Destination overview

This tiny twin island republic offers an enticing mix of cultural activities and eco-adventure. Located just off the tip of Venezuela, lively Trinidad, the larger of the two islands, boasts energetic nightlife in its modern capital, Port of Spain. Driving on the North Coast Road reveals lush forest and breathtaking views. Tobago, two hours away by fast ferry, is comparatively serene. Azure seas contrast with pale pink sands and golden sunsets. Protected rainforest and stunning coral reefs complete this paradise.

Whether you are seeking adventure, culture or nightlife, Trinidad and Tobago is waiting to amaze you. From the cosmopolitan streets of Port of Spain to the tranquil beaches of Tobago, there is something here for everyone.

Trinidad and Tobago is a diverse, multicultural country where just about everything is celebrated. The world-famous Carnival is the highlight for many, but there are festivals, concerts and special events going on all year long. The diverse landscape, including pristine beaches, untouched rainforests and vibrant cities also provides the setting for a wide range of activities.

Trinidad and Tobago is home to a breathtaking range of natural, cultural, historic and architectural sites.

The Aripo Caves, in the northern tip of the island of Trinidad, are a must-see for the adventurous tourist. The caves are home to oilbirds, a rare species of nocturnal birds that fly in the dark using echolocation, just like bats. The caves are also home to a large population of bats. Reaching the limestone caves requires quite a difficult hike through dense forestation, as trails are often overgrown. The caves themselves are rich in stalactites and stalagmites. While you can reach the entrance and walk a few feet into the caves on your own, you will need specialised caving equipment if you want to explore further.

Maracas Bay is home to Trinidad and Tobago’s most famous beach, Maracas Beach. Sheltered inside a u-shaped bay, the beach is about one hour from Port of Spain, the capital city. White sands and scenic views make this area a favourite with the locals, so the beach is not overly touristy. You’ll still find lifeguards and a few other amenities, including several food stands selling ‘bake and shark’, a local specialty of fried bread and shark meat. Almost as famous as the beach itself is the drive to get you there. The road goes through the mountainside, offering sweeping open views of the water and the surrounding greenery.

Fort George’s attraction is partly its location. Nestled 1,100 feet up in a hill, the fort offers sweeping views of Port of Spain. Many of the original buildings and artefacts, including the barracks, cannons, a working lighthouse and the lookout stations are still in great condition and open to visitors and the landscaped grounds offer plenty of opportunities to set up a picnic.

The Caroni Bird Sanctuary extends over 13,865 acres of forest, marshes and lagoons. A number of birds and mammals call the sanctuary home, including the scarlet Ibis, cardinals and herons. There are also tree boas and many other species of snakes, turtles and fish here. Visitors can join photography, bird watching or fishing tours. There’s also the option of joining a family picnic tour, where people can enjoy snacks on board while touring the Gulf of Paria.

Trinidad

A visit to Trinidad reveals a multicultural melting pot stirred by the descendants of settlers from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East.

Trinidad offers a range of adventure and activities for all ages and abilities with rainforest hiking trails, limestone caves, hidden waterfalls, bird watching and turtle watching, cycling through verdant countryside or kayaking past wildlife-filled mangrove forests.

There is also a variety of hiking trails, with hikes ranging in difficulty from beginners to advanced. Covered by rainforest, the island's Northern Mountain Range is a favourite with hikers for its diversity of trails, waterfalls, rivers, streams and limestone caves, but the wetlands of Central Trinidad and wildlife-rich southern mountain range are also great for exploring.

For a taste of ‘Trini Sweet Hand’ (delicious Trinidad cuisine) visit Ariapita Avenue, the island’s hip strip, where fine dining, casinos, live entertainment, cocktail bars, street vendors and casual cafés exist side by side. Commonly known as ‘The Avenue’, the strip is densely packed with entertainment choices.

Whether you are shopping for gifts to take home or just curious about what the island has to offer, Trinidad has many shopping options. You can shop just about anywhere on the island, from main streets boasting small variety shops and family-run businesses to multi-level shopping malls. Roadside and street vending is also very common. Almost anything, from seasonal fruit and vegetables to mad bulls (large kites), is available from a tray on the pavement or the back of a pick-up truck.

Tobago

One of the Caribbean's pristine destinations, Tobago has much to offer from rivers cascading into stunning waterfalls, exotic flora, stunning reefs and secluded beaches.

Adventure lovers will enjoy excursions into Tobago's magnificent Rain Forest Reserve and Argyle Falls. These tours move beyond the resort areas and into the island's wild interior. Hike through the lush, tropical Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, or enjoy the waters of the natural pool at the base of the three-tiered Argyle Falls.

Named for the tobacco cultivated by the original Carib population, Tobago existed separately from Trinidad for centuries. While the explorer Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1498, he did not land and no attempts were made to colonise Tobago.

Considered by many as the true Caribbean, Tobago offers its guests a unique travel experience. Explore the island’s rich history, culture and biodiversity. Learn about the many festivals, as well as cultural and sporting events that take place throughout the year. Go looking for the perfect restaurant, idyllic beach or historical attraction and see why dive enthusiasts, romantics, adventure seekers, bird watchers and beach lovers all have Tobago on their to-visit lists.

Like much of the culture, Tobago's traditional cuisine is heavily influenced by the African heritage of its inhabitants. The island's delicious specialties include crab and flour dumplings simmered in a thick curry and coconut sauce, and a thin, spicy drink touted as an aphrodisiac called pacro water, prepared by boiling sea cockroach, a local shellfish.

Store Bay, a 10-minute walk from Crown Point International Airport, is home to some of Tobago's best cooks who sell authentic local fare out of beachfront kiosks. In the resort districts of Crown Point and Buccoo, stylish gourmet restaurants serve menus incorporating international styles with local spices and ingredients.

Today the island of Tobago is serene, yet the many forts and batteries that dot Tobago's landscape hint at a thrilling past. Fierce slave revolts, bitter battles for control between European powers, attacks on European settlers by the Amerindian Indians who inhabited the island and pirates are all part of Tobago's rich history.