Carnival
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Shark & Bake
Grand Riviere
Caroni Bird Sanctuary
Tobago Forest Reserve
Pirates Bay
Yerette
Paria Falls
Trinidad & Tobago Musts
Of all the Carnival celebrations one can attend, Trinidad’s is arguably the most exciting. For the two weeks leading up the event in late February, you can find tumultuous street parties happening night and day. The height of the celebration happens on the Monday and Tuesday
prior to Ash Wednesday. For these two days the streets of Trinidad are teeming with dancers and musicians, covered in paint and mud and dressed in extravagant costumes.
Food lovers will delight in the Trini classic, Shark and Bake, a sandwich with lightly battered and seasoned young-shark on unleavened fried bread. Enjoy this dish throughout the island nation but one venue where you must get one is at Maracas Beach on Trinidad’s northern coast. Of the many places offering Shark and Bake, Richard’s is the most famous; look for the red tent!
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A must do for all nature lovers, from May through August every year, thousands of Giant Leatherback Turtles come ashore on Trinidad’s Grand Riviere beach to lay their eggs. Watch as approximately 400 turtles return to the beach where they were born and lay 80-100 eggs each, in their makeshift nests. Although the turtles were likely born on this very beach and return to lay their eggs, they actually live a large portion of their lives in the northern waters of the Arctic, traveling thousands of miles to lay their eggs on the warm sands of Trinidad’s Grand Riviere.
The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is an absolute must-do for anyone who enjoys bird watching. The bird sanctuary is located in the Caroni Swamp, a wetland created by the Caroni River meeting the Gulf of Paria. A particular highlight of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary is the Scarlet Ibis, which can be found in various tropical ecosystems in South America. The Scarlet Ibis is entirely scarlet, except for its black wingtips. White Ibises also roost in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
If you ever had the opportunity to marvel at the iridescent beauty of humming birds, you would know why they are called the flying jewels. Yerette, the avian garden in the picturesque island of Trinidad is the favorite haunt of 17 different species of Hummingbirds. The hosts are passionate about the preservation of the species that has been the defenseless victims of human greed for quite a long time. Protected by their love and care, the little birds throng the garden in hordes, delighting the visitors.
For some traditional Trinidadian food, check out the Roti Shops in Port of Spain’s which can be found on nearly every corner! Roti is a flat pounded bread typically eaten with various meats, vegetables, and sauces and has been a staple of the Trinidadian diet for generations. Enjoy the dish with your hands like a true Trinidadian.
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Roti
A nature lover’s dream, Paria Falls located at the end of a forested trail on the north coast of Trinidad, is a place that stays with you forever. The 8-mile long trek leading to Paria Falls can be daunting but is rewarding because of the scenic beauty of coastal Trinidad. Be sure to take a dip in the cool water of the plunge pool as well.
Another must-do for all nature enthusiasts is a visit to the Tobago Forest Reserve, on the island of Tobago off the Northeast coast of Trinidad. Established in 1776, the reserve is home to innumerable species of flora and fauna. The expert guides will offer great insight into all of the plants and creatures that inhabit this lush reserve. This is a rainforest ecosystem so dress appropriately; there will likely be mud and high humidity.
Pirate’s Bay is one of the lesser-known jewels of Trinidad hidden away in Charlotteville, a small, seaside town. Named after the infamous pirates of the 17th Century, Pirate’s Bay is accessible on foot or a by a boat only. The verdant nature, unspoiled by human hands and the lovely, secluded cay will take your breath away.
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Nylon Pool
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Nylon Pool off Pigeon Point is hands-down the most interesting swimming destination in Tobago. Imagine standing in the crystal clear, waist deep water in the middle of the ocean – and you will get the picture! The ground of the natural swimming pool is made of crushed coral, which is famed for its healing properties.