Recreation

Trinidad and Tobago are popular tourist destinations due to the wide range of recreational activities, which range from all kinds of water sports to land based activities. Their beaches are teeming with a unique variety of marine life, making it ideal for nature lovers.

Turtle Watching

From the beginning of March to late July, the rare leatherback turtles lay their eggs on a few of Tobago's coasts, especially Turtle Beach and Stonehaven Bay. Apart from leatherback turtles, there are other species such as the green sea and hawksbill turtle that lay their eggs on these beaches. It is always better to be accompanied by a qualified nature guide who can explain the entire process in detail. You should also maintain a safe distance from the animals so that they do not feel threatened.

Bird Watching

Bird watching enthusiasts from all over the world go to Trinidad and Tobago because they have some of the most varied bird species (around 430). These islands are blessed with an extraordinarily diverse bird population owing to their proximity to South America, which makes migration easier. These islands are home to around 108 kinds of mammals, 25 amphibians, 617 different varieties of butterflies and 55 reptiles. You can begin your bird watching trip at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary is situated at the Caroni Swamp, and is home to Trinidad and Tobago's national bird, the Scarlet Ibis. The Pax Guest House, located at Mount St. Benedict, is another amazing location where you can go bird watching. Asa Wright Nature Centre, which lies along the Arima-Blanchisseuse Main Road, and the Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust, found in the Southland are the two major bird-watching spots in Trinidad. When vacationing in Tobago, bird watching enthusiasts and nature lovers may sometimes be able to see it's beautiful but strange Mot Mot at the Grafton Caledonia Sanctuary. You can also find several unusual and beautiful bird species in Tobago's sheltered rain forest area in Main Ridge and the Little Tobago Island reserve.

Biking

Both the islands have numerous cycling trails. You can go cycling from Diego Martin in the west to the east and south of the island. Another site, well known for cycling is Macqueripe, located in the Chaguaramas area. The trail leading to Cerro del Aripo is a difficult one, even for experienced riders.

In Tobago, Indian Walk, Gru-Gru Boeuf and Chocolate Cake have sheer drops and steep mountain paths.

Wildlife Photography

Trinidad and Tobago are blessed with an immense amount of natural beauty, which is why they draw many wildlife photographers from around the world. Wildlife trips in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly the ones that feature the diverse bird species, allow great photography options. The popular areas for wildlife photography include the El Tucuche Reserve, which has an abundance of exotic flora and fauna and the Valencia Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to 50 bird species and other local wildlife, such as the agouti. The Asa Wright Nature Centre is an excellent site for photography where you can find the rare oilbirds and other wildlife.

Camping

In Trinidad and Tobago, you can choose to camp on the stunning beaches or in the depths of the fertile, rain forest. In Trinidad, you can camp on the beaches of Chagville in the west, Maracas in the north, Manzanilla in the east and Columbus Bay in the south. A few beaches, such as Vessigny, have thier own camping area. Tobago is also home to several wonderful and unspoiled beaches where you can go camping. Canoe Bay in Tobago is equipped with all camping amenities.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the favorite recreational activities among tourists visiting Trinidad and Tobago. The lure of the untouched rainforest cannot be resisted. There are several renowned spots on the islands that are perfect for this adventure sport.

The Paria River flows from the peaks of the Northern Range to the Caribbean Sea. Hikers often hike down to the river's mouth to witness the beautiful waterfall, which is around an hour and a half's walk from the coastal village of Blanchisseuse. You can get to this village by driving down the picturesque North Coast Road. On reaching Paria Beach, you can see Church Rock, which is so named because of its similarity to the high arches in a church. The Argyle Waterfall in Tobago is a hiking trail that also offers a lovely waterfall for swimming. This location is extremely popular among tourists and locals alike.

Cave Exploration

Trinidad and Tobago are also great places for cave exploration. For example, Trinidad's Northern Range has beautiful limestone caves. The Aripo Caves are a superb location to start cave exploration, but it is always advisable to go with an experienced guide to avoid getting lost in them. You get to see oilbirds, nocturnal, fruit-eating birds that are found specifically in some South American nations and Trinidad. In Asa Wright Nature Reserve, the Dunstans Cave has an oilbird colony. Visitors are allowed into the caves only twice a week, accompanied by a guide from the reserve. The cave is made of igneous rock and offers an exciting trek.

Kayaking

This water sport is gradually becoming very popular in Trinidad and Tobago. The popular kayaking areas in Trinidad are Nariva Swamp on the east coast and Chaguaramas on the west coast. The island of Tobago also has several kayaking areas. During your kayaking trips, you can see several unusual bird species and wildlife such as the rare manatee, the caiman and the howler monkey. You can hire a kayak in Chaguaramas and paddle 'down de islands', which refers to a small group of islands off Trinidad's North West Coast. Experienced kayakers can go to areas like Paria or Blanchisseuse, which are along the north coast.

Little Tobago Island is home to several protected bird species. This kayaking destination is also great for hiking and bird watching. Another kayaking route is down Tobago's west coast.

Snorkeling

There are several shallow water bodies around the coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago that are ideal for snorkeling. These include coral gardens in protected bays to mini-walls near the shoreline. The waters are ideal for novice as well as experienced snorkelers. Goat Island and Great Courland Bay are a few of the famous snorkeling locations in Tobago. Areas around the Chacachacare and Saut d'Eau Islands are well known snorkeling sites in Trinidad.

Wind Surfing

Home to numerous beaches, these islands have ideal windsurfing conditions, which include a perfect combination of wind speeds and High Ocean swells.

Sport Fishing

There are plenty of opportunities for game fishing enthusiasts visiting Trinidad and Tobago between mid-November and May, as this is when white marlin, sailfish, yellow-fin tuna, swordfish and dolphins are found in large numbers. From October to December, Wahoo is particularly found along Trinidad's east coast. During April, the waters around Tobago abound with marine life such as white marlins that are found in the waters between a three-rock formation referred to as The Sisters' and two small, unpopulated islets called ‘The Giles'.

Scuba Diving

When scuba diving in Trinidad and Tobago, you will be able to see unusual varieties of cup coral, red-polyp octo-coral and the world's biggest known brain coral, which measures 12 feet high and 16 feet across.

VI. Shopping

You can shop for merchandise from all over the world at the Port of Spain, apart from the local and traditional goods that are sold in profusion. Some of the must buys include Calypso records, leather bags and sandals. Other goods that Trinidad and Tobago are well known for include steel drums, ceramics and woodcarvings. Tourists can also consider purchasing gold and silver jewelry, in addition to Indian silks and fabrics. Rum is another product that should be part of a shopper's list. Products like bright and printed fabrics and summer garments can also be purchased in Trinidad and Tobago, mainly in Port of Spain.

Shopping in Port-of-Spain is particularly exciting as you get luxury items from all over the globe at reasonable prices. One of the places in the Caribbean that offers you merchandise at the cheapest rates is Trinidad. Calypso shirts, that are usually seen here, should from a part of your special purchases. To shop for local art, you can go to the Art Gallery. The Market is an extremely contemporary shopping mall with more than 20 of the best shops on the island.

When shopping in Tobago, the local souk, in Scarborough, is the finest place for local art and craft merchandise. If you are interested in shopping for ‘batik', the Cotton House Fashion Studio offers you the biggest assortment of batik clothing to pick from. This is also an excellent location to buy local herbs and spices.

For those of you who love collecting handicrafts and souvenirs, Tobago can be considered a paradise. Here you can find garments and accessories; ornaments; musical instruments and masterpieces, made by the local artists and craftsmen. You will also find craft stalls everywhere, which form a kind of bazaar from where you can buy batik and tie-dyed sarongs, t-shirts, drums of different sizes with intricate carvings, seashell chains and anklets.

The northwest part of Trinidad offers shoppers a lot of options, where foreign imported merchandise is available along with locally made products. The major shopping regions are Frederick, Henry and Charlotte Streets in Port of Spain. Queen Street is well known for fabric shops. In central Trinidad, Chaguanas is the most excellent place to shop. The Mid Center Mall and the Center Point Mall are other popular shopping venues. In south Trinidad, San Fernando and its surrounding areas and the Gulf City Shopping Complex, in La Romaine, offer excellent shopping options.

Normally the shopping hours in Trinidad and Tobago are from Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4pm, on Fridays it is from 8am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. In Port of Spain, a few of the stores do remain open till late, and shopping malls located here are often open till 9pm. Stores are closed on public holidays, and during Carnival.

Batiki Point

Address

Next to Sunday School,

Buccoo.

Telephone No.: 631-0111

Fax No.: 639-4249

This store offers you stunning hand-painted murals and garments and also some art items made by the owners themselves.

Lagniappe Duty Free

Address

Crown Point International Airport

Telephone No.: 639-7516

Fax No.: 639-7984

Although, a lot many duty free items are available, tourists visit particularly for liquor and tobacco buys.

Chadijas, The Souvenir & Gift Shop

Address

NIB Mall

Scarborough

Trinidad and Tobago

Here you can shop for handcrafted products, like maracas, which is made from coconut shells, and souvenirs such as unique playing cards and tea mugs. The store accepts Visa and MasterCard. It is open from 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and 8:30am to noon on Saturdays.

Fadia's Boutique

Address

74B Caroni Savannah Road,

Charlieville

Trinidad and Tobago

Fadia's Boutique is situated in Central Trinidad, and sells a large variety of Indian and Arabian wear. Women and children can choose from a collection of stylish khaftans and jubbas. Men can purchase attractively priced, made-to-order Jordian jilbabs, and fine kurta suits. This store also offers a wide collection of Islamic books, prayer mats and tasbihs. It is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 2pm-5pm on Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays. Visa and MasterCard are accepted modes of payment.

Vani's

Address

Valpark Shopping Plaza

Valsayn,

Trinidad and Tobago

This store houses a range of merchandise, such as oriental clothing, brass objects and ornaments, gift items and accessories. The entire clothing section here is traded in directly from India. Vani's also has a fairly beautiful collection of ornaments in brass and ceramic which make great gift items. It is open from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Thursday and 10am to 7:30pm, Friday to Saturday. The credit cards accepted are Visa and MasterCard.

Rainy Days

Address

Ellerslie Plaza,

Maraval.

Telephone No.: 622-5597

Fax No.: 622-5597

In Rainy Days you will find some of the finest local art and craft merchandise, pottery, batik, and other interesting products.