Trinidad and Tobago: A Vibrant Caribbean Paradise Awaiting Your Visit
Trinidad and Tobago, known colloquially as ‘TNT’, consist of the two southernmost Caribbean islands. While the two islands are vastly different in character, together they offer visitors the best elements of the Caribbean experience.
Trinidad is home to the bustling capital, Port of Spain, which is sophisticated, cosmopolitan, and culturally diverse. The capital’s vibrancy is reflected in its main attraction, the annual Carnival. Locals spend most of the year preparing for the lavish February fling, which is a pastiche of calypso music and dance, food, dazzling costumes, and marvellous floats.
Port of Spain is a place of contrasts, where colonial architecture exists in the shadow of modern, high-rise towers, and the constant bustle of local colourful markets and bazaars provide an alternative experience to the one found in the plush shopping malls. This, alongside the patchwork of Gothic cathedrals, mosques, and Hindu temples, testifies to the diversity of cultures that call the islands home.
Those looking for a more peaceful experience can leave the frenetic 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 near secluded beaches.
A daily domestic ferry service connects Trinidad to its more laid back, little sister island, Tobago, which is renowned for being one of the last slices of unspoilt Caribbean paradise. Tobago is a typical tropical wonderland of palm-fringed beaches, verdant rainforests, and sparkling coral reefs. It also boasts a nature-lover’s treasure trove of birds, butterflies, flowering plants, and shrubs.
There are over 100 different mammals and around 70 types of reptiles roaming the island, too, most famous of which is the giant leatherback turtle that nests on the magnificent 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.
Overview
Attractions in Trinidad and Tobago are as abundant and rich as its oil reserves and much more pristine. Many choose to get lost in the decadence of Carnival or Port of Spain’s nightlife, while others marvel at the island’s natural wonders. These include the Gasparee and Aripo cave systems, full of stalagmites and stalactites; the Hollis Reservoir; and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, which is a treasure trove for bird watchers.
Maracas Bay is the island’s most celebrated beach, but the competition is fierce. Port of Spain has some charming colonial architecture, with perhaps the most notable building being The Mount St Benedict Monastery. Established in 1912, it’s said to be the oldest and largest monastery in the Caribbean.
A ferry connection to the smaller, more relaxed Tobago opens up a host of beach and water attractions. Tobago is less developed and crowded than Trinidad and the place to go for peace and natural beauty. The most spectacular beach on Tobago is widely acknowledged to be Pigeon Point, but there are many other beautiful places, including Campbellton Bay, Englishman’s Bay, Bacolet Bay, and Castara Bay.
Off the east coast of Tobago, across from Speyside, the uninhabited, bird sanctuary island, Little Tobago, beckons travellers with popular activities in and around the island, including hiking, snorkelling, and glass-bottomed boating.
Away from the glorious beaches, the best place to explore Tobago’s rainforest is Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which is said to be the oldest protected forest in the western hemisphere and home to more than half of the island’s prodigious birdlife.
Those wanting a touch of culture during a Tobago holiday can visit Fort King George and the nearby Tobago Museum. Between rainy and dry seasons, October to December and April to June are the best times for a holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, as they allow travellers to avoid crowds and rain.
Climate in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago enjoys a tropical climate with average maximum temperatures of 89F (32C). Tobago’s average temperatures are slightly cooler, owing to the more constant northeast trade winds that bring relief from the heat. There is a dry season between January and May and a wet season from June to December. Annual rainfall is about 40 inches (200cm) in most of the country. Trinidad and Tobago lies just south of the hurricane belt. The rainy season is characterised by afternoon showers and the weather is generally still quite pleasant, while accommodation prices are slightly lower. The best and most popular time to travel to Trinidad and Tobago is during the winter dry season, between January and May, when the skies are generally clear.
Health Notes when travelling to Trinidad and Tobago
A yellow fever vaccination is required for those entering Trinidad and Tobago from infected areas, and it is recommended that all travellers to Trinidad are vaccinated against yellow fever anyway. Those who are only visiting Tobago do not need a yellow fever vaccination. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and hepatitis B are also recommended for all travellers. Insect protection is advised, as there is an increasing risk of dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease.
Medical facilities are limited in Trinidad and Tobago and medicines may be in short supply. Emergency evacuation to a nearby country will likely be required for serious injury or illness. Proof of ability to pay is often required before treatment is given, even in emergencies. Medical insurance with provision for evacuation is strongly advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Trinidad and Tobago
Most visits to Trinidad and Tobago are trouble free, but there is an increasing incidence of crime against tourists on both islands. In Trinidad, visitors should be especially vigilant in downtown Port of Spain (particularly at night), and when travelling from Piarco Airport, where gangs have been known to follow cars and attack the occupants at their final destination. There has been an increase in robberies at tourist sites, including Fort George and the Pitch Lake, and these attacks can be violent; visitors are warned not to resist muggers and robbers who are also targeting foreigners at car parks outside places such as shopping malls and restaurants. Travellers should take precautions such as not wearing flashy jewellery and storing valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes.
Customs in Trinidad and Tobago
The people of Trinidad and Tobago are friendly and hospitable and generally happy to assist tourists. However, visitors should keep in mind that it is polite to greet a stranger before asking a question. Nude or topless bathing is frowned upon and, though the legislation came into force to decriminalise possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis, anyone with more than 30 grams of cannabis, or more than five grams of cannabis resin, commits an offence and is liable to a fine of TTD 50,000. Severe penalties remain in place for other drug-related offences, including attempting to export narcotics.
Male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and there is legislation in place that bars LGBT individuals from entering the country. These laws are rarely enforced and there is growing local support for LGBT rights, but public displays of affection between same sex couples may attract negative attention. LGBT travellers should exercise caution.
Duty Free in Trinidad and Tobago
Visitors arriving in Trinidad and Tobago are allowed to bring in the following goods without paying duty: 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1.5 litres of spirits or wine; gifts; and perfume for personal use. Alcohol and tobacco products are allowed only for passengers over the age of 17 years.
Doing Business in Trinidad and Tobago
The economy of Trinidad and Tobago has been growing steadily over the past few years and foreign investment is on the increase. A firm handshake starts and ends a meeting. Formal attire is common but not always strictly necessary; it is worth finding out about the dress code for the relevant sector of business. Business cards are generally handed out and received immediately after introductions. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with about an hour taken over lunch.
Communication in Trinidad and Tobago
The international dialling code for Trinidad and Tobago is +1 868. To dial out from the islands the prefix is 011, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01127 for South Africa). Mobile networks are in operation on the islands, with fairly wide coverage; visitors will find WiFi at hotels, bars and restaurants.
Tipping in Trinidad and Tobago
Most hotels and restaurants in Trinidad and Tobago usually add a 10 or 15 percent service charge to the bill. If this is not the case, a 10 percent tip is expected for good service.
Passport/Visa Note
Visitors require documents for return or onward travel and a fixed address for the period of their stay. Since 23 January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from Trinidad and Tobago by air require a valid passport; this requirement has been extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
The wearing of camouflage clothing, or the possession of camouflage bags in Trinidad and Tobago is illegal for anyone not in the military services. Visitors wearing such items will be asked to change and the camouflage items will then be confiscated. Failure to comply with this rule will result in detention and possible fines.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days for touristic purposes.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond their intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days for touristic purposes.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK visitors must have a passport that is valid for six months from the day they arrive. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days for touristic purposes.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days for touristic purposes.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a valid passport for duration of stay, but do not require a visa.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond their intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days for touristic purposes.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Tourist Offices
Trinidad and Tobago Tourism: http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com
Trinidad and Tobago Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 467 6490.
- In Canada:
High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 2418.
- In the United Kingdom:
High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7245 9351.
- In South Africa:
High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 9688.
Foreign Embassies in Trinidad and Tobago
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Port of Spain: +868 622 6371.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Port of Spain: +868 622 6232.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Port of Spain: +868 350 0444.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain: +868 822 5450.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Honorary Consul, Port of Spain: +868 628 2385.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago): +1 613 238 5991.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Port of Spain: +868 622 9869.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
