Vacationing in Trinidad and Tobago

Full of natural wonders, vibrant life, and a party spirit, the islands of Trinidad and Tobago are two islands joined as one nation. And they are very different, giving visitors all they could ever want in a Caribbean holiday. If you are vacationing in Trinidad and Tobago, this article will get you started planning. 

About the Islands 

From the activity in Trinidad to the underdeveloped beauty of Tobago, there is plenty to see and do when visiting. And the two have some things in common, like bird watching and Carnival. In fact, Carnival dominates the majority of May through August. 

Visiting Trinidad and Tobago 

Places to Go 

1. Maracas Bay, Trinidad: Maracas Bay is one of the most famous beaches. There are plenty of coconut palms, turquoise waters, and golden sand. And the vibe there is authentically T&T. 
2. Las Cuevas Beach, Trinidad: This beach is optimal for families as it is quieter and less crowded. And the calm waters are better for the kiddos. 
3. Englishman’s Bay, Tobago: For a secluded beach experience, this is the one to visit. The lush, covered hills roll down into the golden sand and end in the jade waters. Be sure to bring your camera. 
4. Port of Spain, Trinidad: The nation’s capital is bustling with activity. Gaze at the architecture around Queen’s Park Savannah and witness the magnificence of the Red House Parliament. And don’t forget to stop by the Royal Botanical Gardens. 
5. Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Trinidad, Trinidad: This church tower with its iconic red roof is the largest and oldest monastery in the Caribbean. There you can enjoy bird watching, hiking, the farm, beautiful buildings, and taste the monks’ famous homemade yogurt. 
6. Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago: This is one of the most scenic ways to view the forestry and wildlife on the islands. 
7. Fort King George & the Tobago Museum, Tobago: This is the most well-preserved fort on the islands and can be seen standing over Scarborough Bay.  

Other Things to Do 

Pigeon Point Heritage Park is in Pigeon Point, Tobago. This is where visitors stand in awe of the white coral sand rims and the blue, blue waters. Join in on the fun with water sports like kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. 

National Museum and Art Gallery is located in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and shows local art, history, and culture. 

Port of Spain City Tour is three-hours and gives an overview of the city and all it offers. 

Tobago Cocoa Estate is where you can learn about the history of cocoa crops and the cocoa production industry. End the visit with a rum and chocolate tasting. 

Argyle Waterfalls in Tobago is a popular place to swim and offers a multi-tiered waterfall. 

And please do not pass up a chance to see a turtle hatching if you are going between May and August. It is a chance of a lifetime. 

Bird Watching 

1. Asa Wright Nature Center & Lodge, Trinidad is the bird watcher’s paradise. There you can sign up for tours, have lunch and high tea, or even book a cottage stay. 
2. Yerette Hummingbird Sanctuary, Trinidad, is a hummingbird delight. 
3. Adventure Farm & Nature Reserve, Tobago, is diverse in bird species and tropical gardens. 
4. Caroni Bird Sanctuary, Trinidad, is in the Caroni Swamp and is located just south of Port of Spain. Take a boat tour to see why nature lovers consider this place paradise. 
5. Little Tobago Island, Tobago is uninhabited and one of the most essential bird sanctuaries in the Caribbean. There you’ll get the chance to view over 50 species of birds. And you can even take a glass-bottom boat to visit the island and do some fish watching along the way. 

Point-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust, Trinidad, is one of the best places for bird watching on Trinidad.  

Fantastic Events 

After months of preparation and making costumes, Carnival is always on the minds of the T&T people. Listen to the soca and calypso music and join in on a road march at one of these Carnivals. The main event started in Port of Spain, but the entire island celebrates. 

• Divali is the Hindu celebration of light celebrated in October and November. 
• Tobago Heritage Festival begins in mid-July on reaches its peak on Emancipation Day. 
• Santa Rosa Carib Festival is in August and features the original peoples of the islands. 
• Tobago Jazz Experience is a weeklong music festival on the beach. 
• Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival is in September and showcases films from locals and worldwide. 

• Blue Food Festival is in October and features cooking demonstrations and more. 

CITED: planetware.com, ordinarytraveler.com, tripsavy.com