Top 10 Things To Do In Trinidad And Tobago
The twin Carribean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, officially known as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is a largely English speaking state with a diverse group of inhabitants including Indians, Africans, and other ethnic groups and multiracial complexities.
The dominant religion is Christianity although the islands are infused with a mix of different cultures. Trinidad is the larger of the two main islands with a flat, rolling, and mountainous landscape while Tobago has forests and hardwood trees. There are other smaller islands in the Trinidad and Tobago area.
Although small, Trinidad and Tobago offers an exciting combination of adventure, nightlife, and culture. The nation has hills, mountains, forests, coral reefs, rivers, beaches and seas that provide the T&T tourist with a wide range of activities to choose from. Its currency is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar and it runs a parliamentary democracy.
The tropical climate of Trinidad and Tobago lends it to agriculture although the contribution of agriculture to its economy is minimal. The main agricultural produce from Trinidad and Tobago is sugar from its sugar cane plantations. Other products include vegetables and citrus fruits, fish and poultry, rice and coconuts.
The main resource in Trinidad and Tobago is its petroleum and petrochemicals. It has large oil and gas reserves which form its major export produce. Trinidad and Tobago also has coal, natural asphalt, sand, limestone, gravel, iron ore, amongst other natural minerals.
Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most industrialized and prosperous countries of the Caribbean. While oil and gas are the major contributor to the nation’s economy, tourism is another growing area.
1. Visiting the beautiful, clear blue, beaches are a popular activity in Trinidad and Tobago. Depending on which Island you are on, you can visit the different popular beach destinations. In Trinidad, the larger island, these include Maracas, Quinam, Las Cuevas, Tyrico, Blanchisseuse and Mayaro. However, popular beach destinations in Tobago which are known to be more beautiful include Pigeon Point, Bucco, Englishman’s Bay, Irvine and Canoe Bay.
2. Pigeon Point, also known as the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, is regarded as the most beautiful beach in Tobago. You can go scuba diving, snorkeling and stand up paddle boarding at some of these destinations. In Trinidad’s Matura beach, you can also see leatherback sea turtles.
3. For nature lovers, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in the Caroni Swamp is a must see. It is a bird watching destination with indigenous bird species. This destination is however known for having vicious mosquitoes so you must dress prepared for this.
4. Another site to visit is the La Brea Pitch Lake which is known to have the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world. The pitch lake and museum is now primarily a tourist destination as commercial excavation and use of asphalt has considerably reduced. Many tourists bathe in its waters as they contain sulphur which is believed to have healing properties.
5. You can also visit the nature preserve and resort – Asa Wright Nature Centre – which holds a protected rainforest and nature resort for those interested in ecotourism or scientific research. It also houses a lodge and restaurant.
6. The Emperor Valley Zoo is a family friendly destination that houses tigers, lions, fish, giraffes, birds, snakes, giant tortoises, various primates and other animals. It is a fun option for groups and families. The botanical gardens which is close to the President’s house and right beside the Zoo is another tourist attraction with its wide range of plant species. You are sure to find a good spot for your group and family picnics there.
7. If you are a history or art lover in Trinidad, its National Museum and Art Gallery which has art, natural and social history exhibitions, is an engaging activity.
8. The Buccoo Reef and its Nylon pool on the top of the reef is a natural beauty with its sea gardens and marine life. You can bathe in the crystal clear waters of the nylon pool.
9. You can take a day out to visit the famous tiered Argyle Waterfalls in Roxborough, Tobago which is the highest waterfall on the island with a 3 level drop of 54 meters which drops into a series of pools and is surrounded by a tropical rainforest reserve and jungle. Closeby, is also the fishing village of Charlotteville.
10. Tobago’s village-like capital, Scarborough, is another historical destination. It is not only framed by mountains but overlooked by the restored 18th-century Fort King George which you should visit.
11. Try local foods like chicken curry with dahl purry – You can try on the local food like the chicken curry with dahl purry which will definitely delight your tastebuds.
12. Drink at a rum shop (local rums and solo beer) – The people of Trinidad are known for their amazing drinks and you could get in tune with the culture by grabbing a drink as the rum shop that are scattered all over the city.
13. View leatherback turtle migration – Ever seen a couple of fascinatng turtles walk down a path? Well you will if you have Trinidad and Tobago on your bucket list as you could experience this amazing feature for next to nothing.
14. Crusoe’s cave – Crusoe’s cave is one of the amazing works of nature in Trinidad and Tobago and it is a part of the subterranean caves which traverse the Crown Point and Store Bay area.
15. Horseback riding – Horseback riding is all shades of fun and riding in the numerous beach while you holiday in this Caribbean country.
16. Temple in the sea – The Temple in the Sea is one of the most amazing sites in this tourist haven and this Hindu pilgrimage site can be found in Waterloo, Carapichaima, Couva-Tabaquite-Talparo.
17. Goat racing and Kiteing – This might seem weird but it’s a lot more fun than you would expect especially on a sunny day out on the beach.
18. Watch a Cricket match – Cricket is very big in Trinidad and Tobago and you will be lucky if you are in town when they are having a huge game. There you will experience the true passion of the locals.
19. Attend a Soca party– Soca parties is one party that you have got to attend if you are in Trinidad and Tobago because it is all shades of fun.
20. The Lopinot Historical Site which is a museum built on the former cocoa estate of Charles Joseph de Lopinot, a French Count.
21. Going yachting if you would like to take some time out on the sea.
22. Visiting the beautiful, undeveloped and unspoiled North Coast of Trinidad where you can spend some time on its scenic and relaxing beaches.
23. The Annual Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Celebration is a major tourist attraction for the country. It is an annual event that holds on the week of Lent, particularly the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday which starts the beginning of the Lent season. It is marked by various cultural events including dancing, competitions, music, masquerades, colourful costumes and processions. There is usually a street parade on Monday and Tuesday and if you are in Trinidad and Tobago around this time, you definitely do not want to miss this colourful and activity filled celebration. For 2018, the carnival will hold on February 12 and 13. The steelpan which is reportedly the first non electrical instrument of the 20th century is heavily featured during the Carnival alongside drums, claves and others.
You can also check out former sugar cane estates and the MV Maverick which is a sunken car ferry which has been converted into an artificial reef. There are various festivals at different times of the year including the Tobago Heritage Festival, Jazz Festival, Diwali, and others. Don’t miss out on the unique Indo-Caribbean cuisine while visiting Trinidad and Tobago.
You can get more information on the blog at adventugo.com/blog or have a custom itinerary made at adventugo.com/travel-plans/.
Also follow Adventugo on Facebook and instagram!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventugoinc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adventugo/