Trinidad & Tobago - two islands, one country. Two vacations in one - could you ask for a better deal? Lying just off the South American coast, this is the most culturally diverse of its peers, with a landscape and natural history as rich and varied as the rainbow faces of its many distinct heritages. A melting pot of cultures with an irrepressible zest for life, this is a land of music and festivals, where Carnival, calypso, steel pan music, and the limbo dance were born. Trinidad was first settled many centuries ago by Amerindians, and was then stumbled upon by Columbus, settled by th ... More
Trinidad & Tobago - two islands, one country. Two vacations in one - could you ask for a better deal? Lying just off the South American coast, this is the most culturally diverse of its peers, with a landscape and natural history as rich and varied as the rainbow faces of its many distinct heritages. A melting pot of cultures with an irrepressible zest for life, this is a land of music and festivals, where Carnival, calypso, steel pan music, and the limbo dance were born. Trinidad was first settled many centuries ago by Amerindians, and was then stumbled upon by Columbus, settled by the Spanish and French, then conquered by the British. Both islands' populations are mostly descended from the Africans who were imported to work the plantations, and the Hindu Indians who replaced them after emancipation. Portuguese, Chinese, Lebanese, and Syrian traders followed.
Today, Trinidad & Tobago is rich in the architecture, art, fashion, food, festivals, and music derived from this fusion of cultures. There is a story behind everything, from the exuberant Carnival to the serene Divali, from roti to callaloo, from horse racing to crab racing, and to the Christian churches neighboring Hindu temples and Islamic mosques. And, always, there is the sea and the forest. Blessed with miles of empty palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, and mountainous rain forest teeming with wildlife, these islands offer eco-adventures in a compact and accessible form. There are plenty of leisure activities to entertain you like great diving and golf, cricket and football, horse racing, hiking, fishing, and sailing. Trinidad & Tobago is intensely proud of its culture and its people are famously hospitable, eager to welcome you to their land!
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Trinidad: Trinidad's mosaic of heritages reflects the diversity of its people who came from, among other lands, Africa, India, Europe and Pakistan. This diversity is reflected in its steel drum and calypso music, colorful art, its food and the warmth of its people. Its cosmopolitan capital sets it apart from other islands as a center of culture and development and its world-famous Carnival, sophistication, and natural beauty make it a popular destination throughout the year.
Tobago: Peaceful, beautiful Tobago, with its forests, volcanic hills, numerous sandy white beaches, and coral reefs is a paradise for lovers and nature lovers alike. Its variety of hotels and guesthouses suit everyone's taste and pocketbook. Visitors enjoy activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking and bird-watching, and the diversity of Tobago's dining experiences.
Trinidad and her tiny sister island of Tobago lie off the Venezuelan coast. Along the north of Trinidad runs the Northern Range of mountains, looming over the country's capital, Port of Spain. South of Port of Spain on the west coast the terrain is low, and the Caroni Swamps contain a magnificent bird sanctuary largely inhabited by the scarlet ibis. On the north and east coasts lie beautiful beaches. Central Trinidad is flat and largely given over to agriculture.
Trinidad & Tobago enjoys tropical weather with average year-round temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the high 80s, with the mean average temperature around 86°. Trade winds keep the climate pleasant without the need for air-conditioning. Winter nights can actually get a bit cool. The dry season is from November to May and the rainy season runs throughout summer and beyond. A great benefit of T&T's extreme southern Caribbean location is that it is out of the traditional tropical storm belt, so the threat of a hurricane is minor.
High season in the Caribbean goes from mid-December to mid-April, with February being the busiest month. Winter snows bring herds of refugees from the cold, so make your reservations as early as possible! Once things begin to warm up in the north, the island crowds subside and low season kicks in from mid-April to mid-December. While there is less planned tourist entertainment during the low season, it has the advantage of greater solitude so you can relish the island's tropical treasures in relative peace and quiet.
Trinidad is the birthplace of calypso, steel drum music, and the limbo. Carnival is the island's claim to fame - an explosive months-long celebration of music and dance that is hailed as the best party in the Caribbean. Tobago is cherished for its stunning beauty, with forests of breadfruit, mango, cocoa, and citrus that make it one of the greatest escapes in the Caribbean. Its sleepy ambiance and wide uncrowded beaches contrast with the bustle and cosmopolitan air of Trinidad. Scuba divers have a treasure chest of sites to explore.
Both Trinidad & Tobago
Deep-Sea Fishing: Excellent sport fishing can be had here with many charter boats accommodating up to 6 people with rods, tackle, and bait included in the deal. You're pretty much guaranteed some excitement, with main catches including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dolphin.
Golfing: Trinidad & Tobago isn't a tee-time mecca, but it does proudly offer some lovely courses, most of which have clubs and carts for rent as well as in-house caddies. In Trinidad, the best is St Andrew's in Moka, Maraval and the only public course is the nine-hole Chaguaramas Golf Course in Chaguaramas. There's only one place to play in Tobago, at the 18 palm-dotted holes attached to the Mount Irvine Hotel. St Andrews and Mount Irvine also host various professional and amateur tournaments.
Trinidad
Queen's Park Savannah: This great green oasis is the heart of Port of Spain, Trinidad where locals and visitors come to escape the bustle of the city. Jogging, reading, people-watching, and any all other relaxing activities are perfectly suited for these grounds. The west side is a showcase of architectural delights like the elegant lantern-roofed George Brown House and the Magnificent Seven, which is a series of astonishing buildings constructed in a variety of 19th-century styles. The former racetrack at the south end is the setting for music and costume competitions during Carnival.
Blanchisseuse Bay: This isolated Trinidad beach is a narrow, palm-fringed strip on the North Coast Road perfect for a romantic picnic or a day of thoughtful solitude. If you want a real taste of islander life, bargain for a no-frills tour of the coast from one of the local fishermen.
Maracas Bay: Port of Spain, Trinidad's most beautiful and popular beach fills up fast on Sundays for what is practically a ritualized social gathering. People show up in their best swimsuits to socialize, brave the waves, and snack on the delicious shark-and-bake from the food huts along the sand. The shore is lined with deck chairs, umbrellas, and coolers packed with beer, rum, and food, while surfers hang ten and hard-bodies play beach tennis. It's also the main Ash Wednesday music-drenched chill-out spot, where revelers come to relax after the mayhem of Carnival.
Munching at Store Bay: Nibbling (or devouring) a plate of crab and dumplin', macaroni pie with callaloo, or curry goat and vegetable rice from one of the row of shacks facing Store Bay beach is a "gotta do it" part of every trip to Tobago. Miss Jean's stall is popular and always fresh, and Miss Esmee is also a crowd favorite. There are plenty more so if you have the appetite, try them all!
Tobago
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Tobago doesn't seem to come to many scuba diving minds, but it should. The variety is tremendous, with Caribbean diving on one coast and Atlantic diving on the other. Huge manta rays gather around the Flying Manta and Speyside sites with no fear of humans, in fact, they often swim over to you for some play! Many pristine and largely unexplored sites surround the island, filled with fish-swarmed reefs, canyon walls, and startling rock formations.
Tobago Forest Reserve: Laced with easy walking tracks, the Western Hemisphere's oldest protected rainforest is a refuge for a squawking population of colorful, exotic birds. There are two main points of access but unless you only plan to go a few hundred yards, it's advisable to hire a guide; you'll learn a great deal about the forest ecosystem from these native experts and you won't get lost. The trail is fairly easy, though often muddy, and takes you through some spectacular ranges dotted with waterfalls.
Charlotteville: This Tobagan fishing village seems lost in time, as the fisherman pull into shore announcing the day's catch with a sounding of their conch shells. Nestled into a series of steep hills, the town affords unforgettable views of Man O'War Bay against the backdrop of Tobago's highest mountain, Pigeon Peak. Catch the view at sunset for a truly spectacular sight.
Ft King George: Canons, a prison, and the officer's quarters leave little doubt that this well-preserved 18th-century Tobagan fort was once the site of military maneuvers, but indeed it was. Today, however, it is a lush and tranquil spot with a museum of pre-Columbian artifacts and a Fine Arts Center that hosts local artists.
Pigeon Point: This is the visual perfection that graces the covers of Tobago travel brochures. Bordering a large former coconut estate, the beach is lined with towering royal palms and also has a food stand, a few gift shops, a dive operator, and paddleboats.
Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary: This bird sanctuary near Black Rock Village in Tobago was once a cocoa estate. The owner took to feeding the wild birds whose forest habitat was badly damaged by the 1963 hurricane and bequeathed her estate was passed to her survivors on the condition that it would remain a wildlife sanctuary. The Motmots are in the habit of coming out around 4:00pm for their feeding time and since time has diminished their fear of humans, hand feeding is possible. The house has been converted into a nature center and there are hiking trails on the grounds.
It's hard to over-emphasize the importance of food in Trinidadian culture. Most leisure activities revolve around the preparation of food and it's rare to visit a private home without being offered something to eat. The cuisine is an addictive blend of the many distinct ethnicities that have influenced it, like African, Indian, Chinese, European, and Latin American. The current trend is toward authentic cuisine from Italy, India, Thailand and the Middle East prepared by expatriate chefs and served in elegant, stylish surroundings. The curries are probably the best to be found outside of India. Traditional chefs prefer a distinctive creole cuisine using fresh local ingredients and drawing on established recipes, spices and flavors, presented with contemporary style. Local dishes include pelau (rice and peas cooked with meat and flavored with coconut and pepper) and buljol (shredded saltfish with onions and tomatoes, avocado, pepper and olive oil). Tobago has its own distinctive cuisine too. Its most famous traditional dish is curried crab and dumplings, which you can find in a few restaurants and at informal outlets like the food stalls at Store Bay. Conch stewed in coconut, Tobago style, is a specialty.
Highly Recommended: Solimar's various plant-filled dining rooms are filled with ex-pats and visitors who don't miss a chance to travel the world in a single meal via the superb international menu. On any given evening you can opt for the likes of Irish smoked salmon, Hawaiian barbecued mahi mahi, Greek salad, or even German Zwiebelschnitzel. An interior waterfall cascades into a series of fish ponds, enhancing the relaxed, tropical atmosphere. 6 Nook Avenue
Romantic: La Boucan is the finest hotel restaurant in Trinidad, as famous for its lavish buffets as for its authenticity. Culturally astute, the owner chose the name from the smoking process once used by buccaneers to preserve meat for their long voyages, and commissioned one of the Caribbean's most famous artists and dancers to paint a graceful mural depicting social idyll in Queen's Park Savannah across its longest wall. Favorite dishes are the fresh local fish catches grilled, poached, or pan-fried to your preference, and the sumptuous desserts, the best of which is the chocolate crème brûllée. A piano player entertains weeknights and a dance band plays on weekends. Lady Young Road
Gourmet: Tamara's stone and timber gazebo overlooking the sea is open on all sides so the trade winds can blow across diners amid the delicate pink and white decor. Its cuisine is an upscale version of traditional West Indian traditions jazzed up with many international touches, like the pan-fried scallops with wilted greens and wasabi sauce. The fine food is complemented by equally fine island music, played on string instruments by local musicians. Coconut Beach
Local Flair: The Cocoa House's tried-and-true recipes get the all-important nod of approval from island matriarchs, who favor the pork and dumplings dish that recalls the childhood of so many islanders. Named after the old-fashioned cocoa pod drying rooms whose retractable roofs allowed the sun to directly dry the raw product, its purpose now is to let the sun, moon and stars shine on diners. Richly flavored favorites include jerk shrimp, chicken, pork, and beef, as well as duck with orange or pineappce sauces. Golden Lane
Trinidadians know how to enjoy themselves and seem to have an inexhaustible energy. There's nearly always a festival or a show of some sort to check out. Lively dance and theater, from musical farce to poignant drama, art exhibits, and live concerts most weekends, whether it's jazz, calypso, reggae, or opera are always being staged in various settings like the Queen's Hall or under palms by the sea. Nightclubs, discos, and beach bars are always buzzing with a party, and gaming is your thing, there are several casinos where you can try your luck. All you have to do is pick the style that suits you and join in the revelry!
Carnival: Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival is reputed to be the oldest in the Western Hemisphere and the country celebrates with panache. Festivities are everywhere, but the most outlandish are in Port of Spain on Trinidad. The mood, while being extremely ebullient, is one more akin to a warm family reunion than the "party animal" attitude of its counterparts in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro. The season begins after Christmas and the fêtes carry on until Ash Wednesday in April.
Casinos: Gaming is always a fun way to spend an evening, as you try your charm on Lady Luck in card games and slot machines. Drinks, food, and entertainment round out the activities at various casinos that differ in style but match up in quality. Casanovas in Tunapuna, the Golden Tulip and Mau Pau in Port of Spain, and Crystal Palace in Scarborough are some of your many choices.
Pelican: Singles make up the majority of the crowd at this English-style pub. Weeknights are calm and congenial but as the weekend approaches, things heat up with people looking for love or just a good time.
Mas Camp Pub: A bar and a large stage where a DJ or a band keep the music pumping, there's an outdoor deck for partying under the stars. A creole menu offers hearty and well-priced meals.
St James Street: This road is lined with pubs and bars that make an evening of happy-hour hopping lots of fun. You can hang out in a different ambiance through every door and dance or just listen to varying musical styles, all by just walking around and checking out as many places as you see.
Just Friends: This Bretton Hall club is a popular hangout that dishes out stand-up comedy, karaoke, and jazz.
Bonkers: This popular bar fills up with a young energetic crowd that gets into the dancing groove with music ranging from jazz to reggae to soca. There's a castaway theme and the DJ might just make you walk the plank into a pool. There are also game nights geared toward quieter types, when chess and domino players take over the floor.
Sunday School: It has nothing to do with religion, but the attendant's fervour matches that of any Gospel Revival. This massive beach party brings in what seems like the whole island, completely taking over Buccoo Village as the highlight of the week's nightlife with bands playing pan, reggae, calypso, soca and more working everyone into a dancing frenzy on several dance floors.
Carnival: This is the biggest party in the Caribbean and many Trinidadians prepare for it with diligent devotion. Preparations begin just after New Year's Day.Carnival Monday, two days before Ash Wednesday, kicks off with a pre-dawn procession into the heart of the city as tens of thousands of revelers from around the world are invited to become part of the swell, and by nightfall everyone is dancing, drinking, and carousing in the streets. On Carnival Tuesday, there are competitions for Band of the Year. Most of the larger events take place at the Queen's Park Savannah in the center of Port of Spain. January - March
Panorama: A week before Carnival, this Grand Steel Drum (pan) tournament draws all the big steel bands to parade their skills around the Savannah in Port of Spain. The preliminaries and local finals in Tobago are a great time, as are the practices in the pan yards before the big event. January
Divali: Known as the Festival of Lights, this Hindu celebration is the climax of a long spiritual ritual. Small lamps illuminate the evening events involving music, dance, and more. October-November
Santa Rosa Festival: Indigenous Carib Indians honor their centuries-old heritage in Arima. Celebrations include a procession led by the "Carib Queen" and displays of Amerindian arts and crafts. On sale are traditional foods such as bread made from cassava. August
Pan Jazz Festival: Pan drummers and jazz musicians come together for 3 days of concerts in Trinidad. November
Big Goat Race: This quintessentially local event takes place in Buccoo village on the Monday and Tuesday after Easter. April
Angostura/Yachting World Regatta: A great time over four days of intense racing, mostly between Crown Point and Grafton, with "lay day" entertainment in between. There are also traditional Tobagan "bum boat" races. May
Tobago's Heritage Festival: Traditional festivities celebrating native culture and history through cooking, music, dance and more last for two weeks in mid-summer. July
Some loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing is your best choice for the tropics. Bathing suits and bare feet should be restricted to the beach and pool areas. While Trinidad & Tobago is a fun holiday country, its dress code reflect its conservative British heritage and many of the better restaurants and clubs expect "spiffy" dress.
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Sun & Heat: Trinidad & Tobago are only 11 degrees north of the equator, so the sun can be quite intense. Wear plenty of sunblock and a hat as often as possible to avoid sunburn and heatstroke.
English is the official language, deriving from the island's British heritage. Other languages spoken are Hindi, Chinese, French, and Spanish.
Electricity runs on either 110 or 230 volts AC/60 cycles, so you may need an adapter depending on where you stay.
Entry: US citizens are required to present a valid passport for entry; the passport must be valid for 3 months longer than you intend to stay in the country. No visa is necessary for tourists to stay up to 3 months. Visitors are also required to have tickets and documents for return or onward travel.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Trinidad & Tobago Customs: Personal effects are duty free. Visitors may bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, and 1 quart of alcohol.
US Customs: Upon return to the US, visitors may bring in $600 worth of merchandise without paying duty. The next $1,000 worth of merchandise is charged at 10%. Gifts of up to $50 may be sent home duty free. One quart of alcoholic beverage may be brought in duty free, as well as five cartons of cigarettes.
US Embassy: 7-9 Marli Street, 15 Queen's Park West, Port of Spain, Trinidad, phone 868-622-6371
Tourism Development Company of Trinidad & Tobago: PO Box 222, 10-14 Philipps Street, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, phone 868-623-6022/3 or toll-free 1-888-595-4TNT, fax 868-623-3848, email tourism-info@tidco.co.tt