The Best of Trinidad and Tobago

The Best of Trinidad and Tobago – Trinidad and Tobago are two very different experiences. Trinidad, the larger of the two, is bustling with commerce and diversity. A cosmopolitan oasis of Creole culture and the birthplace of the steel drum and the limbo, Trinidad brims with natural resources like gas and oil. Its cultural eclecticism and, in some places, astonishing wealth, is all but unparalleled throughout the Caribbean. And then there’s the sleepy island of Tobago. Just northeast, this island is rich in natural wonders and immaculate white-sand beaches, but it lacks the urban-sophisticate personality of its other half.

Trinidad has several beaches, but it’s Tobago’s shores that are more renowned for their variety and beauty. Its pristine beaches line almost every side of the island and they range from crowded to desolate and festive to romantic. Trinidad’s main draw is its lush flora and fauna, particularly its scarlet ibises — the blood orange flamingos that call the island’s jungles home. But starting in late February, the island does a 180 when it pours on the glitter and turns up the volume for one of the best Carnival parties in all the Caribbean. For more information on the Lesser Antilles, visit here, or visit us on Pinterest.

Trinidad and Tobago Weather – Best Time to Visit Trinidad and Tobago

The best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago is from January to May when the skies stay clear. Although the islands aren’t on the hurricane belt, afternoon rain showers are daily occurrences from June to December. Hotels lower their rates to account for rainy weather during this wet season. At least the weather stays pleasant year-round: There’s little humidity and average temps hover in the low 80s.

7 Best Trinidad and Tobago Beaches

Maracas Bay Beach, Trinidad

The half-moon-shaped Maracas Bay is home to a tranquil, well-maintained beach, protected by a line of palm trees. This is a popular spot for getaways from Port of Spain—just consider the hour-long drive over the mountains as part of the fun. Many head here to sleep off the annual Carnival celebration, and to take part in another local tradition at the local beach shacks—Bake and Shark—a Trinidadian dish of deep-fried shark stuffed in a pocket of deep-fried bread.

Las Cuevas Bay Beach, Trinidad

Keep driving past Maracas Bay on the north coast to find Las Cuevas (The Caves) which has gentle surf, a snack bar, picnic tables, changing rooms, and showers, as well as lifeguards on duty each day. There are also a number of small caves great for exploring and avoiding the sunlight if sunbathing isn’t your thing.

.

Blanchisseuse Beach, Trinidad

A little over an hour away from Port of Spain, up the north coast, Blanchisseuse is a favorite place for travelers to go on a weekend getaway, or for a long day trip. With pristine waters, amazing hiking trails through the rain forest, and prime wildlife-watching for leather back sea-turtles, this beach offers far more than a tan and quick dip.

.

Mayaro Beach, Trinidad

On the southeast coast of the island, Mayaro Beach is the longest stretch of beach on the island. Locals love this area, and fishermen often come to shore with the fresh catch of the day. However, this beach can get a bit dirtier than others, so make sure to check the beach conditions before you make your way over.

.

.

Pigeon Point Beach, Tobago

Protected by the Buccoo Reef, Pigeon Point Beach is ideal for families and children. Set on a private coconut estate, the beach is lined with coconut palms, Palapas, and a great beach bar/restaurant just steps from the cerulean sea. There are plenty of water sports and souvenir shops to keep everyone entertained.

.

.

Man-O-War Beach, Tobago

This west coast beach on Tobago is part of a small, friendly fishing village. The area is charming and quiet, with calm waters and beautiful sunsets. It’s a great destination for those who don’t need much more than sunshine and a cool breeze to keep them happy.

.

.

Englishman’s Bay Beach, Tobago

Secluded and relaxing, Englishman’s Bay has a mile-long U-shaped beach edged by a freshwater stream flowing from the Tobago rain forest. Just offshore, brilliant coral reefs ripple with tropical fish. Though not as heavily populated as other western Tobago beaches, Englishman’s is considered one of the island’s most beautiful oceanfront destinations.

.

Best Restaurants in Trinidad & Tobago

Samurai Restaurant (Trinidad) $11 – 30

Tucked safely in One Woodbrook Place, Port of Spain, Samurai offers an experience that is second to none. Their cuisine blends traditional Japanese flavors as well as a fusion of local Caribbean flavors to please any palate. Telephone: 868-235-3283 Web: Samurai Restaurant

Edge of the Reef (Tobago) $11 – 30

The food is fantastic and the Chef/Owner takes his time to ensure everything is prepared with care. The food and ambiance is relaxing and exactly what is needed after a long day at the beach. Serving seafood and vegan options. Telephone: 868-703-9478 Web: Edge of the Reef

Shore Things Cafe & Craft (Tobago) $11 – 30

With a dramatic setting over the ocean on the Milford Road between Crown Point and Scarborough, this is a good spot to stop for lunch or a coffee break. Survey the view from the deck tables while enjoying a variety of freshly prepared juices and nibbling on excellent sandwiches or enjoying a hearty soup. Telephone: 868-635-1072 Web: Shore Things Cafe & Craft

Chaud (Trinidad) $11 – 30

Chaud presents food that rises off the plate like a Manhattan skyscraper. Classic European dishes are reinterpreted and paired with distinctively Caribbean touches like cassava (manioc) hash. There is an obsession with freshness here, and satisfaction is virtually guaranteed. Although the prices are high, it’s well worth it for a special romantic evening. Telephone: 868-621–2002 Web: Chaud

Veni Mange (Trinidad) $11 – 30

The best lunches in town are served in this traditional West Indian house filled to the brim with Caribbean art. The restaurant is the creation of Rosemary (Roses) Hezekiah and her late sister, Allyson Hennessy—a Cordon Bleu–trained chef who was a local television celebrity. The creative creole menu changes regularly, but there’s always an unusual and delicious vegetarian entrée (Roses is vegetarian). Telephone: 868-624-4597 Web: Veni Mange

Best Nightlife in Trinidad & Tobago

Drink! Wine Bar, Trinidad

A large and varied selection of wines and reasonably priced nibbles makes this cozy lounge popular with locals and visitors alike. There are snacks on offer and frequent performances from visiting DJs and musicians. It’s a great place to meet members of the local arts community. The crowd often overflows into the street. Telephone: 868-223–7243 Web: Drink! Wine Bar

Kariwak Village, Tobago

As many locals as visitors frequent Kariwak Village on Friday and Saturday nights, when one of the better local jazz-calypso bands almost always plays. Expect more of an older crowd. The fruity cocktails here are the best on the island. Telephone: 868-639–8442

Trotters, Trinidad

An abundance of TV screens, as well as more than 30 varieties of beer from around the globe, await at this sports bar in a two-story atrium. It’s incredibly popular on weekends—despite the pricey drinks. It’s also one of the few establishments on the island that offers a free ride home for any patron who feels too intoxicated to drive. Telephone: 868-627–8768 Web: Trotters

51° Lounge, Trinidad

At this stylish club, there’s entertainment on most nights, and Thursday is always packed to the rafters (go after 11 if you want to avoid the karaoke crowd). Don’t even think about showing up in shorts, as there’s a strict “elegant casual” dress code. Admission varies and sometimes requires that an invitation be picked up ahead of time, so call ahead—and be prepared to stand in line for a bit. Telephone: 868-627–0051 Web: 51° Lounge

10 Best Hotels in Trinidad & Tobago