The 23-island archipelago of Trinidad and Tobago is not as well known as some of its Caribbean neighbors -- but perhaps it should be. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, especially now, as the nation has discovered the value of ecotourism and jumped on the trend. There is a diverse culture and rich history here. And there is a lively carnival celebration that a lot of people describe as the world's best.
Sand and Surf
With plenty of beaches all around, island hopping is a favorite pastime among visitors here. So is planting yourself in one place and soaking up the sun and tropical drinks. One of the best venues for the latter is the North Coast, particularly the secluded Blanchisseuse Beach and Maracas Bay, one of Trinidad and Tobago's most popular areas. For visitors who would like a break from saltwater, the islands have a lot of picturesque waterfalls, many of them within easy hiking distance. Pack a picnic -- and your swimsuit. Unlike the beaches, the waterfalls...
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The 23-island archipelago of Trinidad and Tobago is not as well known as some of its Caribbean neighbors -- but perhaps it should be. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, especially now, as the nation has discovered the value of ecotourism and jumped on the trend. There is a diverse culture and rich history here. And there is a lively carnival celebration that a lot of people describe as the world's best.
Sand and Surf
With plenty of beaches all around, island hopping is a favorite pastime among visitors here. So is planting yourself in one place and soaking up the sun and tropical drinks. One of the best venues for the latter is the North Coast, particularly the secluded Blanchisseuse Beach and Maracas Bay, one of Trinidad and Tobago's most popular areas. For visitors who would like a break from saltwater, the islands have a lot of picturesque waterfalls, many of them within easy hiking distance. Pack a picnic -- and your swimsuit. Unlike the beaches, the waterfalls are usually not crowded. Back in the ocean, scuba diving is a popular activity in Trinidad and Tobago, because the islands offer beautiful reefs and underwater caves to explore. (A diving certification is required before you head jump in.)
Sights
The high point of the party season in Trinidad and Tobago is carnival, in early March. If you're visiting then, downtown Port of Spain is the party hub. You'll find plenty of delicious food, strong drinks, concerts and beautiful people dancing in the streets. Smaller, equally vibrant parties happen all across town during carnival. There are not a lot of historic attractions on the islands but the old buildings of Fort King George stand out. They overlook the town of Scarborough and, beyond, offer a splendid view the islands. The Tobago Museum here has exhibits of local arts and crafts. Birdwatching is a popular local activity, because there are many reserves full of beautiful and rare species. Bring your binoculars to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, the Little Tobago Island Reserve or the Caroni Swamp Reserve. You can book birding tours for the whole family.
Nightlife and Shopping
If you thought the limbo went out with that Chubby Checker song, well, it didn't. It's as popular as ever in Trinidad and Tobago -- because it originated in the islands. Port of Spain remains the center for after-dark entertainment, which often features the limbo, but a couple of other sites with a lot of live music venues are Shaw Park and Roxborough.
Some of the more interesting local arts and crafts in the islands are ceramics, woodcarvings, sandals and bags. You can find them and more at Frederick Street, the islands' busiest shopping district, which is full of boutiques and art galleries. You can also find beautiful silk fabrics and jewelry in many of the charming shops here. The stores are open Monday through Saturday, starting at 8 in the morning, although operations on Saturdays last only until 1 in the afternoon.
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