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Visitor
Activities and Attractions
Dining
Both islands offer top-notch nouvelle Creole, East Indian,
Chinese, French and other cuisines. Local dishes include
crab back (stuffed crab), curried crab, curried goat,
callaloo soup (subtly seasoned and made from the leaves
of dasheen, a spinachlike plant), roti (various items
- meat, shrimp, vegetables - enfolded in a soft, Indian-style
pancake), phuloorie (deep-fried balls of chickpea batter
served with hot mango sauce), kingfish, conch and dolphin
fish.
Shopping
Trinidad and Tobago has some duty-free shopping. Among
the items for sale are French porcelain, doeskin gloves,
English china and crystal, and items from Asia. There's
also a wide variety of local handicrafts, such as coco-pod
earrings, dolls, carved-bamboo vases, copper goods, colorful
island clothing, rum, straw and leather goods, and wood
carvings. There is some fine local art as well.
 There is a 15% value-added tax
(VAT) on many products and services, which is incorporated
into the price of items before purchase (i.e., price tags
already include the VAT). It is not possible to claim
a refund on this VAT.
Surfing
Tobago has multiple breaks within close proximity to where
you'll be staying. There is a right break that ranges
from waist high to double overhead and there's almost
always something to ride.
You can also hire a fisherman to take you out to offshore
reefs where an early session will deliver glassy lefts
and rights, and you can finish off the morning with snorkeling
or by pulling in a nice kingfisher. To the south, you'll
find a hollow right and to the north a quick left. If
you get tired of surfing great reef breaks, depending
on the swell, other opportunities exist for several beach
breaks to really turn on.
Snorkeling/Diving
Excellent diving exists on Tobago from one end of the
island to the other. The northwestern coast is the most
protected and calm area and on the rough days diving is
done in the sheltered bays. Water conditions vary greatly.
During the rainy season (July through September) the visibility
of the water is affected (especially at the surface) due
to overflow from the Orinoco River in Venezuela. At this
time it is between 50-90ft. During the winter months visibility
can easily reach as much as 125-150ft. Temperatures are
very comfortable (78F in the winter and 81F in summer),
a dive skin or light wet suit usually being sufficient.
Snorkel or SCUBA dive the pristine coral reefs and witness
colors you have never seen before. Equipment can be rented,
boat dives are available, and the fish are eager for attention.
Golf
You can play golf at Mount Irvine Bay Hotel's non-exclusive,
18 hole, championship course. This course has been host
to both Shell and Johnny Walker tournaments and is complete
with carts, caddies, a pro shop and a resident pro.
Fishing
Fishing goes without saying in the Caribbean. The adjacent
bays: Buccoo, Mount Irvine, and Black Rock all have fisherman
that are willing to share there boat for the day. If you
want to go a little more first class, charters are available
as well.
 Nightlife
The nightlife in Tobago is unique to the island and there
is plenty to see within walking distance of Mount Irvine.
Catch a steel pan competition in one of the local panyards,
jimbay drums thumping at the club down the street, or
dance soca, calypso, or rub-a-dub at some of the local
watering holes.
Festivals
Because Trinidad and Tobago blend a number of different
cultures, a vital tradition of festivals exists on the
island, the most popular being Carnival, when the whole
island comes alive with joy and celebration as brightly
costumed revellers parade through the streets. Visitors
should note that accommodations are scarce during Carnival,
and it is best to book way in advance.
Additionally, the local festival of Hosay, the Hindu festivals
of Divali and Phagwa have become an intrinsic part of
the local culture. Secular events which celebrate the
local history and music, respectively, include the Tobago
Heritage Festival and the Parang Festival.
Bird Watching and Eco Tourism
For avid bird lovers, there are extensive tours to showcase
over 400 species in Trinidad and 210 in Tobago. The species
of birds include the Tufted Coquette, Toucan, Yellow Headed
Parrot, Red-billed Macaw, Osprey and of course the Scarlet
Ibis which is the national bird. One of the most popular
tours is the Asa Wright Nature Centre near the Eastern
Borough of Arima, which offers the most accessible colony
of oilbirds on their 200-acre conservation in North Trinidad.
The centre offers buffet-lunch, 2 hour guided tours and
visitors are encouraged to bathe in its waterfall and
pool. The Point-A-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust in South Trinidad
offers daily tours around their resource and learning
centre, that protects endangered waterfowl.
There is the flora and fauna for the nature lovers who
enjoy ecological wonders, tropical flowers, magnificent
trees and rich plant life. In April and May the hills
are alive with the flamboyant pink and yellow colours
of the Poui tree. Both islands offer botanical gardens
that are free to the public and have accessible information
about the plant life, without the use of guides. There
are several trails to explore, with tour guides to take
you through the lush, green tropical forest.
Waterfall hikes are very popular. The Paria Waterfall
in Trinidad offers one of the most scenic hikes on the
northern coastline. Other options are the Maracas Falls,
Maracas; Salybia Waterfall, Arima and the Rincon Waterfall
in Las Cuevas. In Tobago there is the Argyle Waterfall
in Roxborough.
Additional Activities
Jet skiing, horseback riding, and bicycle riding can be
arranged by your accommodation provider.
Attractions Found Throughout the Islands
Asa Wright Nature Centre, Trinidad
This small resort, buried among mountains deep in the
Trinidad rain forest, is famous for its amazing diversity
in animal and plant species.
Maracas Bay, Trinidad
This popular beach spot fulfills the fantasy of the ideal
Caribbean beach, but is just as famous for the scenic
rainforest drive that must be made to reach it.
Fort King George, Scarborough, Tobago
This impressively-preserved fort was built in the 1780s
as a British colonial outpost.
Caroni Bird Sanctuary, Trinidad
The home of the scarlet ibis, Trinidad's national bird.
Pigeon Point, Tobago
A popular public beach in southern Tobago that is accessible
to nearby resorts.
Castara Bay, Tobago
Trinidad Dance Theater, Trinidad
A touring dance group, which doubles as a dance school
for novices interested in learning Trinidadian dance such
as calypso.
 Pitch Lake, Trinidad
The oddest attraction in Trinidad is Pitch Lake, a 40ha
(99ac) continually replenishing lake of tar which is the
source of the world's single largest supply of natural
bitumen - however, as a sight it's reminiscent of a huge
parking lot.
Little Tobago, Northeast Coast, Tobago
A tiny island off the coast of Tyrrel's Bay, also known
as Bird of Paradise, that has been transformed into a
wildlife reserve popular among birdwatchers.
St. Giles Islands, Northeast Coast, Tobago
These tiny islands off the northern coast of Tobago are
an important breeding area for several bird species and
are also known for their spectacular underwater scenery
for divers.
La Brea Pitch Lake, Trinidad
This 100-acre lake releases asphalt from the depths below
and is the largest natural asphalt lake in the world.
Manzanilla Beach, Trinidad and Tobago
Emperor Valley Zoo, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Store Bay, Tobago
This popular southern Tobago beach is almost always packed
with tourists.
Arnos Vale Reef, Tobago
Stingray sightings are common at this shallow reef.
Piparo Mud Volcano, Trinidad
One of Trinidad's several mud volcanoes which usually
sit dormant, but occasionally spew mud hundreds of feet
into the air.
London Bridge, Tobago
This large rock has a hole right in the middle of it,
with half the passage above the water surface and the
other half submerged, making this site a thrilling dive
experience.
Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust, Trinidad
Refuge containing two lakes, nature trails and a wide
variety of different birds.
Brian Lara Promenade, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Also called Independence Square, the recently refurbished
center of Port of Spain is popular place to relax, with
benches, street vendors and free concerts.
Argyle Falls, Northeast Coast, Tobago
This 600-foot waterfall, set against the background of
an old cocoa plantation, is a dramatic sight.
Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Trinidad
This peaceful community of monks, one of the oldest in
the Caribbean, has a guesthouse for visitors.
Paschimkashi Hindu Mandir, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Attraction type: Religious site
Black Jack Hole, Northeast Coast, Tobago
This reef, which reaches a depth of 120 feet, has a large
quantity of sponges and corals.
TDE Special, Tobago
A short knife-edge coral ridge covered in volcanic rock
is a popular underwater site, giving divers an excellent
chance of seeing a wide variety of sea life.
Tobago Forest Reserve, Tobago
Established in 1763 to combat European deforestation of
the island, this was the Western Hemisphere's first forest
reserve.
The Shallows, Tobago
This underwater plateau is home to dolphins, turtles and
occasional sharks.
Flying Reef, Tobago
Divers at this site can often see rays and morays.
Mount Irvine Wall, Tobago
Night divers may bump into lobsters, eagle rays and sea
octopi.
Tobago Historical Museum, Scarborough, Tobago
This museum contains many artifacts of the island's history,
both from centuries past and from modern times.
The Sisters, Northeast Coast, Tobago
Near the Brothers, these rock formations protrude from
the ocean near the coast of Tobago and are one of the
island's more popular diving sites.
Batteaux Reef, Northeast Coast, Tobago
A popular dive site near Speyside.
Angel Reef, Northeast Coast, Tobago
One of the many popular dive sites near Speyside.
Bookends, Northeast Coast, Tobago
A popular dive site near Speyside where tarpon frequently
gather.
Japanese Gardens, Northeast Coast, Tobago
A popular dive site near Speyside where sponges are common.
Sleeper, Northeast Coast, Tobago
This dive site is a rock formation where a turtle sighting
is likely.
Flying Manta, Northeast Coast, Tobago
This dive site near Speyside is a popular place for viewing
manta rays.
John Rock, Northeast Coast, Tobago
Divers are likely to cross paths with a sea turtle at
this popular dive site near Speyside.
Kamikaze Cut, Northeast Coast, Tobago
This reef is one of Tobago's best dive sites and has extremely
diverse fish life.
Devil's Woodyard, Trinidad
One of Trinidad's most well-known mud volcanoes, Devil's
Woodyard erupts infrequently but dramatically.
The Market at the Normandie Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad
An interesting collection of small shops, including bookstores,
clothing stores and cafes, all specializing in Caribbean
goods.
Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, Trinidad
This park features mansions from the Spanish colonial
era, interesting stores and street vendors.
Coral Gardens, Tobago
View these underwater gardens of coral either by glass-bottom
boat or up-close-and-personal during a dive.
Buccoo Reef, Tobago
This 10-acre coral reef and the tropical fish that inhabit
it have long been popular among tourists, but have suffered
in recent years from the many visitors.
Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, Tobago
Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve, Tobago
La Vega Garden Centre, Trinidad
Mayaro Bay, Trinidad
A quiet beach on Trinidad's southeastern coast.
Independence Square, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Also called Brian Lara Promenade, this crowded area runs
the width of the center of Port of Spain.
The Red House, Port of Spain, Trinidad
This building houses the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.
Trinidad Theatre Workshop, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Established in 1959 by Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, this
troupe stages popular dramatic performances.
Mohammed Ali Jinnah Memorial Mosque, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Mount Irvine Bay, Tobago
A crowded southern Tobago beach that is popular with tourists.
Stonehaven Bay, Tobago
Wide, unspoiled beach is surrounded by many of the island's
upscale resorts.
Nariva Swamp, Trinidad
Several different species of birds inhabit this swamp,
one of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean.
Trinity Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Trinidad
Englishman's Bay, Tobago
A mysteriously uncrowded beach that is great for swimming
and snorkeling.
Arnos Vale Waterwheel and Nature Park, Tobago
A park established on the grounds of an old sugar plantation
to preserve Tobago's wildlife.
Pirate's Bay, Tobago
Although one of Tobago's more pristine and less crowded
beaches, Pirate's Bay has the rougher waters typical of
most northeastern beaches on the island.
King
Peter's Bay, Tobago
Although less crowded than beaches in southern Tobago,
this scenic beach features rougher waters, like most northern
beaches on the island.
Scarlet Ibis, Tobago
This 350-foot-long ferry was recently placed 100 feet
below the ocean's surface to form a new site for divers.
Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago
This mountainous rainforest covers the length of the island
and is home to an incredible amount of biological diversity.
Lure Estate Waterfalls, Tobago
This tropical waterfall offers great swimming in the pool
that forms below the falls.
Bloody Bay, Tobago
Goat Island, Northeast Coast, Tobago
This tiny island off the coast of Tobago serves as a wonderful
diving site for viewing coral and beautiful ocean landscape.
Keleston Drain, Northeast Coast, Tobago
A popular dive site on a coral reef flat off the northern
coast of Tobago.
The Brothers, Northeast Coast, Tobago
Near the Sisters, these rock formations protrude from
the ocean near the coast of Tobago and are one of the
island's more popular diving sites.
Manta City, Northeast Coast, Tobago
This reef derives its name from the frequency with which
Manta Rays can be found here.
Cathedral, Northeast Coast, Tobago
Located off the shore of Little Tobago, this reef has
a more abundant supply of coral and sponges than it does
fish.
Chacachacare, Trinidad
This mysterious, uninhabited island, once the site of
a colony of lepers run by a group of nuns, is only five
miles off the northwest coast of Trinidad.
Marine Bay, Trinidad
The quiet bay on the southwestern shore of Chacachacare.
Caroni Lagoon National Park, Trinidad
This new national park was recently commissioned to help
preserve Trinidad's wildlife.
Lalaja Falls, Trinidad
A small waterfall located on Trinidad's northeastern coast.
Carib Brewery, Trinidad
With prior arrangements, visitors can receive a tour of
the facilities where several popular Caribbean beers are
made.
Angostura, Trinidad
Tours are given of the facilities where this famous drink
is made.
Paria Falls, Trinidad
One of the island's more stunning waterfalls.
National Museum and Art Gallery, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Home to a large collection of works by Trinidad artists
and a number of exhibits on the cultural history of the
island.
Western Main Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad
This street is home to much of the trendy part of town,
including restaurants, bars and stores.
Maracas Falls, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Royal Botanical Gardens, Port of Spain, Trinidad
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