Trinidad and Tobago

Just seven miles off the coast of Venezuela are the islands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean Sea. While tourism plays an important role here and this country is unique from other Caribbean nations as the economy here is based on the petroleum and petrochemical industry, which makes the island unique. The country is made up of two primary islands, the larger, festive island of Trinidad and the more laid-back island of Tobago. There are 22 other small islands including little Tobago which make up the nation.

Island of Trinidad

Port of Spain, the capital city, is a bustling city and full of culture. Here you’ll locate art galleries and restaurants; visit the National Museum and learn about the culture of the country and its people. The island does have a quiet side with ecological and geographical diversity.

Visit the north coast and you’ll discover nice, sandy beaches. Here you can kick back and relax. The northern interior of the island is full of lush, dense forest and is a good place to go hiking. The centre of the island is primarily agricultural lowland. On the east coast you’ll find protected wetlands and beach lined with coconut palms – this are is known as Cocal and is the industrial capital of the island. Here you’ll find modern oil towns combined with fishing villages and beaches.

You’ll find natural beauty on a number of beaches including Maracas, Las Cuevas, Mayaro, and Grand Riviere. There are swamps including Nariva and Caroni where you’re likely to find wildlife as Trinidad is home to such animals including the leopard-like ocelot, the manatee, caimans, and the Scarlet Ibis.

Island of Tobago

Quiet – in comparison with Trinidad. The capital of Tobago is Scarborough. The Tobago Forest Reserve claims to be the oldest protected forests in the western world. The forest has great biodiversity including many species of birds, mammals, frogs, and non-poisonous snakes.

You’ll also find palm lined beaches and reefs full of marine life on Tobago. On the south side of the island you’ll find green, wave-washed beaches, but once you make your way to the north coast; you’ll find Tobago’s best beaches. Tobago is also a popular dive location with its coral communities. Diving tends to be centred at Speyside.

Getting to Trinidad and Tobago

The national airline, BWIA, operates flights to Piarco Airport (POS) in Trinidad and Crown Point Airport (TAB) in Tobago. Other major carriers including Aeropostal, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Air France provide service to the islands.

The Tobago Ferry is available to shuttle passengers between Port of Spain in Trinidad and Scarborough in Tobago every day except Saturdays. The trip takes approximately five hours.