Trinidad and Tobago

Founded in the late 1800s, this is the oldest protected forest reserve in the entire Western hemisphere. Imposing volcanic mountains up to 580 metres high (around 1,900 feet) make up the Main Ridge which starts at the northeast tip of Tobago and covers nearly 75% of the island. You will often hear it referred to as the Backbone of Tobago, which makes sense since it spans over two-thirds of the island. The reserve is home to around 24 species of snake, 16 species of lizard, 16 species of mammal, and an impressive number of bird species (more than 200 species) that call Tobago home!

Maracas Bay is a popular destination in Trinidad sitting along the north coast of the island and stretching for almost 2 kilometres (1.25 miles). Dotted with swaying palm trees, pure white sand, and emerald waters, the charming, crescent-shaped bay is the most ideal place to surf (the waves reach nearly one metre or 3 feet in height - sometimes even higher), relax, and soak up the magnificent view or swim in the always-warm sea. And, as you pamper yourself with the amazing seascapes, you could treat your palate with equally satisfying flavours coming from perhaps the most popular street food in Trinidad and Tobago, Bake and Shark sold by vendors along the beach.

Tucked on the edge of the North Coast Road, this scenic shore is the biggest beach in the picturesque Blanchisseuse – an adorable fishing village with a tranquil freshwater lagoon placed on the opposite side of Marianne Beach. As for the 2-kilometre (nearly 1.25 miles) shore, it invites sun worshipers to sugary and quiet experiences. However, please beware of the strong rip currents and prefer basking in the sun or another activity other than swimming unless you are an avid and experienced swimmer. Now, if dipping your toes in crystalline waters and getting a refreshing dive is a must for you, you can always head to the calm lagoon!

Art lovers and history buffs will probably feel completely infatuated with the exhibits of the National Museum and Art Gallery which count more than 10,000 permanent items. Previously known as the Royal Victoria Institute, the National Museum and Art Gallery displays the majority of its pieces in 7 major galleries, covering a wide range of topics. Among others, expect a magnificent geology collection, an exhibit of the economic history of Trinidad and Tobago, and an art gallery, while you may also get glimpses of the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage at the 50-seat audiovisual theatre.

A particularly tranquil and peaceful nature reserve in Tobago, occupying 124 acres on the island’s southwestern shores with a stunning public beach, where swimming is allowed only in designated areas on Main Beach. While here, your mind will wander free and your body will have its chance to unwind and refresh. Although the available beach huts come in rather limited numbers, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs and enjoy your leisure time by the beach or grab a bite at any of the seaside restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and seafood dishes.

The last time the locals and visitors of Trinidad heard it roar was in 1997, forcing them to evacuate Piparo village and flooding the place with lava and mud. Piparo remained buried in tons of volcanic ash and lava that now looks like concrete, reminding of the devastating fate of the once charming and bustling village. Although the volcano is considered non-active today, there is still grey mud seen bubbling through the crevices on the ground, so it might pose a danger at some point in time. For that reason, it is best to visit this place with a tour guide.

• The Nylon Pool – A natural, one-metre-deep (three feet approximately) swimming pool only accessible by boat (you may even ask for a glass-bottom boat tour) close to Pigeon Point and Store Bay, with crystal-clear waters that are believed to have rejuvenating properties.
• The Temple in the Sea - This is an artificial, man-made island that took 25 years to create. The Temple is an indentured Indian labourer’s answer to the country’s government that refused to give him land to build a Hindu temple. After unloading buckets of dirt into the sea for almost three decades, the creator made an island and then built a temple on it using stones he carried through the water. The temple was finally finished in 1994 with help from the government and is now easily accessible by a pier.
• Store Bay – One of the busiest shores on Tobago just a 2-minute walk from the main airport, with transparent waters, large waves, and great snorkelling opportunities when the sea is calm.
• Stonehaven Bay – A golden-sand volcanic beach dotted with massive boulders that is the only nestling grounds on Tobago for leatherback turtles which are often seen between May and June.
• Stollmeyer’s Castle - Built in the early 1900s, it is a wonderful Scottish-style castle with elaborate interiors, featuring Italian marble floors and walls made out of hand-cut limestone blocks and stone. It has been open to the public since 1979 when the Government of Trinidad and Tobago acquired it from the USA that occupied that castle during the Second World War.
• Royal Botanic Gardens – Come here if you want to see 60 acres full of trees (over 700, including those native to Trinidad and Tobago and trees from across the globe) and some of the most beautifully landscaped gardens in the world.
• Pitch Lake – We are talking about the largest natural asphalt deposit on the planet, spanning around 109 acres. Surreal Pitch Lake is also one of the three in total such lakes on the planet that contains a blend of pitch and water. No wonder it is often called the 8^th Wonder of the World! You can come here to see the amazing natural site or walk across the few solid-enough spots, although most of it looks like quicksand. There is even an on-site museum exhibiting artefacts that have been found in the soils surrounding the lake over the years, such as an animal-shaped Amerindian bench and colossal sloth bones!