With exciting events and nightlife along with beautiful ecotourism and secluded beaches, Trinidad & Tobago is a wonderful mix of relaxation and enjoyment. And we’ve got your insider guide to the island’s unique experiences, including “The Greatest Show on Earth” (and we don’t mean the circus).
Trinidad & Tobago History and Fun Facts
Trinidad and Tobago are the most southerly islands in the Caribbean, and offer a wealth of experiences. Trinidad is the larger escape and boasts a thrilling nightlife and world-renowned ecotourism sites. Tobago is more relaxing with breathtaking beaches, spectacular waterfalls, and exotic accommodations. Though originally a settlement of Amerindians, the islands were encountered by Christopher Columbus and eventually developed into a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation with natives of African, Indian, Asian, and European ancestries happily co-existing.
But why should Caribbean lovers go to Trinidad & Tobago?
– Trinidad is home to the largest Caribbean Carnival, coined “The Greatest Show on Earth.” As many as 500,000 costumed masqueraders dance through the streets for two days before Lent.
– The nation is the birthplace of soca and calypso music, and the steel pan, the only acoustic instrument invented in the 20th century.
– Tobago is believed to be the location in the book Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe and is also believed to be the place Robert Louis Stevenson had in mind when he wrote Treasure Island.
– Tobago has the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere (designated in 1776).
– Trinidad features a natural ecological phenomenon known as the Pitch Lake. The natural asphalt lake is about 250 feet deep and is estimated to have reserves in excess of 6 million tons — as such “part” of Trinidad can be found in almost every country in the world.
– Tobago is arguably the “smartest island,” as it is home to the largest recorded brain coral in the world (measuring 10 x 16 feet!).
– Trinidad is home to the largest Hanuman Murti statue outside of India. Standing 85 feet tall, the red and pink statue of the Hindu deity represents wisdom, righteousness, and strength.
– Trinidad and Tobago has the largest population of Leatherback Turtles in the world, with more than 20% of the total global population returning to nest March through August annually.
– Trinidad & Tobago is home to a total of nine golf courses – with one European PGA-designed course on each island.
So you’re off to Trinidad & Tobago…
…here’s what you need to know about the islands!
– No visa necessary! All U.S. citizens need is a valid passport and an onward or return ticket.
– Airports include Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport (POS) and Tobago’s ANR Robinson International Airport (TAB). Flights from the U.S. are five hours from JFK, three hours from Miami, and five and a half hours from Houston (United’s hub).
– English is the official language!
– The paradise climate is always sunny and warm, with year-round temperatures in the 80’s and low 90’s.
– The islands lie outside of the traditional Hurricane Belt. (Whoo-hoo!)
– The national currency is Trinidad & Tobago dollar (TTD) which have an exchange rate of approximately TT6.40 to USD1.00 (Score!).
– Marriages may be performed after three days’ residence in the country.
– Travel between the two islands is easy with either a 24-minute flight between airports or 2.5-hour high speed ferry from city harbor to city harbor.
Related: Caribbreak—Winter Carnivals in the Caribbean
When to come to Trinidad & Tobago
Trinidad & Tobago host a variety of exciting events year round!
– Turtle watching season runs from March to August, when the largest species of marine turtle nests.
Pigeon Point Beach and Jetty
– Game fishing season runs from February thru August anchored by the Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament in May and Tarpon Thunder in Trinidad in August.
– Jazz in the spring, with the Jazz Artists on the Greens in Trinidad on March 12, 2016 and the Tobago Jazz Experience April 16-24, 2016.
– Celebrate the day Trinidad & Tobago became republic on Sept. 24 with parades, dances, and other festivities.
– Divali, or Festival of Lights, is observed in November in Trinidad & Tobago and is a Hindu holiday that includes lighting deyas (miniature clay pots with coconut oil).
– The entire country celebrates a number of cultural, music and sporting events during the year.
– The “Greatest Show on Earth” will run Feb. 8-9, 2016; Feb. 27-28, 2017; and Feb. 12-13, 2018.
We recommend not waiting until 2018 to visit Trinidad & Tobago! Plan your trip now!
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