Sitting just off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago offer two distinct personalities in one nation. Trinidad, the larger island, pulses with energy: Port of Spain’s steelpan rhythms and soca beats crescendo during Carnival, the country’s world‑famous pre‑Lenten festival. Away from the city, Trinidad shelters a surprising diversity of wildlife, from scarlet ibis in the mangrove wetlands to howler monkeys in the Northern Range. Tobago, meanwhile, exudes a languid charm with palm‑fringed beaches, coral reefs teeming with marine life and a rainforest reserve protected since 1776. Together they invite you to dance, eat spicy street food, watch giant leatherback turtles nesting, dive rainbow reefs and hike to hidden waterfalls — all on the same holiday.
How to Get There
Most international flights arrive at Piarco International Airport (POS) near Port of Spain on Trinidad, with regular service from North America, the UK, Europe and the Caribbean. Domestic “air bridge” flights and ferries connect Trinidad to A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) on Tobago in just 20 minutes. Inter‑island ferries run several times daily between Port of Spain and Scarborough, carrying cars and passengers. Cruise ships call at the Port of Spain and Scarborough cruise terminals during the winter season. Once ashore, taxis and “maxi taxis” (shared minibuses) serve main routes, while rental cars allow flexibility to explore beaches and nature reserves at your own pace.
Where to Stay
Hyatt Regency Trinidad – This sleek waterfront hotel anchors Port of Spain’s entertainment district. Spacious rooms overlook the Gulf of Paria, and the rooftop infinity pool and terrace are a prime spot for sunset cocktails. The property offers a full‑service spa, several restaurants and direct access to the boardwalk.
Coco Reef Resort & Spa Tobago – Conveniently located near the airport, this low‑rise resort sits between Store Bay and the postcard‑worthy sands of Pigeon Point. Guests enjoy a private lagoon, coconut‑grove–shaded pool, tropical gardens and a spa; water sports and glass‑bottom boat tours depart from the beach.
Mount Plaisir Estate Hotel – Fronting the wild, black‑sand Grande Rivière beach on Trinidad’s remote north coast, this rustic lodge offers simple rooms, a breezy restaurant and unrivalled access to one of the world’s largest leatherback turtle nesting sites (March–August). Walk from your room to witness these gentle giants lay eggs under the stars.
Top Activities
Join the Carnival festivities – If you visit in February or early March, prepare for a whirlwind of costumes, parades and fetes culminating in Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Even outside Carnival season, you can attend steelpan rehearsals and weekly parties like “Sunday School” in Buccoo.
Explore the Caroni Bird Sanctuary – Glide through mangrove channels on a flat‑bottomed boat at sunset and witness flocks of scarlet ibis and snowy egrets roosting on tiny islands. Keep an eye out for caiman and tree boas in the branches.
Relax on Maracas & Las Cuevas Bays – Trinidad’s north coast boasts gorgeous crescents of golden sand backed by rainforest. Sample “bake and shark” sandwiches at Maracas’ beachfront stalls, then continue east to quieter Las Cuevas for body surfing.
Hike to waterfalls and caves – Trek to the 295‑foot Maracas Falls or the shorter but equally enchanting Argyle Falls on Tobago. Explore the limestone caverns of Gasparee Caves near Chaguaramas or take a boat to the remote bird sanctuary of Little Tobago Island.
Snorkel & dive Tobago’s reefs – Tobago’s west coast is fringed by the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, home to the famous Nylon Pool, a shallow sandy area in the middle of the sea. For more advanced diving, head to Speyside on the east coast to drift along colorful walls and swim with turtles, rays and reef sharks.
Visit the Pitch Lake & cultural sites – In southern Trinidad, walk across the bizarre landscape of the world’s largest natural asphalt deposit and learn how it’s mined. Nearby, see the Temple in the Sea and the Indo‑Trinidadian community of Waterloo. In Tobago, tour Fort King George in Scarborough for sweeping views and history exhibits.
Can’t‑Miss Spots & Beaches
Pigeon Point Heritage Park (Tobago) – A picture‑perfect stretch of white sand jutting into aquamarine water, complete with thatch‑roof jetty, watersports and beach bars serving rum punch.
Englishman’s Bay – Tucked between two forested headlands on Tobago’s leeward coast, this crescent of sand is ideal for swimming, picnicking and bird‑watching.
Grand Riviere & Matura Beaches – On Trinidad’s north coast, these remote beaches are prime nesting sites for endangered leatherback turtles; community‑run guides offer night tours during nesting season.
Port of Spain’s Queen’s Park Savannah – Stroll around the world’s largest roundabout to admire colonial mansions known as the “Magnificent Seven,” sample street food from vendors and visit the botanical gardens and zoo.
Asa Wright Nature Centre – Nestled in the Arima Valley, this former cocoa and coffee plantation is now a world‑renowned birding lodge. Enjoy guided walks to spot hummingbirds, toucans and the elusive oilbird.
Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool – Hop on a glass‑bottom boat to Tobago’s famous reef and swim in the waist‑deep turquoise waters of the Nylon Pool, said to have rejuvenating qualities.
