Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost of the West Indies islands with Trinidad being only 7 miles off the coast of Venezuela. The lifestyles of these two islands are as different as night and day, so much so that many residents of Trinidad leave its hustle and bustle and travel to Tobago for its tranquility and beauty. These islands are both English-Speaking and are members of the British Commonwealth. Because they lie so far south the temperature of the air and water is warm year round.
Trinidad, the home of Carnival, is a large, mountainous island of 1,980 sq. mi. Its diverse ecosystem contains many of the plants and animals found on mainland Venezuela due to its close proximity. Trinidad’s natural features include white sand beaches, volcanic mountains, and asphalt lakes. The large interior of the island offers hikers and eco-tourists a wide array of activities including hiking, bird watching, cave tours, whitewater rafting, and sightseeing the many rainforests and waterfalls. The brilliant white sand beaches are ringed with azure blue waters inviting you to swim, dive, snorkel, and fish. Boating and sailing among the many islands that dot the coastline is a scenic and enjoyable way to spend the day.
Port of Spain, the capital city, is a large metropolis with skyscrapers and a population of over 300,000 people. The city has a bustling nightlife with hundreds of international restaurants, discos, and bars plus the largest duty-free shopping area in the Caribbean. Excellent deals on perfumes, jewelry, china, crystal, silver, cameras, leather, and silk fabrics can be purchased on Frederick Street in the duty-free shopping area.
Tobago which lies 22 miles to the northeast of Trinidad is the exact opposite of everything that Trinidad stands for. Here the lifestyle is slow and laid back and peaceful and quiet. This much smaller and mountainous island was the inspiration for “Swiss Family Robinson” and “Robinson Crusoe”. More than half of Tobago is covered in rainforest which makes it and eco-tourist and hiker’s dream. The interior of the island is covered with rivers and waterfalls and plunge pools and its large selection of bird and animal life are the best in the Caribbean. Its cities and accommodations are smaller and more relaxed, but its tropical ambience is magnetic and overwhelming. After spending a day hiking through the rainforest turn your attention to the white sand beaches and translucent blue waters that surround this island paradise. Deep sea fishing, diving, and snorkeling can be done anywhere in these year round warm waters. Daily ferry and small plane service between Trinidad and Tobago makes an island-hopping day trip an enjoyable and recommended idea.
A vacation to Trinidad and Tobago will get you two totally different island experiences for the price of one. Plan your time wisely for there is plenty to see and do and don’t forget to save some money for the excellent duty-free shopping.
