Trinidad and Tobago is one country, two islands. It is a multiracial country, known for its Indian and African decent. There are many differences in the cultural influences which have shaped each island. Trinidad and Tobago is an English-speaking country.
When to visit Trinidad and Tobago?
The best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago is between December-May {dry season} but a fairly cheap time to visit is from June-November {rainy season} when most hotels will lower their rates to account for rainy weather during this wet season. We spent 3 weeks in Trinidad and Tobago between July-august and we can honestly say the rainy season is actually lovely, it pours heavily for around a minute or two, couple times for the day and then the sun comes right back out.
We started our journey of in Port of Spain, Trinidad’s capital. Then headed over to Tobago.
What to do in Trinidad?
Caroni bird sanctuary is one of the largest mangrove forests on the island of Trinidad, with 20 endangered species. So hop onto Nanan tour boat and sail down the lagoon where you can see the famous scarlet ibis, flamingos and some deadly reptiles. Its fairly safe just don’t be pulling on any tree branches… you wouldn’t want the venomous snakes landing on your head would you? This tour can cost around $100tt per person (£10-£12). Call before you go to book your seats. DON’T BOOK ONLINE! You will get ripped off.
Matura rive lime is the perfect way to spend your Saturday cooling off in the river water. If you want the best spot make sure you get there early to pick your bamboo shelter where you can cook and drink rum all day, taking in the atmosphere and the different types of music playing all around you. If you have kids great they will love it and if you don’t… great you can enjoy 2 swimming pools and water slides all to yourself! There is an entry fee per car and a small fee for the pool access.
Want to do some shopping? You can hop in a maxi (mini bus) and go shopping around Trinidad in some cool shopping malls and markets.
Below are some of the best shopping malls and markets in Trinidad:
- Chaguanas Market
- San Fernando
- Gulf City Mall
- Trinicity Mall
Going to the cinema in Trinidad is a must. Tickets are cheap, costing around $40tt (£4) and you’ll be blown away when you see the size of their drinks and popcorn. We went and watched The Equalizer 2 and it was amazing to see people cheering and laughing together in the cinema, it really made the experience that much more memorable.
When your done exploring Trinidad you can catch a flight or ferry to Toabgo where the atmosphere is a little different with a lot more tourist. We caught a flight with Caribbean airlines as it was quicker {25 minutes} then the ferry and I get seasick. A return flight can cost you between £30-50pp.
What to do in Tobago?
Visit Store Bay Beach where you can find loads of water sports like jet skiing and sofa surfing. The water sports vendors are very slick with their bargaining skills, so don’t be fooled. You can also find some lovely personalised souvenir such as shells and coral handpicked from nylon pool. Don’t forget your $2tt fee for the toilets!
Tobago Buccoo Reef Glass Bottom Boat Cruise and Island Sightseeing Tour. DON’T BOOK ONLINE! Just take a walk to Store Bay Beach and you’ll have the vendors rushing to you where your are sure to find a pretty price for the boat tour. After 5 minutes of haggling I had beaten the price down from $100tt to $50tt per person (£5.70).
- Cruise to Pigeon Point to pick up some more passengers whilst taking in the magnificent views, colourful fish and coral through the glass bottom boat, and if your lucky you might spot a turtle.
- Stop off for some snorkelling
- Head to Nylon Pool where you can actually stand in the middle of the ocean, surround by the shallow blue water. Beneath your feet you will find broken down coral which can be used to exfoliate your skin. Who doesn’t love a free spa day, I know I do.
- Final stop before heading back to the pick up point for some food at No Man’s Land. This part of the island is uninhabited, its white coral sand and trees. This beach is quite unique and if you’ve ever watched Lost, it gave us that kind of vibe.
Visit Pigeon Point heritage park, a long walk from store bay beach but a walk you will appreciate because of the amazing restaurants and bars along the way. Pigeon point is a private beach with bars, restaurants and shower rooms. It is beautifully kept and well maintained hence the entry fee off $20tt per person (£2). You can easily spend your whole day here snorkelling, getting involved water sports, drinking and eating.
If you love surfing then head down to Mount Irvine Beach where the water is not so calm and perfect for surfers.
What to eat?
- Sauce doubles in Curepe is a must try where you can eat some delicious doubles on the side of the road.If you like KFC you’ll love Royal Castle. They have the best chicken burger I’ve ever tasted and if hot sauce is your thing don’t forget to soak your chips and burger in their mouth water hot sauce.
- If your visiting Trincity mall get yourself some pepper shrimps from the Chinese shop at the food court.
- Pizza Hut is also a must try out there. The pizzas are much more flavourful, a lot better than the Pizza Hut in London.
- If your visiting Tobago get yourself some pigtail soup for a healthy and filling breakfast from crusty crab or why not pick up some homemade crab and dumpling!
- You cannot go to T&T and not try their famous roti with curry chicken or goat and their sweet but fiery hot pumpkin The list goes on, we will be here all day if we listed them all but these where some of our favourites.
Where to stay?
Whilst in Trinidad we stayed with family in Las Lomas which is very close to the city and Moruga St Mary’s which is in the county side.
The first place we stayed at in Tobago is Crooks Apartments, Crown Point, a 5 minute walk from the nightlife and Store Bay Beach. You can enjoy freshly cooked food delivered straight to your room and its even got its own private pool where you can host your own BBQs.
The second place we stayed in was a 4* hotel called Mt Irvine bay resort, this hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway which is exactly what we went there for. It has a pool bar so you can literally sit by the pool all day or head down to their own little private beach. The local shops are a 15-20 minute walk, we decided to cut through their huge golf course. If you decide to do this, be careful because its easy to get lost. Something amazing and special happened here and the hotel staff were excellent in there assistance, you can read more about this in our up coming blog.
Summary
There are way more beaches to visit (Maracas Beach, Las Cuevas Beach, Mayaro Beach and lots more) and places to see ( San Faernando Hill, Pitch Lake, Queens Park Savannah) and food to eat. Unfortunately we were unable to do all these things as we were out there visiting family. This is where trip number 2 will come in. Hopefully we make it in time for carnival which happens every year in February. I can honestly say I feel like i’m home every time I visit my county and to top it off Antonio made it extra special in Tobago. Stay tuned for the next blog where you can find out what went down in Tobago!!!