The sea plays a huge part in recreation in Trinidad and Tobago. The beaches, bays, and reefs provide a number of things to do including swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and fishing. Tobago has some top-notch diving, including the chance to float among hammerhead sharks and manta rays. The tropical climate means that many activities are possible all year round, although some interruption by rain should be expected during the wet season. Hiking through the lush rainforests is popular, as is kayaking in the sea or rivers.
Trinidad and Tobago is famous for it’s fishing, particularly big game such as barracuda, dolphin, sailfish, shark, tarpon, and tuna. Sport fishing trips can be booked through companies such as Red Beard Charters or South Caribbean Charters Inc.
For many visitors, hiking is a great way to get close to nature. Trinidad and Tobago has a diverse ecosystem and some well established treks. Some of the most popular are Avocat Waterfall at Blanchisseuse, the Mermaid Pool at Mathura, and the Rio Seco Waterfall in Salibya. Asa Wright Nature Centre offers specialist bird trails through the rainforest of the Arima Valley, while Island Hikers takes groups to various locations across the country.
Trinidad and Tobago has plenty of nice beaches for sunbathers. Tobago’s Pigeon Point is considered one of the finest and is certainly the most popular. Others on Tobago include Buccoo, Canoe Bay, Englishman’s Bay, Grange, and Store Bay. Popular spots on Trinidad include Chagville, Las Cuevas, Los Iros, Maracas, Mayaro, Toco, and Tyrico. Daytrips to various sandy strips can be organized through Alibaba Tours or Tobago Tours.
Snorkeling is a favorite national pastime and there are a number of places to go, including Englishman’s Beach, where snorkelers can wade out to reefs from the shore. For access by boat, Buccoo coral reef off Tobago is one of the better known spots. Zoe Snorkelling Charter and Yes Tourism both offer daytrips from Tobago.
Trinidad and Tobago has world-class diving, with the area near Speyside being one of the best spots. Swim alongside tropical fish, hammerhead and nurse sharks, manta rays, and turtles. There are a number of diving companies offering excursions, including Tobago Dive Experience and Ron’s Watersports & Dive Center.
Kayaking the tropical rain-fed rivers and calm oceans of Trinidad and Tobago is a relaxing way to de-stress. The Ortoire and Godineau rivers in the south of Trinidad are ideal for beginners, while Marianne and Yara rivers in the north appeal to advanced rowers. The calm waters of sheltered bays such as Trinidad’s Williams Bay are good for seafarers. A number of companies specialize in rental and tours, including the Kayak Centre at Chaguaramas on Trinidad or Tobago Sea Kayak Experience in Charlotteville, Tobago.
Sailing is a pleasant way to cruise the waters around Trinidad and Tobago. Scarborough is the main departure point with operators such as Island Girl Catamarans and Splash Sports Catamaran Cruises offering a variety of daytrips and sunset cruises with options for food, drink, snorkeling, and swimming stops.