20 Things To Do In Trinidad And Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago, in the Caribbean, is the West Indies’ fifth-largest island nation, sitting 7 miles (11 km) from Venezuela’s coast. With a history dating back to Christopher Columbus’s arrival in 1498, Trinidad and Tobago is a captivating blend of heritage and natural splendour. The islands were named for Trinidad’s distinctive three peaks in the southeast and Tobago’s indigenous tobacco pipe. Over the centuries, these islands changed hands from the Spanish to the British, eventually joining the West Indies Federation before declaring independence in 1962.

Today, Trinidad and Tobago is the Caribbean’s most industrially developed nation, thriving on petroleum and natural gas production. Yet, the allure stretches far beyond economic strength. Trinidad boasts a dynamic culture influenced by African, Indian, European, and indigenous traditions. The nation’s vibrant music, including calypso, soca, and steelpan, fills the air, especially during Carnival, a colourful celebration of dazzling costumes and parades. The diverse cuisine, infused with Creole and East Indian flavours, is a food-lover’s dream.

While Trinidad is industrious, with a bustling city life in Port of Spain, Tobago, in contrast, offers a laid-back beach-town atmosphere, moving at a much slower pace. Both islands have a wild array of natural beauty, with a mountainous landscape covered in thick, verdant jungle, complete with countless waterfalls, mangroves and beautiful beaches. Here are the best things to do in Trinidad and Tobago. 

20 Things To Do In Trinidad And Tobago

Things To Do In Trinidad

1- Eat A Doubles In Port Of Spain

Doubles may not be the national dish, but it is by far the most popular and comforting street food in Trinidad.

Inspired by East Indian cuisine, Doubles was created in the island’s southern region in the 1930s.

Doubles consist of curried chickpeas (channa) over two soft, flavoured and fried flatbreads (bara), accompanied by an assortment of sauces and chutneys.

Originally it was served with one bara but when customers kept asking to double up on bara it affectionately earned its name.

You can find Doubles throughout Trinidad and Tobago, but Port of Spain is renowned for having the nation’s best.

They can be found at roadside stalls or takeaway spots at nearly every street corner.

Recommended:

• Port of Spain and Fort George Sightseeing Tour
• Trinidad Nighttime Food Tour

2- Relax At Maracas Bay

Maracas Beach is the most well-known beach in Trinidad and its proximity of only 13.5 miles (22 km) from Port of Spain makes it easy to access.

Tucked in Maracas Bay, this beach boasts a shoreline that stretches one mile (1.6 km) with a large, silky white sand area.

The consistent sea swell makes Maracas Beach perfect for bodyboarding, while the large sand area is ideal for sunbathers.

Plenty of space is available for everyone.

The beach is set against a backdrop of lush, rolling, jungle-covered mountains, with clouds passing between the peaks on a misty day.

The highlight of Maracas Beach is the famous Bake and Shark.

This popular street food consists of a slab of battered shark meat (or other white fish), a bread roll (a bake) and all the toppings you can handle.

Many Bake and Shark stalls stand along the beach, each with a slightly different sauce, adding to the controversy over which is the best.

Recommended: Day Trip to Maracas Beach

3- Enjoy The Views At Maracas Lookout

Trinidad’s undulating terrain offers countless stunning viewpoints to enjoy.

Panoramic viewpoints of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and lush tropical rainforest line the island’s perimeter, with a particularly beautiful cluster in the north.

Maracas Lookout is perched along the North Coast Road between Port of Spain and Maracas Beach.

It provides an ideal stopping point before or after a day at the beach.

This lookout offers a sweeping view of Maracas Bay’s sparkling waters and green surroundings, including tufts of verdant microislands dotted just beyond the bay.

Arrive at Maracas Lookout for sunrise or sunset for an extra dose of awe.

Visitors can indulge in local delicacies at one of the many family-owned snacks and sweets stalls or buy souvenirs to mark the occasion.

Maracas Lookout is at QG7J+3J Maracas Bay Village, Trinidad and Tobago.

Recommended: Trinidad Island Circle Tour with Pickup

4- Hike To The Turure Watersteps

Turure Watersteps, also known as Cumaca Falls, is a nature lover’s paradise, hidden along Turure River amid the dense foliage.

A hike into Trinidad’s tropical rainforest along the Turure River will lead you to a series of tall, smooth limestone steps that seemingly rise from the water.

Over time, sedimentary rock has been deposited along the riverbed while the force of the flowing water carved its magnificent shape.

Cascading water glides over each smooth, slick limestone rockface, plunging into a crystal-clear natural pool at its base.

Jumping into the fresh pools is a perfect way to cool off after the hike.

You won’t be alone in this fairytale-like setting.

The giant steps are home to manikins, bellbirds and frogs, all coming together to create a wild soundtrack for your adventure.

The Turure Watersteps is at MRRP+2F Cumaca, Trinidad and Tobago.

Recommended: Avocat Waterfall Tour & Beach Stop Package

5- Explore Las Cuevas Beach

Las Cuevas Beach is a crescent-shaped beach with a vast sandy expanse stretching 1.2 miles (2 km), nestled in Las Cuevas Bay.

Thanks to the bay’s sheltering effect, the water remains relatively calm for leisurely swimming.

The firm, sandy shoreline is ideal for walking and is lined with a magnificent green-topped rock wall.

The wavy pattern in the exposed rock layers intertwined with tangled tree roots is a stunning sight.

It’s my favourite part of Las Cuevas Beach.

Small caves in the rock wall at the southwest end gave the beach its name.

Legend has it that pirates and smugglers once used the caves as hideouts.

Las Cuevas Beach is a vital nesting site for leatherback turtles, green turtles and hawksbill turtles, with the nesting season from March to September.

Recommended: Trinidad Highlights and Scenic Drive Tour

6- Go Hummingbird Watching At Yerettê

Yevettê is the ultimate home for hummingbirds and a bird lover’s dream in Maracas Valley.

The idea behind Yerettê came from one man who wanted to spend more time alone in nature.

Walks in the wilderness brought on his love and fascination with hummingbirds.

It inspired him to create an environment for hummingbirds to thrive, closer to home.

Yerettê offers visitors an in-depth, educational experience of the enchanting world of these small, colourful birds.

You will find yourself surrounded by hundreds of fluttering hummingbirds; Up to fourteen of the eighteen hummingbird species in Trinidad and Tobago frequent Yerettê.

Prepare to be in awe of this hummingbird haven created by hosts with a big heart.

Yerettê – Home of the Hummingbird is at 88 Valley View, Maracas, St Joseph, Trinidad & Tobago.

7- Paddle Through Nariva Swamp

Nariva Swamp is the largest freshwater wetland in Trinidad and Tobago.

The area has earned the title of Wetland of International Importance and is an Environmentally Sensitive Area.

This pristine environment has many distinct wetland vegetation types, with palm swamps, swamp forests and a diverse range of mangrove species.

These plants are natural purifiers, ensuring cleaner water for the wide range of wildlife that call Nariva Swamp home.

“A wide range of wildlife” is an understatement.

Over 58 mammal species and 200 bird species inhabit the swamp It’s a safe haven for endangered species like ocelots, the West Indian Manatee and Red Howler monkeys.

Not to mention a thriving butterfly population, porcupines, anacondas, alligators and anteaters, all of which can be found in the Bush Bush Wildlife Sanctuary within Nariva Swamp.

Depending on the season, the swamp can be enjoyed by kayak or dinghy, or you can explore on foot when the terrain is dry.

Nariva Swamp is at CWFV+3G Mafeking, Trinidad and Tobago.

8- Visit A Fruit Farm

One of my favourite things about tropical destinations is the delicious fruit.

I love seeking out and tasting as many different types of fresh, juicy tropical fruit as I can find.

In Trinidad and Tobago, there is no shortage of that.

The southern region’s lush green terrain provides the perfect conditions for a wide range of fruit trees to thrive.

Visiting a fruit farm can introduce you to fruit you never knew existed.

It’s one of the best ways to get acquainted with new, succulent tropical fruit you can taste on the spot.

One farm called Pioneers Dragon Fruit Farm specialises in dragon fruit, offering a chance to learn about this delicious fruit.

You can even pick your own.

Don’t pass up the chance to explore a fruit farm during a trip to Trinidad.

9- Weave Through The Covigne River Gorge

Covigne River Gorge is a treasure tucked in Trinidad’s Tucker Valley.

A branch of the Cuesa River paved itself an adventurous path.

It flows across the remains of an old nutmeg and cocoa plantation and winds through lush jungle and towering bamboo.

A hike upstream takes you to the incredible gorge, weaving your way between 30-foot tall (9 m) rock walls the water has carved out of the mountain.

Openings in the gorge make way for chutes and clear, fresh, shallow pools.

Nearing the end, you’ll use a fallen tree as a bridge and hoist yourself up a section of the gorge with a rope leading you to a waterfall and plunge pool.

The adventure is unforgettable and feels like it was taken straight out of a film.

Covigne River Gorge is at PCH5+X2P, Diego Martin, Trinidad & Tobago.

10- Stroll Along The Bamboo Cathedral

The striking beauty of the Bamboo Cathedral lies in its tall, green, wispy bamboo stalks that intertwine, forming natural archways and a captivating scene.

This paved pedestrian path through the archway stretches nearly 1000 feet (300 m) along the Cazabon Trail and is very popular with cyclists and trail walkers alike.

Red howler monkeys and capuchins are frequently spotted along the way.

Following the trail leads to the base of a steep hill, hike up to encounter stunning views of the Caribbean Sea from the Bamboo Cathedral Lookout.

From there, you can cool off at Macqueripe Beach or continue along the trail to the derelict Missile Tracking Station.

The station was part of a US Naval Base used to track test missiles launched in Florida from 1959 to 1971.

The Bamboo Cathedral is at Radio Tower Rd, Trinidad & Tobago.
The Bamboo Cathedral Lookout is at P9RJ+8M Mount Pleasant, Trinidad and Tobago.
The Missile Tracking Station is at P9RR+VG Mount Pleasant, Trinidad and Tobago.

11- Get Muddy At The Erin Bouffe Mud Volcano

Trinidad is a hotspot for naturally occurring mud volcanoes.

These mud volcanoes form when hot water deep beneath the Earth’s surface mixes with subterranean mineral deposits, creating a mud slurry that’s pushed upward through fissures in the ground.

Erin Bouffe Mud Volcano in Los Iros Volcanic Park has one large natural mud pool and several smaller ones visitors can indulge in.

Fully submerge jacuzzi-style in the warm clay.

Its unique texture and density allow you to relax and float effortlessly.

This magic mineral-rich mud has amazing benefits, rejuvenating the skin from head to toe.

For an added thrill, have a go on the natural mudslide that winds down from the main crater, promising fun for all ages.

After squelching around in the mud, a short walk to Los Iros Beach offers the perfect opportunity to wash off.

Erin Bouffe Mud Volcano (marked as Los Iros Volcanic Park) is at 398M+4PC, Palo Seco, Trinidad and Tobago.

12- Visit The Awe-Inspiring Hanuman Murti

Trinidad has a large East Indian population and is adorned with Hindu Temples and East Indian architectural influences throughout the country.

In the village of Carapichaima stands the awe-inspiring 85-foot tall (25.9 m) Hanuman Murti.

Lord Hanuman is an incredible warrior among the Hindu gods and a symbol of strength, courage and protection.

The brightly coloured, intricately detailed Hanuman statue is the largest outside of India.

It towers over the Sri Dattatreya Ashram.

Craftsmen were flown in from India and built the ashram in the Dravidian architectural style, popular in South India.

Its exterior is vividly pink, adorned with ornate carvings and sacred statues.

Two large vibrant elephant statues guard the front door, enhancing the ashram’s grandeur.

If you’d like to explore more, the Temple in the Sea is just minutes away.

The Hanuman Murti is at FHG9+F8G, Persad, Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago
The Temple in the Sea is at FGJF+MQ8, Waterloo, Trinidad and Tobago

13- Enjoy Stollmeyer’s Castle

Stollmeyer’s Castle, also known as Killarney, is a Scottish Baronial-style residence in Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain.

Constructed in 1904 by Charles Fourier Stollmeyer, it was designed by Scottish architect Robert Gillies.

Complete with battlement turrets, it resembles a wing of Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

During World War II, the United States Forces made use of the structure, calling it simply “The Castle.” Over time, this led to its name, Stollmeyer’s Castle.

Open to the public since the 1970s, restoration efforts to preserve this architectural gem.

Situated in Queen’s Park Savannah, it is a must-see glimpse into the nation’s rich history.

Stollmeyer’s Castle is at 31 Maraval Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

14- Get Your Groove On At A Panyard

Trinidad and Tobago has a unique musical heritage centred around steel pans, their national instrument.

Invented in 1939, it’s the only instrument that was crafted in the twentieth century.

These extraordinary melodic instruments, originally created from large oil drums, produce a meticulously tuned range of musical notes.

Panyards serve as a training ground and gathering place for pannists (steel pan musicians) and steel bands to refine their skills and collaborate.

Throughout Port of Spain, you’ll find open-air panyards where steel bands practice their rhythmic sounds well into the night.

Passersby gather and groove to the melodies that are synonymous with Trinidadian culture.

The steel pans and panyards represent a rich African tradition, showcasing the ability to create beauty from limited resources and find creativity and innovation through recycling.

Recommended: Trinidad Carnival

Things To Do In Tobago

The island paradise of Tobago is 20 miles (32 km) off the coast of Trinidad and is easily accessible by a 3-hour ferry or a quick flight. Tobago can be visited as a day trip from Trinidad, but I recommend spending at least a few days to get to know this laid-back little island.

Recommended tours:

• Fun Fishing Tour (Snacks & Light Refreshments Offered)
• Bird Watching Tours
• VIP Inclusive Private Tour of Island (Lunch, Drinks + Snorkelling)

15- Lounge In The Nylon Pool

The Nylon Pool is an ideal tropical wonder in Tobago, a crystal clear shallow lagoon in the middle of the sea.

Surrounded by the deep sea, Buccoo Reef and palm-fringed beaches, this unique oasis is formed by a sandbar over a mile (1.6 km) from shore.

Stand comfortably in the warm, waist-deep water with your feet dug into soft coral sand.

Britain’s Princess Margaret named the lagoon, saying the water was as clear as her nylon stockings.

The Nylon Pool is also called The Fountain Of Youth because of the coral sand’s rich minerals and healing properties.

Visitors can embark on a glass-bottom boat, floating their way through the Buccoo Reef to the Nylon Pool, catching a glimpse of the marine wonders beneath the surface before lounging in Mother Nature’s swimming pool.

The Nylon Pool is at 55H8+WFW, Reef, and Tobago, Buccoo, Trinidad and Tobago.

Recommended: Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool Adventure

16- Explore The Robinson Crusoe Cave

Robinson Crusoe Cave is one of the most impressive marine caves in Tobago, nestled near Crown Point.

The cave is named after literature’s famous Robinson Crusoe, the main character of the 1719 novel by Daniel Defoe.

Crusoe, a marooned mariner, was stranded for 26 years on an island in the Caribbean within sight of Trinidad.

It’s widely believed that that island was Tobago and that Crusoe used this cave for shelter.

The cave has been called Robinson Crusoe Cave since 1890.

This cave is accessible on foot and is best visited at low tide because it fills with water at high tide.

Fascinating formations and fossils line the cave walls, while stalactites and stalagmites add a glistening array of colours.

Robinson Crusoe Cave is at 45W6+7JF, Crown Point, Trinidad & Tobago.

17- Enjoy The Iconic Pigeon Point Beach

Pigeon Point Beach, in Pigeon Point Heritage Park is undeniably, Tobago’s most popular beach.

This beach ticks all the boxes of what you imagine a perfect tropical paradise would be.

The fluffy white sand meets the calm, aquamarine water protected by a reef teeming with colourful sea life.

Pigeon Point is divided into three sections, the main beach and the north and south beaches.

The main beach is home to the iconic wooden jetty topped with a charming thatched roof; it’s the most photographed spot on the island.

The north section faces Buccoo Reef.

Tour boats that cruise through the reef and Nylon Pool begin here.

The south section is truly something special and my favourite spot in Tobago.

It starts beside the Pigeon Point Heritage Park entrance, where Swallow’s Beach merges into south Pigeon Point Beach.

This stunning spot will have you feeling like you stepped into a postcard.

The narrow shoreline meets with shallow water in many shades of tropical blue and tufts of coral on one side.

The other, towering slim palm trees jut out at all angles, some nearly horizontal that you can perch yourself on, creating scenes almost too good to be true.

The Pigeon Point Jetty is at 55C5+GWM, Pigeon Point Rd, Bon Accord, Trinidad & Tobago
The Pigeon Point Heritage Park Entrance is at 5575+WW9, Pigeon Point Rd, Crown Point, Trinidad & Tobago.

Recommended: Bioluminescence Tour

18- Visit The Argyle Falls

Argyle Falls is Tobago’s highest waterfall.

While it’s said that there are only three levels to this waterfall, in reality, the farther you climb, the levels seemingly never end.

The falls are accessed by a 20-minute hike along a well-marked path, through lush jungle and towering bamboo.

Butterflies and a variety of birds greet you along the way.

The unmistakable thunderous sound of the falls is heard long before you see it.

Upon arrival at the base, you will encounter a large 18-foot (5.5 m) deep plunge pool.

The bulk of the falls cascade 177 feet (54 m) in a variety of tall dramatic drops into cool, crisp pools and flowing five-foot slopes.

The Argyle Falls are at 7C47+HHM, Roxborough, Trinidad & Tobago.

19- Take In The Views At Flagstaff Hill

Flagstaff Hill, perched at the northern tip of Tobago, is one of the island’s highest points, providing some of the best views.

Surrounded by sea on three sides and the verdant rolling hills south, it’s a popular spot for a picnic and peacefully taking in the beauty of the island.

The site has been used as a lookout for hundreds of years, more recently as an American military lookout during World War II.

An old radio tower remains at the top.

Flagstaff Hill boasts stunning panoramic views that include Tyrells Bay, Little Tobago, Goat Island, Man of War Bay and the mysterious St. Giles Island.

As Tobago’s northernmost peak, it’s a great spot to catch a beautiful sunset.

Flagstaff Hill is at 8FH5+RX Charlotteville, Trinidad and Tobago.

Recommended: Birdwatching, Waterfall, Rainforest and Island Nature Tours

20- Enjoy The Enchanting Kimme Museum

A visit to the Kimme Museum, fondly known as The Castle, is a must.

Luise Kimme, a German artist, fell in love with Tobago and re to the island in 1979.

At the museum, you can admire her life-size sculptures inspired by Tobago’s people, culture and folklore.

Each one is lovingly created with detailed faces and a sense of whimsical motion.

These beautiful life-like Tobagonian portraits made from wood and bronze are positioned outside the museum as well as within.

The building itself resembles an artist’s temple, turreted and intricately decorated, perched on a hill overlooking the countryside.

Kimme truly carved out a slice of paradise for herself.

The Kimme Museum is at 56M5+WQV, Kimme Dr, Bethel, Trinidad & Tobago.