These two gorgeous islands are full of life, vigor, and vibrancy. Whether you’re looking to reenergize yourself with a good party or get in touch with the pulse of the natural world around you, Trinidad & Tobago offer something that’s sure to jolt your system.
In February of this year, I spent over a week exploring these two islands—just before Carnival. From relaxing in Tobago to experiencing LIME Fete in Trinidad, here are the top ten things to do on a trip to Trinidad and Tobago.
Things To Do in Trinidad & Tobago
LIME Fete in Trinidad
Hosted by Hyatt Regency Trinidad, this pre-Carnival concert has only been around since 2011 but has quickly become the must-go party the week before Carnival takes over. This party hosts some of the Caribbean’s biggest names in club music as well as unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment, as long as you stick to the “dress code”—wear white with lime green accents.
Carnival in Trinidad
Ready to party mas? Get in on the Carnival spirit by joining one of the many Mas Bands on the islands. The bands provide music, food, drinks, party transportation, security, and even costumes as you dance the days away—they take care of the details so you can focus on celebrating! And no matter your style there’s a mas band for you, from the prestige and glamor of BLISS or the primal vibe of Down & Dirty J’Ouvert.
Down the Islands Party Boat Ride
If your ideal party involves less crowded dance floor and more fresh air, then a day on Trinidad’s water on an In Joy Tours’ boat cruise might be just the thing. Along with drinks, food, and music, you get access to “down the islands,” a beautiful collection of sandy islets with white sand, flourishing flora, hidden caves, and colorful wildlife. Best of all, the islands are only accessible by boat—meaning you can enjoy a swim and the sun with less of a crowd.
Spend the Day out on the Water in Tobago
Tobago has some amazing boating opportunities, too! Whether you take a tour or chart yourself a boat, make sure to take a stop at Buccoo Reef. Buccoo Reef and its nearby sandy shoal, Nylon Pool, is a beautiful reef home to over 40 different species of coral and many more sea creatures. Nearby Pelican Island and No Man’s Land are secluded bits of paradise perfect for a picnic or barbecue lunch.
SUP at Pigeon Point Tobago
Pigeon Point, or as it’s more accurately known, Pigeon Point Heritage Park, is often claimed to be Tobago’s most beautiful beach. Pictures of this beach fill photo albums, Instagram accounts, and official tourist sites, making it the unofficial face of Tobago. It is a perfect place for stand up paddling, wading, and just enjoying some sun.
Tour the Cocoa Estate in Tobago
Though the Tobago Cocoa Estate has only been in business since 2005, the island’s history of cocoa as a cash crop has existed for much longer. The Estate’s tour offers an illuminating look back on Tobago’s past through the lens of this industry, as well as a tour of their own facilities which use modern eco-friendly cultivation practices. A rum and chocolate tasting is offered at the end of each tour.
Argyle Waterfalls in Tobago
A popular swimming destination, Argyle Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall, which can be reached by taking a short hike into the forests of Scarborough. For about T$30, a tour guide will take you to the falls, pointing out the interesting flora and fauna in the area. The water cascades into three small bathing pools, each flowing one into the other. If you can swing it, you should go when it’s sunny. Not only will the hiking paths have less mud (and therefore be less slippery) but the rainbows from the falls’ spray are breathtaking!
Taste Doubles
Doubles are a local culinary specialty and common street food of curried chick peas between pieces of fried flat bread, known as “bara.” The filling is then topped with mango, coconut, culantro, tamarind fruit, and spicy pepper sauce. These sweet and spicy sandwiches are extremely popular and are eaten at any time of day as breakfast or even a midnight snack.
Caroni Bird Sanctuary & Wetlands Tour
The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is a mangrove wetlands preserve and home to numerous species of indigenous birds, bats, snakes, fish, and other wildlife. Boat tours of this area offer a fantastic in-depth look into Trinidad’s diverse ecosystem and the animals that live there—including the Scarlet Ibis, the island’s national bird.
Witness Sea Turtle Hatchlings
The leatherback sea turtle is the world’s largest reptile, and each year these gentle giants crawl onto the beaches of Trinidad to lay their eggs. Visiting between May and August will provide you with the best chance of seeing the young hatchlings dig their way out of the sand! It is also possible to join volunteer efforts to safeguard the turtles during this vulnerable time.
Where to Stay on Trinidad & Tobago:
In Tobago, I stayed at the Magdalena Grand, which is known as Tobago’s best oceanfront resort. This gorgeous resort sits on the Tobago Plantations Estate and offers miles of coastline, nature trails, and a mangrove forest.
In Trinidad, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad is located right in Port-of-Spain, just minutes from the airport, and it has an infinity pool view to die for.
