places to visit in trinidad

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Trinidad and Tobago

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Feb 7, 2023

Trinidad and Tobago are two islands joined as one nation with very different characters and attractions.

Trinidad , near Venezuela , is the busier of the two and the southernmost of all the West Indian islands. In the bustling capital, Port of Spain , you will find some impressive examples of colonial and Renaissance-style architecture, as well as an eclectic cultural mix of Creoles, Africans, Amerindians, Europeans, and East Indians.

Naturally beautiful Tobago is Trinidad's less-developed younger sister, although you will find luxury resorts. Rainforests, reefs, and white-sand beaches are the prime tourist attractions here, with excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.

The islands attract many independent travelers who appreciate the unpretentious ambience and dramatic topography. In particular, both islands are renowned for their excellent birding , with many avian species from nearby South America enriching the biodiversity. Trinidad and Tobago is also famous for its Carnival, held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

Discover the best places to visit and most rewarding things to do in these alluring islands with our list of the top attractions in Trinidad & Tobago.

Port of Spain, Trinidad

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Capital of the nation, this bustling business center is known for its many fine examples of colonial-style architecture, as well as a few tourist attractions.

One of the most popular things to do in Port of Spain is to soak up the architectural highlights around Queen's Park Savannah . Here, elegant mansions called the "Magnificent Seven," line the sprawling green space. Architecture fans should also visit the impressive Red House Parliament in Woodford Square.

Near Queen's Park Savannah, you will also find the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, bordering the president's grand residence, and the National Museum and Art Gallery, with exhibits on local art, history, and culture.

Carnival: Port of Spain is perhaps most famous for its exuberant Carnival. The city comes alive the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday with an extravaganza of colorful costumes, limbo competitions, and contagious calypso and soca rhythms.

Fringed by coconut palms, Maracas Bay is one of Trinidad's most famous beaches. From Port of Spain, the scenic 40-minute drive through mountainous rainforest provides breathtaking views of lush peninsulas jutting into the sea.

The beach itself is one of the most beautiful beaches close to the city . A deep blue bay laps this idyllic crescent of golden sand, and lushly-cloaked hillsides rise at its edges.

You can rent umbrellas and chairs to make your beach time more comfortable, and food trucks and vendors provide tasty snacks along the beach, including Richard's Bake & Shark, a local favorite. Showers are also available.

If you're looking for places to spend the day in Trinidad and soak up the local vibe, this is a great choice. Locals love to "lime" here (hang out and enjoy the scene), in fact this is one of the most popular places to lime in Trinidad.

If you're looking for a more low-key beach day, beautiful Las Cuevas Beach , about 15 minutes from Maracas Bay, is much quieter and less crowded. The calmer waters here also make it a better choice for families.

Address: North Coast Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Also known as the Pigeon Point Heritage Park , Pigeon Point is one of the most popular stretches of coast on Tobago. White coral-sand rims the aqua waters here, and you'll find a range of different water sports, including stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Amenities: Unlike Englishman's Bay, this beach offers many amenities, which makes it a great place to base yourself for a day. Snack bars, shops, change rooms, and thatch-covered seating are all available, and you can also rent sun loungers. But the beach does require an entrance fee.

Boats leave from here for snorkeling trips to Buccoo Reef and a swim at Nylon Pool , a meter-deep offshore sandbar with crystal-clear turquoise water that looks like a giant swimming pool.

As mentioned earlier, the unique Nylon Pool lies just off Pigeon Point and provides an unforgettable swimming experience . It is set in the sea and features waist-high water so crystalline that visitors can see straight to the soft, white coral base.

This natural pool is one of the best places to visit in Tobago for its relaxing locale and optimal swimming conditions. It is easily reached by boat from Pigeon Point and Store Bay.

Nylon Pool is perfect for families , as the water is clear, warm, and shallow. Everyone will love the feeling of being able to stand in the middle of an ocean, and kids will love the glass bottom boat expedition.

Nylon Pool was named by Princess Margaret, who honeymooned in the area in 1962. She thought the water's transparent qualities resembled a nylon, hence the name. It has since become a highly romantic destination for couples in the area.

Argyle Falls is the highest waterfall in Tobago . Dropping 54 meters, this resplendent cascade is both beautiful and relaxing. Named after the Argyle River, the falls end in deep pools of water that are crisp and clear.

How to Get There: To reach the falls, visitors must embark on an easy 1.2-mile trail located near St. Paul on the east side of Tobago. Depending on how quickly you walk, it could take 20 minutes or longer to wander this trail through the rainforest. Along the way, walkers will encounter some of the area's most beautiful flora and fauna, including kingfishers and butterflies.

Once you arrive, you'll realize the trek was worthwhile. The soothing sound of water crashing over the cascade is extremely relaxing, while a dip in one of the refreshing pools is a welcome reward for visitors of all ages.

Built in the 1780s overlooking Scarborough Bay, Fort King George is one of the top historical tourist attractions in Tobago and the most well-preserved fort on the island . It offers beautiful views over town and the coast, and is a lovely spot to wander around, with lush lawns, magnificent old trees, and beautiful plantings.

Still surviving are remnants of the original brick and stone walls, an early prison, the officers' mess, several cannons, and a lighthouse.

Also on the grounds, The Tobago Museum adds context to the fort's history. It displays collections of antique maps, African Art, Amerindian artifacts, coins, and shells.

For a quintessential slice of coastal beauty in Tobago, pack a picnic and head to Englishman's Bay. This secluded beach lies about 1.5 kilometers from Castara along a twisty narrow road, and it's worth the journey. Kicking back on these dazzling shores is one of the top things to do in Tobago.

Jungle-cloaked hills, peppered with palms, tumble down to this gorgeous crescent of golden sand and jade-green sea — if you're looking for the perfect postcard shot to make all your friends at home jealous, this is the place to bring your camera.

The tucked-away location of this picturesque slice of coast makes it one of the most romantic places in Trinidad & Tobago . You can swim and snorkel in the clear sea, and if you want to make your beach basking more comfortable, you can rent chairs and umbrellas from the little café in the car park.

A couple of gift shops here sell bamboo bird feeders and other knick knacks. But it's the scenery that steals the show.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary (Caroni Swamp), just south of Port of Spain, is a nirvana for nature lovers. This series of mangrove-lined waterways is the nesting place of the scarlet ibis, the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago.

Afternoon boat tours cruise the estuaries in search of these spectacular flame-colored birds. Sign up for a cruise just before sunset, and you can capture beautiful photos of the birds as they descend on the trees in large flocks to roost for the evening. It makes a great photo op.

The area is rich in biodiversity, and you can also spot many other species of wildlife, such as herons, egrets, cormorants, tree boas, anteaters, and caimans. Fishing and photography tours are also available.

Address: Butler Highway, Caroni, Trinidad

On the east end of Tobago, across from Speyside, Little Tobago Island is one of the most important sea-bird sanctuaries in the Caribbean . The island is uninhabited, and several kilometers of trails weave through the lush foliage.

Look seaward from the hilltops for the most spectacular views, and you can see red-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and frigate birds swoop in large flocks. More than 50 species of birds live on the island, including Audubon's shearwater and laughing gulls.

Tours: Glass-bottomed boats whisk you to the island, revealing the coral reefs below as they circle past the smaller Goat Island in Tyrrell's Bay. Tours often include snorkeling on the nearby reef and a hike to the island's peak.

Rising above the Northern Range Hills over Tunapuna, the red-roofed church tower of Mount St. Benedict Monastery is one of the most striking landmarks east of Port of Spain.

Benedictine monks established this community in 1912, and the monastery is the largest and oldest in the Caribbean. Founded on the principles of self-sufficiency and hospitality to strangers, the monastery complex encompasses religious buildings, a farm, a rehabilitation center, and guesthouse.

Hiking and birding opportunities abound in the surrounding forest, and the monastery is famous for its yogurt, which is shipped to supermarkets across the country.

The middle of an oil refinery may seem an odd place to visit a nature sanctuary, but this is one of the best bird-watching spots in Trinidad . Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, the 30-hectare sanctuary encompasses an interpretive center and nature trails along lily-topped lakes, where you can spot species such as the scarlet ibis, black-bellied whistling duck, and white-cheeked pintail.

This is a great spot for photographers hoping to catch a close-up shot of one of these feathered beauties.

The Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust protects the sanctuary and operates rehabilitation and captive breeding programs for endangered species.

Address: San Fernando, Trinidad

Rich in biodiversity, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is purportedly the oldest legally protected forest in the Western Hemisphere. The reserve harbors more than half the island's bird species, including the blue-backed manakin, collared trogon, and many species of hummingbirds - the rare white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird is also a resident here.

Hiking through the lush foliage, you can also spot frogs, lizards, snakes, and butterflies. The road through the reserve from north to south, near the eastern end of Tobago, is one of the more scenic ways to see the forest. At the top of the ridge are hiking trails and freelance guides.

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Courtesy of Timothy Corbin | Getty Images

8 Best Things To Do in Trinidad & Tobago

Updated Apr. 24, 2024

Trinidad is popular with nature lovers and bird-watchers, but if you're looking for beach activities, we recommend a ferry ride to Tobago. Resplendent beaches line the island's coast and many remain untouched and desolate. Some of the best

• All Things To Do

Fort George (Trinidad) Fort George (Trinidad) free

Not to be confused with Tobago's  Fort King George in Scarborough, this historic Trinidadian structure provides visitors with a taste of the island's colonial heritage. Fort George was built in 1804 by former British Governor Brigadier-General Sir Thomas Hislop to protect the Port of Spain from any perceived military threats. However, the formidable structure never saw conflict and the military eventually retired it in 1846.

One of Fort George's best known features is its intricate wooden signal station, which provides a stark contrast to the fort's original cannons and dungeons still on display here. Constructed in 1883, this less intimidating, almost quaint structure was designed by Prince Kofi Nti, an Ashanti royal from West Africa who immigrated to Trinidad in 1881.

Store Bay (Tobago) Store Bay (Tobago) free

A cheaper alternative to neighboring Pigeon Point , Store Bay's free beach offers travelers a relaxing place to soak up some sun and cool off in Tobago's famous clear, blue waters. But visitors don't just come for the beach. Beachgoers can watch planes come in and land at nearby Arthur Napolean Raymond Robinson International Airport. Store Bay's other big draw is its array of street food vendors, which serve up affordable, local delicacies like crab and dumpling, bake and shark, and pelau (a mixture of rice, vegetables and meat or crab that’s been browned in sugar). Additionally, this beach is one of two departure points for trips to the area's popular snorkeling spot Buccoo Reef .

The beach at Store Bay is free to enter, but visitors looking to use one of the beachside loungers or changing facilities should expect to pay a small fee. Some recent beachgoers also warn that Store Bay may not be ideal for those who are elderly or in need of handicap accessible ramps since beach access sits at the bottom of several flights of stairs. The beach is open 24 hours daily, but for those looking for an on-duty lifeguard, plan your visit between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Fort King George (Tobago) Fort King George (Tobago) free

Much like Fort George in Trinidad, this mountaintop fort mixes stunning ocean and city views with a dose of Tobago's military and colonial history. Built after the French captured Tobago from the British in 1781, this military compound was controlled by the French until 1793 when it was recaptured by the British. In 1804, it was named Fort King George in honor of King George III, and in 1854 it stopped operating as a military structure.

Within Fort King George, travelers can explore the prison and officers' mess, as well as the quaint Tobago Museum located inside of the former barrack guardhouse. The Tobago Museum features weapons and pre-Columbian artifacts found in Scarborough alongside old Tobago maps and photographs. Outside of the historic buildings, visitors can find several canons and expansive views of Scarborough Bay.

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Pigeon Point (Tobago) Pigeon Point (Tobago)

There is a beach with all of the stereotypical Caribbean amenities — the swaying coconut trees, the bone-white sand, the sparking aquamarine water — and it resides in southwest Tobago. If you haven't picked a resort near Pigeon Point, just about everyone says you need to make a special trip to this beach for at least a couple of hours of beach time.

If there's a drawback, it would be this: Pigeon Point charges a minimal entry fee to enjoy its beautiful shores, and considering there are Tobagonian and Caribbean beaches to visit for free, it could be all too tempting to pass up a day lounging on this one. If you do decide to spend the cash to visit Pigeon Point, also consider taking a snorkel tour of the nearby Buccoo Reef .

Asa Wright Nature Centre (Trinidad) Asa Wright Nature Centre (Trinidad)

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is home to more than 400 species of native birds, plus 55 different reptile species, 25 amphibians, more than 600 butterflies and more than 2,000 types of flowering plants. In short, northern Trinidad's Asa Wright Nature Centre is bursting at the seams; it's the ultimate stop for both novice and experienced bird-watchers and nature lovers.

You could easily spend a day at the expansive park (in fact, the center offers overnight accommodations) but most only took two hours to explore the grounds. Be sure to wear insect repellent and long-sleeved clothes since there are plenty of mosquitos on the property.

Yerette (Trinidad) Yerette (Trinidad)

Nestled within Trinidad's Maracas Valley, this lush sanctuary is home to a variety of native flora and 13 of Trinidad and Tobago's 17 species of hummingbirds. Started accidentally by Dr. Theodore Ferguson and his wife, Gloria, to make it easier to photograph birds (one of the doctor's hobbies), Yerette, which borrows its name from the Amerindian word for "hummingbird," is one of Trinidad's most popular bird-watching spots.

Visitors of Yerette rave about the property's vibrant grounds and unparalleled access to the country's hummingbird population. According to previous travelers, so many hummingbirds visit Yerette that it's easy to hear the buzz of their wings. The property is also a favorite among photographers, who claim that the close proximity provides plenty of opportunities for capturing high quality photos.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary (Trinidad) Caroni Bird Sanctuary (Trinidad)

Located about 9 miles southeast of Port of Spain, Caroni Bird Sanctuary offers many of the same thrills of the Asa Wright Nature Centre without requiring the far pilgrimage to the island's northern rainforest. But the real reason to visit Caroni is to observe the scarlet ibis, the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago that resembles a brilliant blood orange flamingo. The best time to see the ibis is in the late afternoon; arrive a little early and you can enjoy a glass-bottom boat tour of the swampland while you're waiting for the ibis to appear.

Like any swamp, this one has plenty of mosquitoes a-biting and reptiles a-crawling. If you're at odds with nature, you might want to skip this bird sanctuary altogether. Even if you like the great outdoors, be sure to slather on the insect repellant and wear long sleeves and pants.

Buccoo Reef (Tobago) Buccoo Reef (Tobago)

Situated just off the coast of Tobago's Pigeon Point Beach and within 2 miles of Store Bay , Buccoo Reef is highly regarded by locals and visitors as one of Trinidad and Tobago's best areas for snorkeling. Even though parts of this massive reef are starting to die off due to poor conservation efforts, recent travelers said they saw a wide variety of fish and coral while snorkeling. However, more experienced snorkelers may want to skip Buccoo and try out the island's better protected Speyside reefs instead.

To visit Buccoo, visitors will need to sign up for one of several glass-bottom boat tours departing from Pigeon Point and Store Bay. The tours typically last two hours and include snorkeling equipment and a stopover at Nylon Pool, a natural, in-sea coral pool that's located just around the corner from Buccoo Reef. Prior visitors note, though, that the cheaper half-day tours, which start at $20 USD, do not include food or restroom facilities. To avoid an additional beach admission fee, choose a tour that departs from Store Bay. Tours are offered daily throughout the day and can be booked through a hotel concierge, at Pigeon Point or Store Bay, or by contacting one of several glass-bottom boat tour companies. Hew’s Tours and Pops Tours both receive favorable reviews from recent travelers.

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Discover Trinidad & Tobago

Destination Guide | Travel & Vacation Planner

Top 10 things to do & see in Trinidad

Our top 10 picks for what to do and see in Trinidad

A leatherback makes its way to the sea at Grande Riviere. Photo: Stephen Jay Photography

Our top 10 sites and experiences in Trinidad

1) coast to coast drive.

Trinidad’s human and physical landscapes vary vastly from coast to coast. Starting early and limiting your stops, you can drive the entire island in a day. From Port of Spain (which you must walk to truly experience), head east on the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway (or along the North Coast Road). From Arima , you can either head north toward dramatic Toco and Grande Rivière when you reach Valencia (you’ll have to retrace your steps to head to the southeast), or continue southeast through the “Cocal” toward the windswept Manzanilla and Mayaro beaches . From there, head west through the undulating Southern Range, and then south toward Icacos along the gently lapping water of the south coast ; Cedros and Columbus Bays are magical. On your way back to San Fernando , take note of the Pitch Lake (see below) and the oil-based industry that drives Point Fortin . You can head back to Port of Spain along the Solomon Hochoy Highway , but far more rewarding is the Southern Main Road winding past Claxton Bay, the sprawling Point Lisas Industrial Estate, Waterloo Temple and Hanuman Murti. Make sure to head west to Chaguaramas , with its National Heritage Park and marinas of moored yachts from across the globe.

For George sits high above St. James in Trinidad, providing a magnificent view all the way to southern Trinidad, on a clear day. Photo: William Barrow

2) Fort George

The original cannon and dungeon may be intimidating, but Fort George – built by the British in 1804 after snatching Trinidad from Spain in 1797 – never experienced military action. Since 1883, it has been a tracking station. These days, its greatest asset is its magnificent panoramic view (rivalled only by that from Mount St Benedict) of the entire west coast from 335m (1,100ft) above Port of Spain. Open 10am to 6pm, admission free.

Ducks in the lake at the Pointe-à-Pierre Wildfowl Trust . Photo courtesy the Pointe-à-Pierre Wildfowl Trust

3) Pointe-à- Pierre Wild Fowl Trust

This 25-hectare non-profit is home to many rare bird species (both free-roaming and caged), with a unique opportunity to get close to Trinidad’s national bird, the scarlet ibis. Bucolic wooden walkways take you right around the compound’s two lakes. There is a learning centre at the entrance, with displays and Amerindian artefacts, a boutique hotel, and restaurant.

A flock of scarlet ibis fly home to roost in the Caroni Swamp. Photo by Stephen Broadbridge

4) Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary

Probably the island’s best known attraction, and nesting site of the national bird. A rewarding excursion for any nature lover, especially birders . Boat trips leave 4pm (though some companies operate tours all day), meandering through freshwater marshland and mangrove forest. Look for a variety of birds, marine life (including caiman) and tree-dwelling animals like the silky anteater and tree boa.

5) Turtle Watching

Grande Rivière is the second largest leatherback turtle nesting ground in the world. During nesting months (March 1–August 31), endangered leatherback turtles heave themselves out of the ocean to come ashore and lay eggs. Two months later, baby turtles scramble to the sea; few survive waiting predators to make it to maturity. It’s worth an overnight (or weekend) trip, and there are several guesthouses right on the beach.

6) Asa Wright Nature Centre

Trinidad’s most popular bird watching retreat. The 193-acre Centre offers day visits, a restaurant, and guest rooms for longer stays. Highlights include the Dunston Cave oilbird colony; the verandah where up-close encounters with hummingbirds, honeycreepers and bananaquits are frequent; and freshwater pool.

An oilbird chick emerges from its shell as its mother looks on. A protected colony of 200 pairs of this rarely seen nocturnal bird can be found at Asa Wright Nature Centre . Photograph by Harold Diaz

7) Gasparee Caves

Gaspar Grande is the largest offshore island off Chaguaramas and home to the Gasparee Caves. After a boat ride from Chaguaramas , a short hike leads to a descent into the limestone cavern, the electric blue waters of the Blue Grotto , and caves of stalagmites and stalactites sweating percolating groundwater. Some say pirates buried treasure here.

The Gasparee Caves, Trinidad. Photo: Stephen Broadbridge

8) Maracas Beach

After a winding drive through the Northern Range’s rainforest – with beautiful views of Cyril’s, Balata and Maracas bays and the lookout where food vendors and serenading guitarists await – you’ll find cosy Maracas . Its refreshing sea breeze and a good mouthful of bake and sustainably-caught fish or aloo pie can cure most anything.

Maracas Bay, Trinidad. Photo: Stephen Jay Photography

9) Pitch Lake

The largest of only three natural asphalt lakes in the world, covering about half a square kilometre and producing some of the world’s finest asphalt (mined and exported since 1859). Natural springs, said to have healing properties, appear at its centre during the rainy season. Most parts are hard enough for foot traffic. Legend has it that a tribe of Amerindians were swallowed by the lake as punishment for eating hummingbirds, which hosted the spirits of their ancestors. An on-the-spot museum houses some (sometimes bizarre) artefacts that have been recovered.

The Pitch Lake. Photo courtesy TDC

10) Galera Point

A breathtaking and humbling experience is to walk out onto the rocky outcrop at Galera Point beyond the Toco Lighthouse (aka the Keshorn Walcott Toco Lighthouse) at the northeastern -most tip of the island. To the southeast crashes the navy blue surf of the Atlantic Ocean; to the northwest, the gentler turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea. Here the two bodies of water meet, with a distinct demarcation in colour. It is also here that Amerindians, fleeing the Spanish colonials after the Arena Uprising in 1699, are said to have thrown themselves into the perilous waters below rather than suffer further Spanish oppression.

A rainbow where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet at Galera Point. Photographer: Caroline Taylor

• Category: Touring — Trinidad
• Tag: Sightseeing

Written by Caroline Taylor

Great list! Definitely some of the best things to do in Trinidad. Although I would definitely add going for a hike to my favourite activities on the island. Some of the best hikes I’ve done to some of the most beautiful places in Trinidad!

Interesting list! I would add, “The Bamboo Cathedral”, “Mt. St. Benedict”, “An Early Morning Walk Around The Queen’s Park Savannah”, “The San Fernando Hill”. Maybe you can add these and call it a tie, at #10.

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Must-see attractions in Trinidad & Tobago

Asa Wright Nature Centre

A former cocoa and coffee plantation transformed into an 600-hectare nature reserve, this place blows the minds of birdwatchers. Even if you can’t tell a…

About 25km southwest of San Fernando, and just south of the small town of La Brea, this slowly bubbling black 'lake' is perhaps Trinidad’s greatest oddity…

Pirate’s Bay

Past Charlotteville's pier, a dirt track winds up and around the cliff to concrete steps that descend to Pirate’s Bay, which offers excellent snorkeling…

Corbin Local Wildlife Park

Established by hunter turned conservationist Roy Corbin in Tobago's forest-covered interior, just inland of the windward coast's Hope Bay, this nonprofit…

Queen’s Park Savannah

Port of Spain

Once part of a sugar plantation, formerly home to a racecourse and now the epicenter of the annual Carnival, this public park is encircled by a 3.7km…

Fort George

Get a truly spectacular bird's-eye view of the Port of Spain cityscape and the Gulf of Paria from this colonial-era fort, with stone-built defensive walls…

Fort King George

Atop a hill at the end of Fort St, this sizable fort was built by the British between 1777 and 1779, and is worth a visit to see its restored colonial-era…

National Museum & Art Gallery

Housed in a classic colonial building, the rather dry historical exhibits range from the oil industry to Amerindian settlers, the colonial era and…

Botanical Gardens

Resplendent with exotic trees and plants, and networked by paved paths, the Botanical Gardens date from 1818. Take a stroll or relax in one of the…

Nariva Swamp

Inland of the Cocal, the Ramsar-protected Nariva Swamp covers some 60 sq km of freshwater wetland inhabited by anacondas and a small population of elusive…

Mt Irvine Hotel Beach

Just south of the main Mt Irvine Beach, a turnoff from the main road leads to an adjoining swath of sand, where the swimming in calm emerald waters is…

Rio Seco Waterfall

Just past the bridge over the Rio Seco, a signposted trail leads inland to the Rio Seco Waterfall in Matura National Park. This stunning swimming hole and…

Stonehaven Bay

Northeast of Mt Irvine, this fabulous sweep of coarse yellow sand, also known as Grafton Bay, offers some fabulous swimming and bodyboarding in clear…

Tobago Forest Reserve

A 20-minute drive east of Castara, at Bloody Bay, the Roxborough–Parlatuvier Rd strikes inland, meeting the Windward coast at Roxborough. This smooth,…

Little Tobago

Also known as Bird of Paradise Island (though it isn't home to any of the eponymous birds), Little Tobago was a cotton plantation during the late 1800s,…

Caroni Bird Sanctuary

This 5611-hectare estuarine swampland of dense mangrove thickets crisscrossed with tea-colored channels is best known for its scarlet ibis, T&T's national…

Pointe-a-Pierre Wildfowl Trust

A wonderful exercise in contradiction, this picturesque bird sanctuary covers 29 hectares of lake and forest within the incongruous setting of PetroTrin…

Waterloo Temple

Beautifully situated at the end of a causeway striking off from the central west coast, Waterloo Temple was constructed almost entirely by indentured…

Woodford Square

This grassy square with its central Eros and Aphrodite fountain and ornate bandstand is the symbolic center of downtown Port of Spain. Dr Eric Williams,…

Central Bank Money Museum

Newly refurbished and with ferocious air-con that provides a welcome break from the downtown heat, the Money Museum is a surprisingly absorbing affair,…

Hanuman Murti and Sri Dattatreya Ashram

Towering 26m over the Sri Dattatreya Ashram, the brightly painted Hanuman Murti is a potent icon of Trinidad’s Hindu community. Devotees from all over the…

Stollmeyer's Castle

With its battlemented turrets, this fabulous Scottish Baronial pile really does have the feel of a castle. Loosely modeled on the British Queen's home at…

The wide sweep of Castara's main bay, overlooked at its centre by a large fishers' facility, mixes commerce with tourism. Fisherfolk tend boats and pull…

Waterfront Park

Nudging the Gulf of Paria opposite the western end of Independence Sq, and linked to it by a new raised pedestrian walkway over Wrightson Rd, the paved…

Pigeon Point

You have to pay to get into Pigeon Point, the fine dining of Tobago’s beaches, with landscaped grounds, bars, restaurants, toilets and showers spread…

You’ll find white sands and excellent year-round swimming at Store Bay, a five-minute walk from the airport and the seashore of choice for holidaying…

Argyle Falls

This 54m waterfall on the Argyle River is Tobago's highest, cascading down three distinct levels, each with its own pool of spring water, which you can…

Grande Riviere Beach

This long, wide beach is capped at each end by exuberantly forested headlands, with the ever-shifting lagoon of the eponymous river at its east end…

As well as a detailed and quite lengthy presentation on Trinidad's hummingbirds and the chance to watch the birds as they gather at sugar-water feeders,…

Matura Beach

This wild, undeveloped beach with its coarse gray sand offers perfect conditions for leatherback turtles to lay their eggs, but it's far too rugged and…

Heavenly Bay

The smaller of Castara's beaches, this is arguably a better spot for a day by the sea, with a beachside restaurant, good snorkelling and more of a holiday…

Mt Irvine Beach

This pretty public beach, 200m north of Mt Irvine Bay Hotel, has sheltered picnic tables and changing rooms, plus a beachside restaurant and bar, a roti…

Macqueripe Beach

The main road through Tucker Valley ends at Macqueripe, formerly the swimming spot of American troops and now a pretty place to dive into cool green…

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Home » Travel Guides » The Caribbean » Trinidad and Tobago » 15 Best Things to Do in Trinidad and Tobago

15 Best Things to Do in Trinidad and Tobago

Off-the-beaten-track Trinidad and Tobago is an interesting little place. Unlike many of its Caribbean neighbors , this duo of mineral-rich, oil-heavy islets close to the coast of Venezuela does not depend on tourists for survival.

Yes, there are palm-fringed beaches and luxurious hotel resorts; there are misty rainforests and breath-taking tropical jungles, soaring mountain ranges and enthralling colonial cities.

But these aren’t the lifeblood of the archipelago.

Natural gas and oil are what have really brought money to Trinidad and Tobago, meaning the country’s something of a more authentic, less-developed and raw picture of island life than many of its counterparts.

Head in to explore everything from historic fortresses raised by the British to sparkling coral beaches and unexplored reefs.

Come and see charming colonial edifices in the capital, Port of Spain, spot multi-coloured waterfowl flitting through the air, chill on cotton-white sands, and seek out roaring waterfalls in the orchid-spotted wilds.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Trinidad and Tobago :

1. Tropical perfection at Pigeon Point Beach

A small thatched cabana stands on a rickety driftwood pier above the aquamarine waters of Tobago’s Caribbean reefs.

Fat coconut palms sway in the Trade Winds and rugged clusters of rocks emerge from the jungle, peppering the powdery, talcum sand at either end.

Welcome to Pigeon Point Beach: the most famous and acclaimed coastal spot in all of Trinidad and Tobago.

Protected and privately owned, travelers will need to pay $4 entry for this one.

But boy is it worth it! Just check out those lapping, lukewarm shore waters, beach shacks serving cold cocktails and the opportunities for jet skiing and kiteboarding across the Carib Sea.

2. Tour Port of Spain

Now booming with oil money and Trinidad’s successful industrial economy, Port of Spain is a city of two sides.

On the one half are the ports, depots, modern high-rises and traffic-choked highways.

On the other are the charming arrays of Victorian and Georgian mansions, neoclassical builds and elegant plazas.

Hit this historic part of the capital to see the wonderful likes of Christopher Columbus Square, peppered with babbling fountains and lanky palm trees.

Or, wonder at the magenta Red House: the seat of the country’s government.

Finally, be sure to check out the so-called Magnificent Seven – a row of opulent colonial homes from centuries gone by!

3. See cannons and bulwarks at Fort King George

On the grassy tops of a hill above Scarborough, between verdant pockets of cabbage palms and cocorite trees, the remains of the archipelago’s most impressive fortress still crown the coast.

Built in the middle of the 18th century, the site was raised by the British to secure Trinidad and Tobago against French attack.

The French did manage to conquer the citadel however, and by the 1790s the fort had changed hands.

Today, the historic mess room and old cisterns can be seen, along with the cannons that once defended the bay below against oncoming frigates and caravels.

4. Explore the exhibitions at the Tobago Museum

Set in the historically-rich officer’s mess room of the aforementioned Fort King George, just a 15-minute hike from the streets of Scarborough, this curious little museum boasts a fine collection of artifacts and objects that do well to chronicle the past of Tobago Island.

There are old fragments of pottery to see, Amerindian crafts, and a stark and sobering account of the impact of the slave trade on Trinidad and Tobago and the greater Caribbean.

Don’t miss the skeletal remains of a native islander, and be sure to read the old texts that are said to have been an inspiration for the desert island in Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe!

5. Paddle through the Nylon Pool

Supposedly imbued with aphrodisiac powers and healing waters, the so-called Nylon Pool raises up from the ocean bed just a stone’s throw from the picture-perfect sands of Pigeon Point.

Essentially a small spot of soft sand that sits just below the water in the middle of Tobago’s colourful reefs, the pool is popular amongst travelers who want to paddle and wade through the Caribbean Sea with no boats or coastline around.

One of the most-visited places in the country, the Nylon Pool can be reached on regular excursions from Tobago.

6. Shark fritters, sand and sweeping views at Maracas Bay

Maracas Bay is a gorgeous arc of golden sand that can be found nestled between the high coastal hills and rainforests on the north coast of Trinidad.

Just a short drive from the capital at Port of Spain, the spot is popular with both travelers and locals.

Frothy waves and a peppering of windblown palms add a rugged edge to the beach, while countless lookout points and local craft stores dot the mountain tracks nearby, meaning there’s plenty more to do here than just swim and sunbathe.

Oh, and don’t miss the iconic Bake and Shark joints that hide between the palm groves.

These serve up Trinidad’s famous shark fritters – a veritable must-try for any foodies on the archipelago!

7. Get a calypso fix at De Nu Pub

De Nu Pub (also known as Mas Camp Pub) is the go-to place for getting loose in Port of Spain.

Located right in the heart of the city, close to Adam Smith Square, the joint rumbles to the beats of steel drums and Caribbean jazz most nights of the week.

Live bands and artists grace the stages often, representing the cream of the archipelago’s Latin music scene.

Outside, the looks aren’t much to go by, granted, but get past that blue-hued concrete shell and you’ll discover a chatty crowd of fun-loving locals, some fine Creole dinners, great tunes and a clutch of pool tables to boot.

8. Go birding on Little Tobago Island

Bridled terns and brown boobies, red-billed tropicbirds and shearwaters all coalesce amidst the cliffs and salt-sprayed coastal headlands of Little Tobago Island.

Encompassed entirely by a specially designated birding area, the speck on the map just to the north of Tobago proper is famed for its sheer variety of fliers.

It’s also got a beautiful backcountry of dry rainforests and hidden sandy coves, along with great views of the rare red-footed boobies on the cliffs of Tobago proper across the water.

Trips to Little Tobago Island leave regularly from Speyside on Tyrrel’s Bay.

Oh, and don’t forget binoculars!

9. Snorkel at Buccoo Reef

One of the prized sections of the Tobago reefs that encircle the northernmost large island of the country, Buccoo Reef is home to countless species of tropical fish and a kaleidoscope of blooming corals and ocean sponges besides.

A protected marine reserve, it is known for its accessibility and colourful array of underwater flora and fauna.

Regular glass-bottomed boats make their way here on route to the Nylon Pool, while the best way to see the interesting biodiversity is to strap on the snorkels and get wet! Expect rare elkhorn corals, star corals and warm currents aplenty.

10. Caroni Bird Sanctuary: the home of the scarlet ibis

Sandwiched between the islands’ capital at Port of Spain and the mangrove-heavy west coast of Trinidad, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary sprawls out over a large section of wild swampland.

Famed for its population of the beautiful scarlet ibis, which flit through the skies and pepper the tree boughs like blooms of bougainvillea, the area also has herons and slinking snakes, boas and snowy white egrets in its line-up.

Tours often combine on-water and walking safaris, with canoe and powered boat trips through the swamp both available.

Don’t forget the mozzie spray or the binoculars!

11. Yoghurts and zeal at Mount Saint Benedict

Perched up on a small plateau amidst the rainforest-clad hills of Tunapuna-Piarco in the northern wilds of Trinidad, the Mount Saint Benedict Monastery is a veritable must for any travelers touring this wild section of the island.

Built in the early 20th century, the spot has become a focal point of religious devotion and the ascetic lifestyle.

Today, it is known for its beautiful red-roofed looks and as a place of rehabilitation.

Travelers will come to sip tea in the famous on-site Pax Tearoom, to sample the yoghurts that are made in the adjoining factory (packed full of healthy fruits from the Northern Range) and hike the mountain trails that weave into the hills from here.

12. Trek Tobago’s mountains at the Main Ridge Forest Reserve

Sprawled out along the rugged mountainous spine of Tobago Island, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a UNESCO-attested area of natural wonders that’s perfect for the outdoorsy traveler.

With a whole host of different habitats – from lowland forests to dry savannah – within its borders, it’s hardly surprising that the region is home to curious and rare creatures like the olivaceous woodcreeper and the white-tailed sabrewing.

Visitors can hit the winding trails that pierce into the nearly 10,000 acres of forest, passing blooming orchids and land crabs and oodles more of Trinidad and Tobago’s curious fauna along the way.

13. Refresh yourself at the Argyle Waterfall

Crashing through the primeval forests and rugged hills around Roxborough, on the northern edge of Tobago Island, the streams and cataracts of the Argyle Waterfall remain one of the country’s top natural draws.

They can be found carving through a three-tier bluff in the midst of the woods, draped like something out of a romantic landscape painting over the stones and crashing into some shallow plunge pools below.

A small entrance fee opens up all stages of the cascade, with the pinnacle of the falls offering the best bathing spots amidst fluttering butterflies and tropical vegetation.

14. Have the catch of the day at The Fish Pot

One of the most acclaimed eateries in the country and a hearty, welcoming Caribbean kitchen to boot, The Fish Pot makes its home just a stone’s throw from the Tobago shores in Black Rock.

Simple, sizzling, spice-infused fish cuts are the name of the game, with the menu touting some of the freshest catches going.

Expect fillets of barracuda and ceviche salads, jerk-topped seafood cuts and jumbo shrimp.

There’s also a curious international influence, with pastas and American burgers issuing from the ovens to boot!

15. Find seclusion on Englishman’s Bay

Enfolded by the rising hills and the emerald green forests of Tobago’s central mountain ridges, Englishman’s Bay is a true beauty to behold.

A single arc of beige-yellow sand plays center stage, while dashes of deep-green coconut palms and sea vines sprawl out of the jungle to the back.

There’s a lone beach shack serving up Creole treats and beach drinks, all just a couple of meters from the rolling waves of the Leeward coast.

Englishman’s biggest draw though? That’s got to be the seclusion.

This one’s far less popular than Tobago’s Pigeon Point Beach, and offers prime sunset viewing to boot!

15 Best Things to Do in Trinidad and Tobago:

• Tropical perfection at Pigeon Point Beach
• Tour Port of Spain
• See cannons and bulwarks at Fort King George
• Explore the exhibitions at the Tobago Museum
• Paddle through the Nylon Pool
• Shark fritters, sand and sweeping views at Maracas Bay
• Get a calypso fix at De Nu Pub
• Go birding on Little Tobago Island
• Snorkel at Buccoo Reef
• Caroni Bird Sanctuary: the home of the scarlet ibis
• Yoghurts and zeal at Mount Saint Benedict
• Trek Tobago’s mountains at the Main Ridge Forest Reserve
• Refresh yourself at the Argyle Waterfall
• Have the catch of the day at The Fish Pot
• Find seclusion on Englishman's Bay

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Sitting pretty just off the coast of the South American mainland it was once part of, the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago (often shortened to “T&T”) is one of the Caribbean’s most diverse and underexplored destinations. The islands boast spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, savannahs and reefs, and the endless undeveloped beaches are some of the prettiest in the region, from palm-lined white sand fringed by limpid waters to secluded, wave-whipped outcrops. As the home and heart of West Indian Carnival and the place where calypso, soca and steel pan were invented, T&T is a cultural pacemaker for the Caribbean and a fantastic place to party.

Where to go in Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago’s economy is the most diversified and industrialized in the English-speaking Caribbean, with an average of 151,000 barrels of oil and 40 billion cubic metres of natural gas produced here each year. Because gas and oil are the main economic earners, both islands remain largely unfettered by the more noxious elements of Caribbean tourism, and are well suited to independent travellers without being fully fledged resorts. Visitors are not generally corralled in all-inclusives or holed-up on private swathes of sand and the beaches are enjoyed by locals and foreigners alike, with visitors often in the minority. Sun and sea are by no means the only draw here, however: no other Caribbean island offers such a variety of wildlife and habitats in so compact an area (roughly half the size of Hawaii Island). In Trinidad, there are tropical rainforests of mahogany and teak patrolled by howler monkeys and ocelots, wetlands harbouring manatees and anacondas, and remote beaches where giant leatherback turtles lay their eggs, while Tobago is best known for its stunning coral reefs, favoured by manta rays and shoals of brightly coloured tropical fish. Both islands also offer some brilliant opportunities for birdwatching; with more than 430 recorded species T&T has one of the richest concentrations of birds per square kilometre in the world.

The crowded and dynamic towns and cities are equally engaging, with fretworked “gingerbread” homes sitting side by side with temples, mosques, Catholic cathedrals and Anglican churches. The many ethnic groups brought to labour in the islands after slaves were freed in 1834 have given rise to a remarkably varied populace, hailing from India, China, Portugal and Syria as well as Africa, England, France and Spain. Though racial tensions are inevitably present, Trinbagonians (as they’re collectively known) generally coexist with good humour, and are proud of the multiculturalism that has so enriched the islands. This easy-going mentality is best expressed in the local propensity for “liming” – taking time out to meet friends and talk, usually over food and a beer or glass of rum.

Both islands share a party-hard ethic, and Trinidad has an electrifying music scene that rivals even that of Jamaica. T&T is the birthplace of calypso and the more fast-paced soca, as well as that quintessential sound of the Caribbean, the steel pan; you’ll hear plenty of all three year-round, but especially during the republic’s most famous party, its annual pre-Lenten Carnival. During this unique and explosive event, the no-holds-barred debauchery of the Jouvert “dirty mas” parades is followed by two days of pure joy as 5000-strong bands of intricately costumed revellers take to the streets in a celebration of life.

Bound together for the convenience of the British Empire, Trinidad and Tobago are vastly different places. Trinidad offers culture, ethnic diversity, music, clubs, great food, pristine rainforest and a wealth of undeveloped beaches. Tobago is more of a conventional Caribbean resort, its southwest replete with busy strips of white sand and hotels of every stripe, as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and places to dance under the stars. The rest of the island is relatively undeveloped, with plenty of fantastic small-scale guesthouses, but nowhere in Tobago will you find the high-rise hotels and slick resort areas of other islands in the region. It’s impossible to get a full picture of T&T without visiting both Trinidad and Tobago, and regular and inexpensive plane and ferry services between the two make it easy to see the best of each even during a short stay.

A visit to Trinidad will inevitably begin in Port of Spain, the vibrant capital which, with its restaurants, nightlife and accommodation, is a natural base from which to explore the rest of the country. To the west, Chaguaramas is the capital’s playground, with a newly redeveloped waterfront at Williams Bay and the zip line, walking and mountain biking trails, golf course and great beach of Tucker Valley. Chaguaramas is also the jumping-off point for boat trips to the rocky, wooded islands of the Bocas. A sweeping curve of powdery sand and powerful waves, Maracas Bay is the first of many lovely beaches along the north coast, some reachable by road, others only on foot. Inland, the densely forested peaks of the Northern Range offer excellent hiking and birdwatching opportunities. South of the hills, the East–West Corridor provides access to caves, swimmable rivers and waterfalls, the Yerette hummingbird centre, and the oldest Benedictine monastery in the Caribbean at Mount St Benedict.

The flat agricultural plains of central Trinidad provide a fascinating contrast to the north. From the ethereal Waterloo Temple in the Sea and the nearby Hanuman Murti statue to the busy market town of Chaguanas, Indian culture predominates; there’s plenty of natural allure too, from the scarlet ibis that inhabit the mangrove labyrinth of Caroni Swamp to the manatees and monkeys in the protected wetlands at Nariva. Endless swathes of fine brown sand lined by groves of coconut palms make Manzanilla and Mayaro favourite spots for some beach time. The burgeoning city of San Fernando is a friendly base from which to explore the largely unvisited “deep south”, where modern oil towns such as Fyzabad contrast with the spectacular coastline and wetlands around Cedros and Icacos.

Most people travelling to Tobago head for the translucent waters, coral reefs and excellent facilities around Crown Point on the low-lying southwestern tip. The vibrant capital, Scarborough, with its market and historic fort, offers a more genuine picture of local life, while the rugged windward (or Atlantic) coast is best known for the waterfall and cocoa estate at Argyle and the island’s finest snorkelling and scuba diving at Speyside. The leeward (or Caribbean) coast promises some superb beaches, kicking off with the clear green waters of Mount Irvine and the wide sweeps of sand at Stonehaven Bay and Turtle Beach; further afield there’s the twin bays at Castara to the palm-lined swathe of Englishman’s Bay. On the northeast tip, the pretty village of Charlotteville has the sublime Pirate’s Bay as well as the none-too-shabby Man O’War Bay.

Top image © PHB.cz (Richard Semik)/Shutterstock

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Trinidad’s Carnival is all about participation: rather than watching from the sidelines as in Rio – whether young or old, big or small, anyone with a willingness to “wine their waist” and “get on bad” is welcome to sign up with a masquerade band, which gets you a costume and the chance to dance through the streets alongside tens of thousands of fellow revellers. Preceded by weeks of all-night outdoor fetes, as parties here are known, as well as competitions for the best steel bands and calypso and soca singers, the main event starts at 4am on Carnival Sunday with Jouvert (pronounced “jou-vay”). This anarchic and raunchy street party is pure, unadulterated bacchanalia, with generous coatings of mud, chocolate, oil or body paint – and libations of local rum, of course – helping you lose all inhibitions and slip and slide through the streets until morning in an anonymous mass of dirty, drunken, happy humanity, chipping along to steel bands, sound-system trucks or the traditional “rhythm section” percussionists. Once the sun is fully up, and a sluice down with a hose has dispensed with the worst of the mud, the masquerade bands hit the streets, their costumed followers dancing along in the wake of the pounding soca. Monday is a mere warm-up for the main parade the following day, however, when full costumes are worn and the streets are awash with colour. The music trucks are back in earnest and the city reverberates with music, becoming one giant street party, until “las lap” and total exhaustion closes proceedings for another year.

• Standing at about 1.34 million, T&T’s population is around 40 percent Indian, 39 percent black, 18 percent mixed-race, 0.6 percent white and 0.4 percent Chinese. Its population is theologically diverse, too: with 26 percent Roman Catholic, 25 percent Protestant, 23 percent Hindu, 6 percent Muslim, 3 percent Presbyterian and 6 percent adhered to African-based religions such as Spiritual Baptist and Orisha.

• Go into almost any bar in the world and you’ll see a bottle of Angostura bitters , produced in Trinidad and an essential ingredient of many classic cocktails. Its aromatic blend of herbs, spices and alcohol is such a guarded secret that no single person is permitted to know the full recipe.

• Trinidad is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for the giant leatherback turtle . Grande Riviere on the north coast sees one of the world’s highest density of nests, with some 500 turtles visiting per night at the height of the season.

• The peculiar Pitch Lake , at La Brea on Trinidad’s southwestern coast, is the world’s largest natural reservoir of asphalt.

• In 2006, T&T became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup , though the Soca Warriors didn’t manage to score a goal in the tournament, drawing one match and losing two more before being knocked out.

• T&T lie outside the region’s hurricane belt, and haven’t suffered a big blast since Flora in 1963, though minor earthquakes occur at an average of one per month.

• Native to southern Trinidad, the Moruga Scorpion is officially the second hottest pepper in the world, notching up two million units on the Scoville heat scale, just a fraction less than the Carolina Reaper.

Travel advice for Trinidad and Tobago

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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