Trinidad and Tobago

The island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, known colloquially as 'TNT', consists of the two southernmost Caribbean islands, which are geologically an extension of the South American continent. While individually the islands contrast vastly in character, together they offer the best of everything one can expect from a Caribbean experience.

Trendy Trinidad, site of the bustling capital Port of Spain, is sophisticated, cosmopolitan and culturally diverse, its vibrancy reflected in its main attraction, the annual Carnival. Locals spend most of the year preparing for the lavish February fling which is an orgy of calypso music and dance, steel bands, food, dazzling costumes and marvellous floats. The chic capital, with its colonial style houses set beside modern high-rise towers, continually hums with colourful markets, bazaars, and malls, with a mish-mash of gothic-style cathedrals, mosques and Hindu temples testifying to the diversity of cultures and creeds that throng the streets.

Those wanting a quieter experience can leave the hectic city behind and explore Trinidad's beautiful north coast beaches or hike through the forested peaks of the interior. Along the east coast nature lovers will find protected wetlands and coconut groves, while down south on this rectangular island are some enchanting fishing villages nestled among quiet, empty beaches.

A daily domestic ferry service connects Trinidad to its more laid back little sister island, Tobago, renowned as being the last unspoilt Caribbean paradise. A typical tropical wonderland of palm-fringed beaches, verdant rain forests and sparkling coral reefs, Tobago also boasts a nature-lovers treasure trove of birds, butterflies, flowering plants and shrubs. There are 100 different mammals and 70 kinds of reptiles roaming the island, too, most famous of which is the giant leatherback turtle which nests on the magnificent leeward (north) beaches. To the south the Atlantic beats against a coast studded with fishing villages, while the hilly interior is coated with one of the world's oldest rainforest reserves.

Port of Spain

On the island of Trinidad, Port of Spain is king: nightlife, shopping, restaurants, there's nowhere else on the island that comes close. The city is the primary administrative, financial, and retail hub of Trinidad and Tobago, and is quickly becoming a leading city in the Caribbean.

Don't think Port of Spain is all hustle and bustle though, the city is well in tune with the relaxed pace of Caribbean life. Trinidadians love to party, and nowhere is this more obvious than during Carnival, where the fun spills out from the clubs onto the streets. For the rest of the year you can enjoy the numerous art galleries, theatres, and nightclubs, and dance to the distinctive sounds of the Trinidadian steel pan calypso music. While clubs come and go, the best areas to party are St James, St Clair and Woodbrook. Western Main Road has a large concentration of shops, restaurants and bars. Port of Spain is home to a number of lively festivals, including the Red Earth Festival, Erotic Art Week, and of course the famous Carnival.

There is plenty to see and do in the Port of Spain, with attractions including beaches like Maracas Bay; historical sites like For George, The Red House, the National Museum and Art gallery; and places to relax and enjoy the atmosphere like Queen's Park Savannah, Brian Lara Promenade, and The Market at the Normandie Hotel. The Market, along with Western Main Road, is the best shopping in Port of Spain, and a great place to pick up souvenirs.

Port of Spain also makes an excellent base for discovering Trinidad attractions like the coconut estates of Manzanilla and Mayaro, the Nariva Wetlands, and the Bush Bush Sanctuary.

Trinidad and Tobago Honeymoon and Wedding

A Trinidad and Tobago honeymoon offers couples a chance to get away from it all and experience exotic island life while beginning their own new life together. Trinidad is home to the nation's capital, Port of Spain, and is therefore a bit more upbeat, while Tobago has plenty of relaxing and natural attractions to enjoy.

Trinidad and Tobago Honeymoon Things To Do

On honeymoon in Trinidad couples will be able to spend time enjoying Port of Spain's beaches, nightlife and water sports. The zoo and botanical gardens are also a must-see while in town. Live music can be heard in the local beach hotels and candle-lit dinner options abound. The Caroni Bird Sanctuary and La Brea Pitch Lake are good places for some quiet time together.

While in Tobago on honeymoon couples can enjoy an exotic swim at the tropical Argyle Waterfalls. Englishman's Bay, Pigeon Point and Buccoo Beach are nice spots to catch a bit of sun and relax, while the Castara beach has very romantic sunset views. Buccoo Reef can be seen from a glass-bottom boat and is an exceptional dive site, while the local village often has entertaining street parties featuring both local and reggae music. A day-trip to Little Tobago will reveal some fantastic exotic bird life.

Trinidad and Tobago Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Trinidad and Tobago is a popular activity, and with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of great dive sites, it's easy to see why. Coral reefs are home to colourful fish and other marine life, including stingrays, dolphins, nurse sharks, sea turtles, sponges, moray eels and sea horses.

The best diving is around Tobago, which has its own hyperbaric recompression facility. Many good dive sites are around Speyside, and there are several good dive schools there, as well as other points around Tobago.

Scuba Dive sites in Tobago

Tobago also has dozens of great dive sites. Blackjack Hole is a sloping reef with extensive coral home to dolphins, manta rays and sharks; Do-It has colourful corals and sponges and is a good place to spot sea turtles; Little Tobago is home to the Black Forest and the largest brain corals in the world; Manta City is a great place to see manta rays, and a unique phenomenon where bubbles go down before going up; Mount Irvine Wall is a great place to see diverse and colourful fish; Wild Turtle Sive is home to the wreckage of the MV Maverick; and The Sisters is a cluster of rock pinnacles that has coral formations, canyons and alpine slopes.

Port of Spain Events

Carnival

Sometimes described as the 'greatest show on earth', Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival is an explosion of colour and music. A five-day event, the celebration culminates each year on the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday for a party like no other. The festival begins at 4am on Monday with revellers dressed as devils in the predawn J'Ouvert party, but it's not long before the sounds of steel pans playing calypso music float through the streets as bands compete for prizes and parades wind around town.