Trinidad and Tobago Things to Do and Attractions
Trinidad's Asa Wright Nature Center is a world-class natural history destination that showcases the island's unrivaled species diversity. Founded in 1967, the award-winning center is home to more than 160 species of birds, 600 species of butterflies
Trinidad's Asa Wright Nature Center is a world-class natural history destination that showcases the island's unrivaled species diversity. Founded in 1967, the award-winning center is home to more than 160 species of birds, 600 species of butterflies and 29 species of bats. Just 11 kilometers north of Arima, the center spans nearly 1,500 acres of mainly forests, where tree canopies tower up to 46 meters high. The center is also home to the only known easily-accessible colony of nocturnal Oilbirds.
The Asa Wright Nature Center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Guided walks with a professional naturalist are offered daily at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Admission, which includes a guided walk, is US$6 for children under 12 and US$10 for adults.
Regarded as one of the Caribbean's most accessible and beautiful coral reefs, Buccoo Reef was even named as one of the world's best coral reefs by legendary scientist Jacques Cousteau. Occupying seven square kilometers off the southwest coast of
Regarded as one of the Caribbean's most accessible and beautiful coral reefs, Buccoo Reef was even named as one of the world's best coral reefs by legendary scientist Jacques Cousteau. Occupying seven square kilometers off the southwest coast of Tobago, the reef is the country's only protected marine area.
Buccoo Reef is home to hundreds of types of reef fish, giant manta rays and sea turtles. A shallow, 0.6-meter-deep white sand area known as the Nylon Pool found right behind the reef is a great way to cool off from the tropic heat.
Port of Spain's Emperor Valley Zoo features an impressive array of both local and international animal species. Ocelots, red brocket deer, Trinidad capuchins and Savanna hawks are among the native fauna, while international animals calling the zoo
Port of Spain's Emperor Valley Zoo features an impressive array of both local and international animal species. Ocelots, red brocket deer, Trinidad capuchins and Savanna hawks are among the native fauna, while international animals calling the zoo home include African lions, mandrills and giant otters. Guests to the zoo are also afforded the rare opportunity to see several endangered species, including the tapir, red howler monkey, scarlet macaw and pawi, a rare bird found in the Northern and Central ranges of the islands.
The Emperor Valley Zoo is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM. Admission is TT$2 for children ages 3-12 and TT$4 for adults. Admission for children under 3 is free. Complimentary on-site parking is available.
Built by the British in 1777, Tobago's Fort King George is regarded as the best preserved historical monument on the island. Guests can amble around the fort's prisoner cells, bell tank and barracks. The original cannon emplacements used to guard the
Built by the British in 1777, Tobago's Fort King George is regarded as the best preserved historical monument on the island. Guests can amble around the fort's prisoner cells, bell tank and barracks. The original cannon emplacements used to guard the coastline, Scarborough and Rockley Bay are also still in place. On the ground floor, the Tobago Museum houses a collection of weapons, pre-Columbian artifacts and colonial objects. Despite being a location once used for military purposes, the fort's park-like tranquility is also perfect for picnicking.
Fort King George is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission to the fort is free, while admission to the Tobago Museum is TT$2 per person. On-site parking is available.
Port of Spain's National Museum and Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of roughly 10,000 objects and works depicting past and current Trinidadian life. The museum's seven major galleries include exhibits on the island's petroleum and
Port of Spain's National Museum and Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of roughly 10,000 objects and works depicting past and current Trinidadian life. The museum's seven major galleries include exhibits on the island's petroleum and geological features, island life during World War II and the art of the national Carnival festival. The museum's stately white Dutch building also houses an extensive collection of paintings and photographs by local island artists.
The National Museum and Art Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 2 to 6 PM. Admission is free. Guided tours are available upon request.
Trinidad's National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) is committed to informing the public that science and technology is part of everyday existence. To further its mission, NIHERST sponsors an on-site National
Trinidad's National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) is committed to informing the public that science and technology is part of everyday existence. To further its mission, NIHERST sponsors an on-site National Science Centre, which features several hands-on and kid-friendly science-themed exhibits.
The popular Raging Planet Exhibit explores forces of nature and how tornadoes, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions come to fruition. Guests can climb inside the Wind Tunnel, which simulates hurricane conditions, or experience an earthquake at Earthquake House. The Tornado Chamber explores weather conditions behind cyclones, while the Shake Table allows guests to manipulate an earthquake and observe how objects on the table are affected as a result.
The National Science Centre is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Admission is TT$5 for children in uniform, TT$10 for children ages 5-12 and TT$15 for adults. Admission for children under 5 is free. On-site parking is available.
The beautiful, manicured Royal Botanic Gardens are located just north of Trinidad's Port of Spain. Established in 1818, the Royal Botanic Gardens are one of the oldest of their kind in the West Indies. The gardens feature roughly 700 trees, 13
The beautiful, manicured Royal Botanic Gardens are located just north of Trinidad's Port of Spain. Established in 1818, the Royal Botanic Gardens are one of the oldest of their kind in the West Indies. The gardens feature roughly 700 trees, 13 percent of which are indigenous to Trinidad, as well as 200 species of orchids. The grounds are also home to a small cemetery reserved for Trinidadian governors that dates back to 1819.
The Royal Botanic Gardens grounds are available for private events. The gardens are open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM. Admission is free.
Covering more than two-thirds of the island of Tobago, the Tobago Forest Reserve is the oldest forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. Declared a reserve in 1764, the 14,000-acre forest is one of Tobago's most popular tourist attractions and home
Covering more than two-thirds of the island of Tobago, the Tobago Forest Reserve is the oldest forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. Declared a reserve in 1764, the 14,000-acre forest is one of Tobago's most popular tourist attractions and home to several excellent hiking trails. The three-kilometer-long Gilpin Trail is a difficult yet awe-inspiring route that snakes past several waterfalls. Though a bit messy for some, this trail's colorful mud is often collected by Carnival festival participants to use as face paint.
The Spring/Blue Copper Trail is a moderate 2.4-kilometer-long hike, while the 0.4-kilometer-long Sevrette Trail features markers that inform hikers about the resident flora. The Tobago Forest Reserve is also an ideal spot for bird watching, as it is home to the beautiful orange-winged parrot and rare white-tailed sabre-wing hummingbird.
Trinidad and Tobago is home to eight exceptional golf courses, including Tobago's award-winning Mt. Irvine Bay Golf Course. Located on the grounds of an old coconut plantation, Mt. Bay Irvine features a spectacular ocean view from each of its 18
Trinidad and Tobago is home to eight exceptional golf courses, including Tobago's award-winning Mt. Irvine Bay Golf Course. Located on the grounds of an old coconut plantation, Mt. Bay Irvine features a spectacular ocean view from each of its 18 holes.
On Trinidad, the St. Andrew's Golf Club, regarded as one of the finest courses in the Caribbean, features mature tropical trees, narrow fairways and pristine grounds from its spot on the hills above Port of Spain. Also on the island, the Chaguaramas Golf Club, located at the base of Edith Falls, is a challenging course that spans nearly 100 acres. Players stay out of the intense tropical sun thanks to the shade from the course's bamboo alcoves and native tonka bean trees.
With a fleet of air conditioned 21- and 45-seat coaches, Trinidad and Tobago Sightseeing Tours allow visitors to experience the best of the islands. The 2.5-hour City Tour in Trinidad travels to historical points in Port of Spain. Guests visit
With a fleet of air conditioned 21- and 45-seat coaches, Trinidad and Tobago Sightseeing Tours allow visitors to experience the best of the islands. The 2.5-hour City Tour in Trinidad travels to historical points in Port of Spain. Guests visit landmarks such as the 1906 Redhouse and attractions such as 230-acre Queen's Park Savannah and Stollmeyer Castle. Other Trinidad tours include Port of Spain/Saddle Drive Maracas Beach, Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary, and Island Circle, which loops around the entire island.
Tobago guests can spend A Day in Tobago, visiting Scarborough and the Mt. Irvine Resort and Golf Course area. This tour also includes a boat trip to the gorgeous Buccoo Reef. Guests can also opt to tour only the reef for a day of snorkeling amidst its aquatic life and colorful coral.
Group tours are available. Tour schedules and prices vary based on type. The City Tour costs US$40; the Port of Spain/Saddle Drive Maracas Beach tour costs US$52; the Caroni Swamp & Bird Sanctuary tour costs US$59; the Island Circle Tour costs US$95; A Day in Tobago costs US$220 and includes round-trip airfare between Trinidad and Tobago; and the Buccoo Reef tour costs US$46.
Boasting thatched roofs, bamboo, rattan furnishings and coral stone walls, the open air Kariwak Village Restaurant specializes in authentic Caribbean and Creole cuisine. In Tobago's Crown Point region, the restaurant makes a home in the Kariwak
Boasting thatched roofs, bamboo, rattan furnishings and coral stone walls, the open air Kariwak Village Restaurant specializes in authentic Caribbean and Creole cuisine. In Tobago's Crown Point region, the restaurant makes a home in the Kariwak Village hotel, which features award-winning gardens and lush tropical grounds. The restaurant prepares entrees using its own garden-grown herbs, fresh seafood and local ingredients. Highlights include refreshing Caribbean squash, freshly-grilled, locally-caught fish and extensive vegetarian options. A full buffet spread set to live regional music is offered Friday and Saturday nights.
Kariwak Village Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 7:30 AM to 10 PM. Entrees average US$24.
La Belle Crede, housed in Tobago's boutique Half Moon Blue Hotel, specializes in authentic southern Caribbean fare. Located less than a kilometer from downtown Scarborough, the intimate Half Moon Blue Hotel is an 1850s Edwardian structure nestled on
La Belle Crede, housed in Tobago's boutique Half Moon Blue Hotel, specializes in authentic southern Caribbean fare. Located less than a kilometer from downtown Scarborough, the intimate Half Moon Blue Hotel is an 1850s Edwardian structure nestled on the hillside beneath historic Fort George. Before their meal, guests settle into oversized wicker chairs scattered about the open veranda beneath palms and bamboo. Featuring garden-fresh produce and daily catches from the adjacent Bacolet Bay, the menu includes favorites such as local crayfish cakes and coconut mahi mahi steaks.
La Belle Crede serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 8 AM to 9 PM. Entrees range from US$16 to US$56.
Located Port of Spain's BHP Bilton Building, the contemporary Prime is the only licensed establishment in the English-speaking Caribbean to exclusively serve certified Angus steaks. The restaurant's cozy booths, white linens and floor-to-ceiling
Located Port of Spain's BHP Bilton Building, the contemporary Prime is the only licensed establishment in the English-speaking Caribbean to exclusively serve certified Angus steaks. The restaurant's cozy booths, white linens and floor-to-ceiling windows are accentuated with an interior dcor of dark woods, gold accents and Tuscan wine racks. Menu favorites include herb-crusted Colorado lamb chops, free-range chicken with tarragon lemon butter, and crab-stuffed black grouper. Diners are also welcome to enjoy house-offered Cuban cigars during their meal.
The Cellar, Prime's private room, is a cozy, intimate space available for events of up to 20 guests. Prime serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and dinner daily from 6 PM to close. The average entree price is US$50.
Housed on the top floor of Trinidad's Kapok Hotel, Tiki Village Restaurant is renowned for its sumptuous Asian and Polynesian cuisine. The restaurant's interior is lined in teak and marked by vaulted ceilings, natural stone and wicker seating,
Housed on the top floor of Trinidad's Kapok Hotel, Tiki Village Restaurant is renowned for its sumptuous Asian and Polynesian cuisine. The restaurant's interior is lined in teak and marked by vaulted ceilings, natural stone and wicker seating, creating a world-class ambience rivaled only by its cuisine. Menu favorites include Polynesian classics such as shrimp simmered in spicy curry, Mongolian beef served over thin vermicelli, and pork tenderloin with black mushrooms, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts.
Tiki Village can accommodate private events. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily from 6:30 AM to 10:15 PM. Entrees average US$20.
New World ambience meets local Trinidadian flair at Trotters, a relaxed Caribbean eatery that is immensely popular among island residents. Located in Port of Spain, Trotters features exposed brick, dark woods and rich red dcor, as well as 39
New World ambience meets local Trinidadian flair at Trotters, a relaxed Caribbean eatery that is immensely popular among island residents. Located in Port of Spain, Trotters features exposed brick, dark woods and rich red dcor, as well as 39 big-screen televisions that offer continuous viewings of international sports games. Trotters' menu is infused with local flavors, and favorites include chicken breast with teriyaki-peanut sauce, Jamaican black pepper jerk shrimp, and crab fettuccine, as well as such specialty pizzas as tandoori chicken with mango chutney, zucchini and cilantro.
The restaurant's private mezzanine dining room seats 20 to 100 people and features a full-service bar and audio-visual services. Trotters offers its full menu Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 to 2 AM. Entrees range from US$12 to US$28.
