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Vacation in your mind? You should consider a trip to Trinidad and Tobago. These English-speaking twin islands located close to Venezuela in the north of South America. The twin islands consist of: Trinidad, with an area of 4,800 square kilometers, and Tobago, with 300 square kilometers. The country’s official language is English (the national standard variety is Trinidadian and Tobagonian English), but the main spoken languages are Trinidadian English Creole and Tobagonian English Creole. Other spoken dialects are pan-African, Spanish, French, and Hindi.

The island is famous for its spectacular beaches, gorgeous, untouched nature, African heritage, coral reefs, and too many bird species to count—just a few things that Trinidad and Tobago are known for across the globe. Due to its proximity to Venezuela, the country’s economy is based on petroleum and petrochemicals, which is unlike most English-speaking countries in the Caribbean region.

The twin islands are often regarded as the birthplace of the steel pan, the only acoustic musical instrument that was invented in the 20th century. The steel drums were created on the islands back in the 1930s. It is also home to the world’s largest brain coral colony. It’s located at the Kelleston Drain dive site, which is south of Little Tobago Island.

Trinidad and Tobagonian food is dominated by a wide selection of seafood dishes, most notably, curried crab and dumplings. There are a variety of these meals you should taste if you decide to visit. It is also known for its prepared provisions, such as dasheen (taro root), sweet potato, eddoe, cassava, yam, soups and stews, also known as blue food across the country. corresponding to the Blue Food Day event held annually in Trinidad and Tobago.

The people of Trinidad and Tobago are often considered happy people. They help you with directions when you’re lost and give recommendations on sights and attractions. The best part is that they always accompany the accent with a charming smile. The Trini accent has been rated as one of the sexiest in the world. So it’s a good thing that they love to talk.

The Caribbean has been a winter holiday destination for Canadians for decades. These beautiful islands have a wonderful, year-round tropical climate, and each one has its own culture and ambience. Trinidad does not fall short of these attributes. You can take a plane from Canada to Port of Spain Piarco International Airport (POS).

The flight time between Toronto (YYZ) and Piarco (POS) is around 7h 9m and covers a distance of around 4078 km. This includes an average layover time of around 47 min. Services are operated by Air Canada, Caribbean Airlines, American Airlines and others. Typically 15 flights run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. Check our prices below to get cheapest tickets from Miami to Curacao.

Places to Visit on your Trip Trinidad and Tobago

There are a lot of options available for people who want to visit the twin islands. You will need to know where to stay when you visit. Each of the islands presents unique qualities for each person. Whether you want to hike, take a night out, or just relax. Trinidad, the larger of the two islands, is a fast paced environment with an energetic lifestyle. Unlike Tobago, which possesses ecological destinations perfect for adventure and relaxation.

Now let’s take a dive into some popular destinations you can visit in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

1. Port of Spain (Trinidad)

Are you interested in history and parties? Then this is the city for you. Regarded as the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain is one of the best places for business travelers to stay among all the Caribbean Islands and is home to the island’s world-renowned festival, Carnival. The city is also known for its trendy bars and lively nightlife scene.

A visit to Trinidad and Tobago isn’t complete unless you get lost in this historic city. History buffs will be enchanted by the magnificent architecture, culture, and National Museum & Art Gallery. When it comes to family outings, the Botanical Gardens and Queen’s Park Savannah are ideal.

Visitors to Trinidad and Tobago will discover that Port of Spain is unrivaled in terms of nightlife, shopping, and dining- there is nothing else like it. Trinbagonians love to party, and where better to do so than in Port of Spain (especially during Carnival season, which occurs in February) – where the excitement spills out of the clubs and onto the streets. The best places to find a good party will always be St. James, St. Clair, and Woodbrook.

2. Grande Riviere (Trinidad)

Grande Riviere is the ideal location for a quiet and eco-friendly getaway because it is secluded and remote, and there are several guesthouses nearby. The tour guides not only provide excellent turtle-watching expeditions, but they also provide background information on the turtles and their laying activity. They also offer year-round hiking tours to waterfalls, swimming holes, and other rarely visited natural wonders in the area at this location. It also offers birdwatching tours to see many local species, including the endangered Piping Guan.

Trinidad Grande Riviere’s rocky northeast coast is well worth the drive. It is the most important nesting site on the islands for leatherback turtles. From March to August, there are hundreds of sightings per night, followed by thousands of hatchlings emerging from the sand and heading towards the sea three months later. Furthermore, if you run your hands through the ocean at night, the plankton phenomenon causes the sea to shimmer.

3. Scarborough (Tobago)

Travelers who are drawn to cities but would like to stay near a beach should stay here! Tobago’s hot and noisy capital, as well as the island’s main port, is a thriving town brimming with lively vibrancy – street corners are always buzzing with locals, and bars are always open. Scarborough is located in western Tobago and serves as the island’s economic and cultural center. Tobago’s Historical and Archaeological Museum is a must-see when visiting this town; it is housed within one of the fort’s historic structures. Fort King George, an 18th-century fortification named after King George ll, has influenced Scarborough’s skyline.

However, not far from the bustle of the city is Bacolet, home to Tobago’s most affluent and stylish hotels. Bacolet is known for being a stunning haven surrounded by palms and colorful trees. The sand is flat and brown, the sea is shallow until far out, and the fading waves have long swells.

 

4. Crown Point (Tobago)

This is the best place to stay if you want to be close to Tobago’s International Airport and have easy access to everything. This low-lying area is the most developed and populated zone on the island, especially since it is home to many of Tobago’s hotels, restaurants, and discos. Most importantly, this popular beach is breathtaking, with palm-lined, sandy beaches and crystal-clear, calm aqua-blue waters.

Store Bay, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the airport, and Pigeon Point, which is ten minutes further away, are both worth a visit! Pigeon Point has white sands, clear blue waters, and a coral reef where visitors can go snorkeling, diving, or take a glass-bottomed boat tour to see the spectacular marine life. Store Bay has the white sand and turquoise water you’re looking for, but it’s also famous for its curry crab and dumplings, as well as local snacks and crafts.

 

5. Speyside (Tobago)

This is the place to be for divers! This picturesque town is the Caribbean’s diving hub, with the stunning Bird of Paradise Island (also known as Little Tobago) in the background. Speyside is well-known for its beautiful and wild reefs, birding and hunting trails, historical artifacts, and friendly locals. The scenic mountain road drive is well worth the one-hour drive from the airport to this part of Tobago. Speyside is a village in northern Tobago that is part of the Saint John Parish. It is located on the leeward coast and overlooks Tyrrel’s Bay.

The areas around Speyside village are home to a variety of coral and fish species, the most famous of which are Giant Mantas. The reefs in this area are less disturbed than those in southwestern Tobago’s Buccoo Reef. As a result, if you’re looking for a secluded beach with aquamarine waters, this is the place to be! Whether you are a diver, a family, a couple, or a single traveler.

 

Black Rock (Tobago)

This village is notable for the large black rocks that surround the beach – legend has it that the beach is built on one large rock! This beach is the ideal location for surfing, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Leatherback turtles can also be seen nesting at this location on occasion.

This area is located directly beneath Fort Bennett, between StoneHaven Bay and Great Courland Bay on Tobago’s western shores. Taxis take approximately thirty (30) minutes from the airport. Furthermore, this historic town is only five (5) minutes’ walk from Turtle Beach and Grafton Beach, which have stunning golden sand and calm waters.

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Hotel recommendations for Trinidad and Tobago

  1. Hyatt Regency (Trinidad)

The Hyatt Regency Trinidad is situated in the Port of Spain International Waterfront Development. It was designed as a meeting, convention, business, event, and leisure travel property in the Caribbean with laundry services, conference rooms, and valet parking.

The hotel is just about 5 minutes’ walk from the Water Taxi and Ferry Terminal in Trinidad and Tobago. It features an outdoor infinity pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a business center. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with iPod docks, flat-screen cable TV, and private bathrooms, with some units having balconies that present a stunning view of the sea.

2. Magdalena Grand

The Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort is situated in the tropical Tobago Plantations Estate, a community of luxury suites and villas centred on the Plantations’ 18-hole PGA-designed championship Tobago golf course. The grounds at one of the best resorts on the island offer nature trails and canopy walks through a virgin mangrove forest along two and a half miles of beach and beautiful coastline.

Check out booking.com below to explore our cheapest prices to book your accommodation

Things to do in Trinidad and Tobago

Take a Visit to the Port of Spain, Trinidad

Taking in the architectural highlights around Queen’s Park Savannah is one of the most popular things to do in Port of Spain. Elegant mansions known as the “Magnificent Seven” line the expansive green space. Fans of architecture should also pay a visit to the impressive Red House Parliament in Woodford Square.

The beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, which border the president’s grand residence, are also nearby Queen’s Park Savannah, as is the National Museum and Art Gallery, which features exhibits on local art, history, and culture.

However, Port of Spain is perhaps best known for its exuberant Carnival. The city comes alive the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday with a colourful costume extravaganza, limbo competitions, and infectious calypso and soca rhythms.

2. Tour Fort King George, Tobago

Fort King George, built in the 1780s overlooking Scarborough Bay, is one of Tobago’s top historical tourist attractions and the island’s best-preserved fort. It has lovely views of town and the coast and is a lovely place to wander around, with lush lawns, magnificent old trees, and lovely plantings. The original brick and stone walls, an early prison, the officers’ mess, several cannons, and a lighthouse are still standing.

3. Go to Little Tobago Island

Little Tobago Island, located on the east coast of Tobago, across from Speyside, is one of the Caribbean’s most important sea-bird sanctuaries. The island is uninhabited, and trails wind through the lush vegetation for several kilometres.

Look seaward from the hilltops for the best views, and you’ll see large flocks of red-footed boobies, red-billed tropicbirds, and frigate birds. The island is home to over 50 bird species, including the Audubon’s shearwater and laughing gulls.

Glass-bottomed boats take you to the island, revealing the coral reefs below as they circle past Tyrrell’s Bay’s smaller Goat Island. Snorkeling on the nearby reef and a hike to the island’s peak are frequently included in tours.

 

4. Go to Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge, Trinidad

The Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge is a birder’s paradise, encompassing 1,500 acres of dense forest in the Arima and Aripo Valleys. Some of the avian species spotted at this former cocoa, coffee, and citrus plantation include hummingbirds, woodcreepers, pygmy owls, trogons, and the rare nocturnal oilbird.

You can take a birding tour, have lunch or high tea on the verandah, or stay in one of the cottages. Income from guests is used to conserve the surrounding forest, purchase new land, and fund environmental education events.

Hummingbird enthusiasts will enjoy the Yerette Hummingbird Sanctuary, located deep in the Maracas Valley. The entrance fee includes an informative presentation by the owner, the opportunity to photograph the hummingbirds while they feed, and a light snack, but reservations are required.

If you’re on a birding expedition in Tobago, make your way to Adventure Farm & Nature Reserve. Motmots, bananaquits, and many beautiful hummingbirds can be seen buzzing around feeders in the tropical gardens.

5. Visit Marca’s Bay, Trinidad

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

The beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. This idyllic crescent of golden sand is lapped by a deep blue bay, and lushly clad hillsides rise at its edges.

You can rent umbrellas and chairs to make your beach experience more comfortable, and food trucks and vendors, including Richard’s Bake & Shark, a local favourite, serve tasty snacks along the beach. There are also showers available. If you want to spend the day in Trinidad and soak in the local culture, this is a great option.

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Getting Around Trinidad and Tobago

Renting a car is the best way to get around Trinidad and Tobago, which you can board at either Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport (POS) or Tobago’s Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport (ANR) (TAB). If you don’t intend to explore much, the cheap taxis will suffice. Buses are also available, but they are somewhat unreliable. Go to the docks in Port of Spain or Scarborough and board one of the private ferries to switch islands.

By Car

If you stay in Port of Spain, Trinidad, you can rely on taxis and your own two feet. If you’re going to Tobago, you should rent a car (the island’s transportation isn’t as developed as its cousin’s). When renting a car, request four-wheel drive because the roads can be rough. Also, inquire about auto insurance, as the driving style on both islands is more aggressive than you may be used to.

By Taxi

Taxis resemble regular passenger cars with one major exception: their licence plates begin with the letter “H.” You can catch a ride at your hotel, but the fare will most likely be higher. Instead, go to one of the taxi stands marked on street corners or hail a cab from the street. Taxis are not metered, so make sure to agree on a price before boarding. Most one-way trips should cost the equivalent of $1 USD.

By Bus

The Public Transport Service Corporation of the islands operates bus routes that connect Trinidad’s major cities. However, the buses travel along predetermined routes and there is no set timetable. Route taxis (taxicabs that follow a specific route) are also available on both islands. Tickets are available at the majority of bus terminals. Remember that drivers will not accept cash or credit cards. Tobago also has a cheap bus service, but it is also unreliable. Routes begin around 6 a.m. at Scarborough’s bus terminal, which is a short walk from the ferry terminal, and run to Crown Point, Plymouth, and most villages on the island.

By Ferry

For inter-island travel, the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago operates express ferries. The trip takes slightly less than three hours and costs about $8 USD one way. A less expensive conventional ferry service is also available for around $6 USD, but the journey takes nearly six hours. Trinidad’s ferry terminal is in Port of Spain, while Tobago’s is in Scarborough. If bringing a vehicle, passengers must check in three hours before sailing; otherwise, two hours is sufficient.

 

Things to Pack for Trinidad and Tobago

There are a few things you must consider to pack when traveling to Trinidad and Tobago. The items must be complimentary to your itinerary. Here are a few things you should consider packing:

1. Carry Island Appropriate Garb: Seeing as Trinidad and Tobago is a country that has beaches for a silhouette, you definitely want to carry all your beach essential ensemble. While it is necessary to carry daytime essentials like Tees and shorts, don’t forget to carry your swimsuits / swimming trunks, floral sarongs, sunscreen lotion and sunglasses.

Apart from the must have beachwear, remember to carry light clothing that is tropical weather appropriate. Throw in a few pairs of beach shorts and tees for when you hit a restaurant or kick back at the local bar on the beach. While most hotels and Holiday Villas offer toiletries and bathroom essentials, you may want to carry a backup of some of your personal favorite brands.

2. Trekking Gear: If you enjoy trekking, then your luggage must have non-skid, deep treaded, high ankle trekking shoes, track pants, and a small first aid kit. Carrying a pair of light weight flips flops won’t hurt too

3. Electronic Devices and gadgets: If you are a shutterbug, then you know what you need to carry. It is a given these days, that no vacation is complete absent your favorite camera and other electronic gadgets such as your cell phone and cell phone charger, a voltage converter, a portable Bluetooth speaker, and perhaps your laptop if you enjoy a late-night movie after a long day at the beach.

4. Cash and credit card: This should be top priority when you travel. Carry enough money and your essential cards even if you are on an all-inclusive vacation. It’s always a good idea to carry some spare cash to pay for meals and beverages, and tips to bartenders, bellhops and hotel staff.

5. First Aid: This is an absolute must have. Antacid tablets and pills, citronella oil or mosquito repellent, band aids, paracetamol, antiseptic cream, sunscreen lotion and cotton balls are essential first aid items that one must carry when traveling to Tobago, or any holiday destination for that matter.

 

Travel Requirements for Trinidad Tobago

Passport validity

If you are visiting Trinidad and Tobago, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from the date you arrive.

Further details on these and other entry requirements can be found on the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Immigration Division website or by contacting the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago in London.

Visas

You do not need a visa to visit Trinidad and Tobago as a visitor. Visitors are generally given 90 days to remain in the country, but extensions can be obtained from the Passport and Immigration Department, in Port of Spain (Trinidad) and Scarborough (Tobago).

You must be in possession of a valid return ticket and have sufficient funds for your stay in Trinidad and Tobago. Further details on these and other entry requirements can be found on the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s Immigration Division website or by contacting the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago in London.

Returning residents may be asked to show their residence/ work permits on arrival into Trinidad & Tobago.

Covid-19

Effective 1 July 2022, travellers (vaccinated or unvaccinated against COVID 19) entering Trinidad and Tobago no longer need to produce a negative RT-PCR Test or an Antigen Test as a requirement for entry.

During travel, all passengers arriving into Trinidad and Tobago are encouraged to wear properly fitting facemasks and to adhere to existing public health and social measures, though the wearing of facemasks is not obligatory from 17 July 2022. Visit the Ministry of Health website for full detail.

Visit Caribbean latest travel requirements covid-19 update to get  more information on the covid-19 guidelines.

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Enjoy your vacation and stay safe!