Trinidad & Tobago
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Party for 2 days over Carnival from muddy J’Ouvert to crowning of the Champion Band
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Glide through mangroves at sunset to see the crimson flash of Scarlet Ibis flying in to roost
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Trek through rainforests to mountain waterfalls
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See Leatherback Turtles lay their eggs and hatchlings scamper to the sea
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Taste the delicious fusions of Indian and Afro Caribbean cuisine
Our Caribbean specialist, John Faithfull, returns to ‘T&T’ whenever the opportunity presents itself. It’s the warm un-jaded welcome and rugged un-polished nature of these sister islands that draws him back and he would love to share with you his recommendations for visiting each island independently or combining them to provide a holiday of great variety. Whether you want to lose yourself in the crowds of one of the world’s biggest street parties or leave the bustle behind on stretches of deserted beach and under the canopy of the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, John’s the chap to ask.
Trinidad and Tobago is a multicultural melting pot as a consequence of its colonial heritage that saw the islands fought over by various European powers since Columbus landed here in 1498. Indigenous Amerindian communities were eclipsed by European arrivals and centuries of settlers and imported indentured labour from India, China and the Middle East have created a multi-ethnic society with more traditions, festivals and (very importantly) cuisines than you could shake a very large stick at.
Trinidad is the Caribbean’s most populous but least touristic island and the historic capital city, Port of Spain, annually hosts the world famous Carnival when steel pan drums and huge floats dominate the streets. Bird watching is a big attraction with swamps, wetlands, mangroves and dense rainforest hosting an excellent range of endemic and migratory avifauna including the Scarlet Ibis and guacharo (oilbird). Trinidad also has some impressively rugged beaches along the north coast that are among the best nesting spots in the Caribbean for the Giant Leatherback Turtle (March – August).
Tobago, the smaller sister island, is renowned for its beautiful beaches and reef-protected waters. Scarborough is the commercial port and market town, outside of which, charming and traditional Caribbean villages dot the island. Charlotteville, at the north-eastern tip of Tobago, ranks as one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque towns with houses tumbling down steep mountainsides to the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Rainforest cloaks much of the island encouraging hiking jaunts into the interior with excellent birding opportunities that extend to the coast where the island, Little Tobago, hosts colonies of Red Billed Tropic Birds.
Both islands are full of festivities year round, some with rather unusual acts such as goat and crab racing. Accommodation options range from boutique city hotels to rainforest retreats and ocean-tickling beachfront resorts. For those who don’t go on holiday to relax, horse-riding, hiking, mountain-biking and kayaking can be arranged. Tobago is a great place to have a car for a little independent exploration and by visiting both islands, you’ll have a trip of great historic, cultural, natural and scenic interest. Trinidad and Tobago combine well with Grenada, Panama, Venezuela and Guyana.