the largest brain coral in the world, form the backdrop for encounters with turtles, moray eels, sharks and huge manta rays.

3. TURTLE WATCHING
Between March and August a unique spectacle takes place on many beaches on the island. The imposing leatherback turtle lays its eggs in the sand and weeks later these hatchlings make their way to the sea. You can watch these endangered animals on guided tours without disturbing them.

4. BUCCOO REEF AND NYLON POOL – THE MAGIC OF THE CARIBBEAN SEA
An absolute must: a tour in a glass-bottomed boat to the Buccoo Coral Reef with its colourful inhabitants: its warm, turquoise waters are believed to have rejuvenating qualities and bring luck to those in love.

5. ARGYLE WATERFALLS – A WATERY WONDER IN THE RAINFOREST
The Argyle waterfalls are the most impressive on the whole island. A short walk through the deep-green rainforest leads to the three cascades which fall a total of 45 metres. At their foot is a deep, calm pool – ideal for a refreshing dip.

6. LITTLE TOBAGO – THE ISLAND OF THE WATER BIRD
The small island off the north-eastern coast is a bird sanctuary. Marked pathways lead to spectacular view points on the cliff. Black-headed gulls and sea swallows, red-footed boobies, tropical and frigate birds demonstrate their extravagant flight manoeuvres to onlookers.

7. MAIN RIDGE FOREST RESERVE – OVER 200 YEARS OF NATURAL CONSERVATION
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere and the crowning glory of Tobago due to its amazing history of environmental protection. This gem is home to half of the island’s avian population, making it a favourite destination for bird watchers.

Roaming in the lushness and cool luxuriance of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is exhilarating, however the use of a tour guide is recommended.

8. ENGLISHMAN’S BAY – THE SECRET TIP AMONG TOBAGO’S BEACHES
This paradise-like strip of sand is wonderfully isolated and nestles against the lush vegetation of the rainforest. Only the call of parrots and the lapping waves can be heard.

9. TOBAGO COCOA ESTATE – THE BEST CHOCOLATE IN THE WORLD
Near Roxborough, Duane Dove, a trained sommelier creates the most elegant types of chocolates: award-winning chocolate with exquisite quality. Visitors can experience a taste of this palate-pleaser for themselves during tours around the cocoa plantations.

10. NO MAN’S LAND
This small beach lies in the idyllic mangrove bordered by the Bon Accord Lagoon in the south-west of the island. It is accessible by boat from Pigeon Point or Store Bay and is a popular place for cosy barbeques.

HUMMINGBIRDS AND LEATHERBACK TURTLES
Discover biodiversity in Trinidad and Tobago
With so many different species in such a small place, no other country in the Caribbean can match Trinidad and Tobago’s biodiversity. Mountains and savannahs, rainforests, fresh and salt water groves offer a thriving environment for over 450 types of birds, over 620 types of butterflies, around 100 types of mammals as well as more than 2500 plant species, of which 700 alone are orchids.

If you are seeking varied natural experiences, you are in the right place. Trinidad and Tobgao also places considerable emphasis on sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism.

TRINIDAD: RAINFOREST, GIANT TURTLES AND PITCH LAKE
The backdrop to Trinidad’s north coast is a chain of mountains called the Northern Range, which rises over 900 metres and is covered in thick rainforest. Armadillos, agoutis, opossums and anteaters rustle through the undergrowth. The golden tree frog, an animal only found here and in Venezuela lives in the foggy summit area. Much more frequently spotted are 17 indigenous hummingbirds. These shimmering beings are the only birds which can fly backwards.

LEATHERBACK TURTLES
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the top three nesting sites in the world for endangered leatherback turtles. Generally seen on the north and northeastern coast of Trinidad and Tobago during the period March to August, the Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys Coriacea) is the world’s largest living reptile, with some weighing up to 728 kilograms with carapace lengths of approximately 125 – 245cm. In Trinidad, three of the more accessible beaches for viewing nesting Leatherbacks are Matura, Grande Riviere and Fishing Pond.

THE LA BREA PITCH LAKE
Trinidad and Tobago is home to the world’s largest commercial deposits of natural asphalt, which is mined and exported for use in manufacturing and road paving. The La Brea Pitch Lake is located on Trinidad’s southwestern coast. Visitors to the Lake can soak in the natural sulphur pools, enjoy the bountiful bird life, or just stand inspired by one of nature’s true wonders. The Pitch Lake holds approximately 10 million tonnes of asphalt.

TOBAGO: DIVERSITY ON LAND AND IN WATER
The protected Main Ridge Forest Reserve has been attracting visitors to Tobago since 1776. It is the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. Numerous walking paths invite you to uncover the secrets of the rainforest. The reserve has been selected as the ‘World’s Leading Eco-Tourism Destination’ several times for its diverse species.

The gigantic leatherback turtles also come ashore on a few of Tobago’s beaches to lay their eggs. The diversity under water is fascinating and includes innumerable tropical fishes and corals, including the world’s largest brain coral. The small islands of Little Tobago and St. Giles are important resting and nesting locations for birds.

FOOD AND DINING
Eating in Trinidad and Tobago: a culinary trip around the world
Trinidad and Tobago’s enviable culinary landscape is a gastronomic narrative of flavours, encapsulating mouth-watering street food and fine dining cuisine. The unique cuisine of Trinidad and Tobago is a reflection of the country’s varied cultural influences, which includes Asian, African, Oriental, Creole and European delicacies – a journey around the world for your palate.

‘STREET FOOD’ – DELICIOUS SNACKS
Upon exiting the airport at Piarco, you are immediately tempted by the aroma of doubles – a fried flat bread filled with chickpea curry. Equally popular is roti, an Indian flatbread with a vegetable or meat curry filling. As a snack on the beach, Bake and Fish is always popular – a fried sandwich with fish fillet and vegetables. Pies stuffed with potatoes or your favourite meat are another tasty ‘street food’ option.

SWEET TREATS
Trinidad and Tobago is easily the perfect place to enjoy an ice-cold coconut water or if you feel for a sweet treat you can try a Snow Cone (colourful fruit-based syrups over shaved ice, drizzled with condensed milk). In Tobago, you can grab a bag of Bene Balls – a snack made from small sugar, sesame and molasses balls.

INTERNATIONAL DISHES FOR ALL TASTES
Trinidad and Tobago’s cuisine is world-renowned. At the restaurants lining Ariapita Avenue and the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port of Spain, you can try a different dish influenced by the islands’ cultural heritage: Spanish tapas, Japanese sushi, Indian curries, Lebanese, Italian, Chinese and Caribbean fusion cuisine.

You’ll find a range of casual and fine dining restaurants offering international and fusion Caribbean cuisine in Crown Point, Buccoo and Scarborough. For authentic, local cuisine it is worth visiting the Store Bay Beach Facility.

Caribbean food culture can be experienced in all its variety at the annual Blue Food Festival in Tobago.

DREAM BEACHES IN A TURQUOISE BLUE SEA
Tobago’s beaches with their fine sand and clear, warm waters in shades ranging from aqua to turquoise are what Caribbean dreams are made of. The island is home to many postcard-ready beaches – just you, your loved ones, the sand, sun, sea and maybe one or two locals or other holiday makers.

Trinidad, although better known for cultural richness and nature activities, also has beautiful beaches to offer. Everybody really can find his/her personal paradise: surfers, beach lovers, those seeking calm as well as those seeking adventure.

Here is a selection of the beaches on the island:

A SMALL PARADISE ON THE SOUTH COAST OF TOBAGO
Pigeon Point with its famous thatched-roof jetty leading directly into the sea has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean by various international travel publications. Officially named the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, the facility includes souvenir shops, a restaurant and bar, a water sports shop, and restroom and changing room facilities. Among the activities visitors can enjoy are swimming, snorkelling, (kite)surfing, diving, kayaking and water skiing.

From Pigeon Point, you can take a glass-bottomed boat to the Nylon Pool, a shallow pool in sea, near Buccoo Reef. Legend says that bathing in its waters has a rejuvenating effect. Mt Irvine Bay is also well-developed for tourists and a meeting point for windsurfers from across the world.

At Turtle Beach, gigantic leatherback turtles bury their eggs in the sand between March and August. The beach is good for both swimming and surfing and there is also a natural pool for non-swimmers to wade in. At the fishing village of Castara on Tobago’s rural Caribbean coast, you can watch the fishermen at work and buy the fish right there – or try it in the local restaurant. Further north is the more remote and picturesque Englishman’s Bay. Its calm waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling and at Parlatuvier Bay a little higher up, you can jump from the pier into the deep water. The popular Pirate’s Bay near Charlotteville is loved by families with children and is also very suitable for snorkelling.

On the Atlantic side is Speyside, the starting point for some of the best diving tours in Tobago. The sea is rougher but experienced divers can find a rich underwater world in the reefs around the island of Little Tobago.

TRINIDAD’S AMAZING BEACHES
Probably the most popular beach in Trinidad is Maracas Bay on the north coast, a winding 30-minute drive along the mountainside from the capital city, Port of Spain. Visitors enjoy the panoramic vistas of the palm-fringed beach with its energetic waves. No visit to Maracas Bay is complete without a trip to the vendor booths for bake and fish sandwiches – fried bread filled with seasoned fried-fish fillets, vegetables, fruit and an assortment of condiments ranging from sweet to very spicy.

Las Cuevas Bay got its name because of the many caves you can find along the two kilometre stretch of beach. Trinidad’s first Blue Flag beach, Las Cuevas beckons with its clear waters and gently lapping waves.

Further east, the waves wait for surfers at Blanchisseuse and Grande Rivière. The rivers, which flow into each beach are suitable for swimming and wading. From March until August the beaches belong to the leatherback turtles who lay their eggs here. You can watch this natural spectacle on a guided tour.

Macqueripe, on the north-western peninsula of Chaguaramas, has a beautifully landscaped beach. From here, adventure lovers can also access a 7-course zip line adventure through the rainforest with splendid views of the Caribbean Sea.

Mayaro Beach, on the south-east coast, is the longest beach in Trinidad and a popular tourist destination for visitors who enjoy long walks on the beach and picnics on the sand. The strong Atlantic undercurrents and high waves make swimming here suitable only for very experienced ocean swimmers.

It is at Columbus Bay on Trinidad’s southwestern coast that Christopher Columbus first made landfall in Trinidad in 1498. From the seemingly endless golden-sand shore at low tide on a clear day, you can see the outline of Venezuela, located just 7 miles away.

ACROBATS OF THE SKY: BIRD LIFE IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
THE ISLANDS PROVIDE SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST FASCINATING LOOKOUT POINTS FOR BIRDING.

Bird life in Trinidad & Tobago is as multifaceted as its landscape and culture. Majestic macaws, flitting hummingbirds and colourful toucans are among the 450 different species of birds that visitors can look forward to spotting on the islands.

BIRDING IN TRINIDAD
You can spot beautiful birds from almost any vantage point on the islands but the Asa Wright Nature Centre in the centre of the rainforest of Trinidad’s Northern Range is one of the most popular spots for birding worldwide. Over 166 bird species can be spotted along the centre’s trails, including rare hummingbirds, bananquits and toucans.

The Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust is dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and waterfowls. Some of the birds to look out for here are whistling ducks, Muscovy ducks and blue and gold macaws.

At Yerette – Home of the Hummingbird in the little town of St. Joseph, you’ll find 13 of the 17 indigenous hummingbirds like Tufted Coquettes and Blue-Tailed Emeralds flitting and dancing by to your heart’s content.

Theo Ferguson, a former biology university lecturer and owner of the garden, is a big fan of the shining aerialists and loves to share his vast knowledge about them during daily tours.

A tour of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, a protected world-renowned wetland area, is also really exciting. You can see impressive birds like great egrets, grey herons, darters and sea hawks. Each day, flocks of scarlet ibises fill the evening sky in a magnificent spectacle of brilliance that you can see on a tour of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

BIRDING IN TOBAGO
Although it is a mere 300 square metres in area, more than 200 bird species can be found on the island of Tobago. At the Grafton Caledonia Bird & Wildlife Sanctuary, daily regular feedings attract jacamars, antshrikes, colourful mot mots and other birds. Photographers are always excited to get up close and personal with the winged animals.

Little Tobago, a small Atlantic island near Speyside, provides a refuge for various sea birds. Marked paths lead to view points from which you can spot Mire Crows, Terns, Brewster’s Boobies, and Tropical Birds.

HIKING, DIVING, MOUNTAINBIKING: ACTIVE HOLIDAYS IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
Trinidad & Tobago is more than a Caribbean holiday paradise. Both islands also have a lot to offer in the way of active holidays: biking and hiking tours in the rainforest, sailing a kayak through the mangroves, diving to the underwater reefs and much more against a stunningly beautiful natural backdrop.

WIND IN THE SAILS AND WAVES TO SURF
Sailors find ideal conditions in the numerous yacht harbours on the Chaguaramas peninsula. Charter a yacht for a day or a week and sail “Down the Islands” or around Tobago’s Caribbean coast. You can also get a berth for your own boat.

On your sailing adventure, friendly dolphins may join your vessel for part of the ride. You’ll also discover secret coves and beaches only accessible by boat.

The most important moorings in Tobago are Charlotteville, Scarborough, Store Bay and Pigeon Point.

SURFER DREAMS
The huge swells on Trinidad’s northern coasts are a surfer’s dream. The most popular among surfers are Blanchisseuse, Grande Rivière and Sans Souci in Trinidad. In Tobago, Mt. Irvine Bay has plenty of waves for surfers to enjoy. The best place for wind and kite surfers is Pigeon Point. The best surfing waves can be found from December to May. Interested in learning to surf? Beginners can learn how to handle the board at a surfing school on the islands.

THROUGH THE MANGROVES IN A BOAT, KAYAK OR STAND UP PADDLE BOAT
Glide through red and black mangroves on a kayak, passing howler monkeys and metre-long anacondas in their natural habitat at the Nariva Swamp & Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary in south Trinidad.

Take an evening trip through the Caroni Bird Sanctuary swamp by boat, kayak or paddle board, just in time to see thousands of ibises colour the heavens scarlet during their evening return to roost.

In Tobago, stand-up paddling in the Bon Accord Lagoon is a special treat as the evening rolls in with a magical lighting show courtesy the bioluminescent plankton that live in the lagoon.

DIVE INTO SHIMMERING UNDERWATER WORLDS
Tobago boasts more than 40 spectacular diving sites, giving beginner and advanced divers lots of options to satisfy their underwater curiosity. Diving is possible thanks to year-round warm waters averaging between 24-29℃ (75-84℉). Tobago’s undersea world is home to 300 types of coral, including the world’s largest known brain coral, numerous tropical species like parrot fish, barracudas, manta rays, nurse sharks and turtles.

It’s little wonder why Tobago is called the diving mecca of the Caribbean.

Internationally-certified and professionally-led diving centres provide diving certification training and organise excursions for beginners and advanced divers. Some of the most popular ones are off Parlatuvier, St. Giles Island, Crown Point, Speyside and the island of Little Tobago.

Those who prefer to remain at the surface of the water can still catch a glimpse of the beautiful undersea world. Daily trips are made by glass-bottomed boats from Pigeon Point and Store Bay to Tobago’s protected Buccoo Reef. Visitors are able to view the reef through the glass-bottom boats or by snorkelling. Trips to Buccoo Reef also include a visit to Nylon Pool, a shallow pool out in the sea that is believed to have magical rejuvenating properties. On the way back, many tours also include a stop at a curious sandbank known as No Man’s Land for drinks and a little bit of exploration, volleyball or partying.

DYNAMIC BIKE TOURS AND HIKES IN THE RAIN FOREST
Trinidad and Tobago’s topography is ideal for mountain bike tours. Travel through the lush rainforests with knowledgeable local guides. Advanced mountain bikers can enjoy the rapid downhill paths and adventurous routes with names such as ‘Sky Loops’ and ‘Chocolate Cake’. In some places, the short, steep paths give racing bike riders a challenge. At the end of September, cyclists from across the world meet here for the Tobago International Cycling Classic.

Hikers also have a wide variety of options, particularly in northern Trinidad. You can comfortably hike through the old cocoa and citrus plantations or to any of the dozens of cool waterfalls tucked into the northern range. The demanding climb to the second highest peak on the island, El Tucuche, is rewarded with outstanding panoramic views.

Trinidad is in the process of developing a new series of trails spanning 1000km along the northern range. The first nine kilometres of this eco-trail project were opened between Grande Rivière and Sans Souci in 2015.

Some of the Trinidad’s most beautiful flora and fauna can be seen at the renowned eco-lodge, Asa Wright Nature Centre. For the adventure enthusiasts, the western peninsula of Chaguaramas will not disappoint, with its many nature and hiking trails leading to gorges and waterfalls. One must-do in Chaguaramas is a visit to Gasparee Caves, a limestone cave system under the island of Gaspar Grande, located just off Chaguaramas.

Two-thirds of Tobago is made up of protected forest – Main Ridge Forest Reserve. There’s lot to explore and discover on foot in the oldest protect forest in the western hemisphere.

TRAVELING FUN AND ZIP LINE ACTION: JEEP SAFARI, ATV AND ZIPLINING
Prefer to explore on motor? Tour Tobago by Jeep safari or ATVs (All Terrain Vehicle) in Tobago for an exhilarating experience off the beaten track. Your experienced tour guide will show you the hidden mountain villages and waterfalls, as you plough through rivers and dirt roads to get to your destination.

Over in Trinidad, zip lining gives you a pure adrenaline rush as you speed across the rainforest with views of Macqueripe Bay in Chaguaramas. Enjoy the thrill of zipping through the trees up to 30 meters high.

CARIBBEAN RIDING – A HOLIDAY DISCIPLINE
Want to explore the islands on horseback? Both islands have a number of stables that offer horseback riding for visitors from novices to advanced riders. Explore the island’s old trails through tropical rainforest in Arima, St. Ann’s and Santa Cruz. The experience is made even more special in Tobago, where the Being with Horses stable offers beachside rides followed by swimming along the bay on horseback!