15 Best Things To Do In Trinidad and Tobago - Updated 2024

Rachel
Rachel 
Updated
| 6 min read

If you are in dire need of the sun and sea breeze, we suggest you limbo right over to the tropical islands, Trinidad and Tobago. A country made out of two main islands, located on the southernmost part of the Caribbean chain, the islands present tourists with a balanced mix of natural marvels and festive partying. More frequented by tourists is the populous island of Trinidad, which is about 16 times larger than her sister island, Tobago, famously known for luxurious holiday sites and diving. The stark contrast between the two islands makes it a unique island destination. Here, we want to zoom in on Trinidad and how you can thoroughly enjoy your stay here. So, keep reading to learn about the best things to do in Trinidad and Tobago.

1. Swim and snorkel at Englishman's Bay

Englishmans bay tobago dec 2008
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dnamolecule used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Considered by many travel magazines and websites as Tobago’s most beautiful beach, Englishman’s Bay is definitely a destination you shouldn’t miss on your travel to the Caribbean. This secluded beach on the Leeward Coast features a crescent shape beach surrounded by lush tropical forest and the stunningly clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The best thing about it is that it’s not as crowded as the more popular beaches on the western side of the island. Camp, swim, and snorkel in this tropical paradise!

Englishman's Bay

Address: Leeward Coast, Tobago

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2. Join a stand up paddle lesson (from USD 61.0)

Stand up paddleboarding is not only a great whole body workout and stress reliever, it also helps you be one in nature—and this lesson teaches you how to do it properly! Professional and friendly instructors will show you how via a 20-minute lesson on land and then practice everything you have learned in the water for 20 more minutes. When you finally get the drift, you’ll go on a guided paddling trip along the coast and enjoy the sceneries.

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Tobago Stand-Up Paddleboard Lessons

Duration: 1 hour

28 reviews

3. Go snorkeling at Buccoo Reef (from USD 220.0)

The best way to see and experience the amazing marine life of Trinidad and Tobago is through the Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool Adventure. This boating tour features three destinations—the lush Buccoo Reef where you can go snorkeling through the beautiful reef and get up close and personal with hundreds of fish species.

The next stop will be at the Nylon Pool, an in-sea shallow coral pool where you can frolic and have a nice time. The last stop will be at No Man’s Land, a lagoon filled with mangroves and a habitat for many species of birds.

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Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool Adventure

Duration: 3 hours

116 reviews

4. Hike up Avocat Waterfall (from USD 115.0)

One of the most beautiful destinations in Trinidad is definitely the Avocat Waterfall. The waterfall is flanked by walls of glistening bronze rocks with lush greeneries as the water continuously hits the natural plunge pool below—truly a stunning sight that an outdoor enthusiast would surely love.

This tour lets you enjoy the sceneries while you take a refreshing dip in the pool. The tour doesn’t end here as you’ll be taken to the picturesque Maracas Bay where you can savor the views while enjoying “bake and shark,” a popular local street food.

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Avocat Waterfall Tour & Beach Stop Adventure

Duration: 8 hours

24 reviews

5. Take a dip in Rio Seco Waterfall (from USD 150.0)

Located within the Matura National Park, it takes one and a half hours to drive to Rio Seco Waterfall from Port of Spain. Be tempted to take a dip in the cool waters that originate from the 15-foot (4.5-meter) waterfall. The emerald green plunge pool is wide, making it ideal for swimming. To reach this haven in the middle of the forest, you will have to go on a 2.6-kilometer (1.6-mile) hike. It takes approximately 45 minutes from the main road. Take a minute to take in the views of the forest as you hike and you might catch a rare whistling bird close by. Be enraptured upon arrival as the picturesque waterfall is further enhanced by the towering Mora Forest as its backdrop.

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Rio Seco Waterfall Private Tour from Salybia Beach

Duration: 7 hours

2 reviews

6. Sample local cuisines on a Trinidad nighttime food tour (from USD 69.0)

When a country is made up of a melting pot of cultures, you know that the food has gone through several decades of fusion. On this island, you’ll be feasting on a myriad of delicacies unique to the island. If you are not too sure about where to start, taking a night time food tour on your first few days on the island is a wise move. Be introduced to dishes such as corn soup, gyros, West African-influenced fish curry, and more. With every flavor that your tongue savors, you’ll also get a piece of Trinidadian history to swallow. The tour happens every night in the Port of Spain.

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Trinidad Nighttime Food Tour

Duration: 3 hours

92 reviews

7. Mingle with the locals at Namdevco Farmers Market and Green Market (from USD 64.0)

There is no better way to get to know Trinidad than by visiting Namdevco Farmers Market and Green Market in the morning. Namdevco Farmers Market started in 2006 from efforts to link farmers directly to consumers. Since then, it has grown to a lively attraction in Trinidad. Stroll past aisles upon aisles of stalls selling homegrown or homemade products. You’ll also get to taste local specialties like salted fish, aloo pies, and ice creams with local fruit flavors. Take this opportunity to purchase souvenirs like wine, chocolate, and coffee to bring home.

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Saturday Markets & Brunch Tour

Duration: 3 hours

16 reviews

8. Jump in the mud baths at L’eau Michel Mud Volcano (from USD 105.0)

L’eau Michel Mud Volcano is a mud volcano, not an actual volcano. However, mud does flow out through active vents deep below the earth’s surface. We suggest taking a tour as they have jeeps to take you to the site. Depending on your tour operator, you might have to go on a 20-minute hike through a sugarcane plantation to get there. Upon arrival, you might want to start by dipping your toes in to test the cool mud. Rich in mineral deposits, you can forget kaolin clay masks and dip your body in for a skin-rejuvenating, pore-cleansing experience. Do note that there are no restrooms and baths in the area. Hence, you might want to take a 30-minute hike to the nearest beach to wash off the mud.

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Caribbean Mud Volcano Experience

Duration: 8 hours

10 reviews

9. Explore the caves on Las Cuevas Beach (from USD 70.0)

Las Cuevas Beach is located just a stone’s throw away from the hyped-up Maracas Beach. Think blue water, white sand, elevated mountain scenery, and a mini cave. Yes, the mini cave adds a sense of mystery to the place. In fact, the name Las Cuevas translates as ‘The Caves’. Take time to swim in the waters, chill on the beach, and when you are ready, go exploring by heading to the old Fort Abercomby to see the cannons and lookout station. Go down some steep steps and you’ll see a hideaway cove. It is a rather quiet 2.2-kilometer (1.36-mile) beach and hence, you can grab a fish and chips snack, lay on your mat, and enjoy the almost private beach.

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Day Trip to Las Cuevas Beach from Port of Spain

Duration: 5 hours

12 reviews

10. Birdwatch at Caroni Wetlands (from USD 67.0)

The Caroni Wetlands cover 5,611 hectares (13865 acres) of mangrove forest and herbaceous marsh. Just a 15-minute drive away, you stand a chance to spot the national bird of Trinidad, the scarlet ibis, in its fiery glory. Take a half-day tour and immerse yourself in the cool lagoons, waterways, and mangrove swamps on a boat. You could also lug snacks along but don’t chew too loudly or else you’ll miss spotting other mesmerizing wildlife going about their business.

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Sunset Boat Tour into Caroni Wetlands

Duration: 4 hours

27 reviews

11. Satisfy your chocolate cravings at Brasso Seco cocoa plantation (from USD 38.0)

At Brasso Seco cocoa plantation, you’ll be heading to the cool hills where it is ideal for cocoa cultivation. Here, you’ll walk with the community leaders to pick cocoa pods in the forest. Then, watch how it is fermented, dried, and roasted until it becomes a finished chocolate bar. As you pass each process, you’ll get to taste dried nibs and different types of chocolate. Come with cash because you will not be able to resist taking home some freshly made, authentic, and world-class Trinidadian chocolate.

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Cocoa Community Chocolate Immersion Tours

Duration: 1 to 4 hours

12. Ride the waves at Maracas Beach (from USD 46.0)

About an hour’s ride from the city center, on a serpentine road, you’ll be greeted by waving palm trees and a 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) white sandy beach. Arrive in the morning before the crowds roll in and you’ll have some quiet time to chillax while listening to the crashing waves. If you are a surfer, jump straight in and show off your moves with your board. Other activities you can do include hiking up to the lookout area where you can catch the breathtaking view of the beach and its surroundings. Before leaving, do not miss the world-famous local delicacy known as Bake and Shark, a sandwich made from deep-fried shark stuffed in fried dough.

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Maracas Beach Tour in Trinidad

Duration: 4 hours

3 reviews

13. Befriend wildlife at Asa Wright Nature Centre (from USD 37.0)

Asa Wright Nature Centre covers mostly protected forested land in the Arima and Aripo Valleys located up north. Bustling with wildlife, this nature center is a known world-class natural history destination. Opt for either a day trip or stay over for a few nights. There are rooms and meals available on-site and the amenities are complete and comfortable. The main hub is located on a former cocoa-coffee-citrus plantation, now partly reclaimed by secondary forest. There is a veranda in the main house to do birdwatching. Go on an easy hike with the rangers and you could easily spot different species of wildlife. Dunston Cave is a must-visit as it is the breeding ground of the nocturnal Oilbird colony.

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Admission Ticket to Asa Wright Nature Centre

Duration: 8 hours

14. Zip-line with your loved ones

A tour that blends a history lesson, a trip to a place with scenic views, and the excitement of zip-lining through the treetops—what’s not to like about the Trinidad Zip-Line Experience, right?

This amazing tour kicks off with a stroll along a boardwalk that used to be a WW2 army base. A guide will also tell stories about the place and how it played an important role in the Atlantic side of the great war. The second stop will be a blast as you zoom through a series of zip lines above the jungle. Last but not least, you’ll be taken to a serene beach to unwind and enjoy the scenic views.

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Trinidad Zip-Line Experience

Duration: 4 hours

9 reviews

15. Go on a turtle watching adventure in the middle of the night (from USD 123.0)

Turtles can live up to 100 years or more, but we do not see them often. Even more uncommon is the sighting of the endangered leatherback turtle. Matura Beach is the address where many leatherback turtles visit between March to August to lay eggs. During the peak months of April to May, about 300 mommy turtles are likely to be seen onshore. The magic only happens at night, hence, you’ll need a permit and join a tour to get there. Only a maximum of 100 people per night are permitted to watch and learn about the turtles’ behavior, biology, and conservation status. If you are lucky, you might also spot the nesting of other turtle species.

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Trinidad Leatherback Turtle-Watching Adventure

Duration: 7 hours

1 review

A world of natural wonders

If you are thinking of an island holiday, Trinidad is always a good idea. Filled with fusion delicacies, distinct Creole cuisines that will satisfy your tummy’s desire, and views that probably coined the word wanderlust, it is truly an island paradise on earth. These are just the top places you should visit in Trinidad. Trinidad represents the pulse of the country, with color and fun-filled festivals, gorgeous landscapes, and wildlife that makes you go ‘wow’!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rachel Yeoh, a blend of oxymoronic attributes, identifies herlself as a lazy overachiever. Her profession involves writing, and she engages in singing when the sun sets. Additionally, Rachel...Read more

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