Trinidad Carnival
Considered one of the largest carnivals in the Caribbean, this event features flamboyant costumes, colorful parades, and soca music filling the streets of Port of Spain.
Trinidad and Tobago
At the gateway to South America, Trinidad and Tobago surprises with the diversity of its landscapes and culture. Trinidad pulses to the rhythm of calypso, steelpan, and a world-famous carnival, while Tobago reveals quiet beaches, coral reefs, and unspoiled tropical nature, far from the crowds.
Why visit Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad and Tobago combines the energy of one of the English-speaking Caribbean's largest carnivals with remarkable biodiversity, including mangroves, rare birds, and turtle nesting beaches. Tobago, much quieter, rounds out the archipelago with coral reefs and a relaxed atmosphere.
What to discover in Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad, the main island, is home to Port of Spain, a lively capital that blends modern skyscrapers, markets, and historic neighborhoods. The island is famous worldwide for its carnival, one of the most spectacular in the Caribbean, and is credited with giving birth to the steelpan and to calypso and soca music. Beyond the festivities, Trinidad boasts remarkable biodiversity: the Caroni Swamp shelters colonies of scarlet ibis, while the beaches of Matura and Grande Rivière host nesting leatherback turtles.
Tobago, smaller and quieter, is known for beaches like Pigeon Point and Englishman's Bay, coral reefs around Buccoo Reef, and a protected rainforest, one of the oldest forest reserves in the Americas. Long supported by the oil and gas industry, the archipelago is increasingly turning to nature, diving, and cultural tourism, far from the buzz of Trinidad's carnival season. Birdwatchers also flock to the Asa Wright Nature Centre, known for sightings of rare bird species.
Cities to visit in Trinidad and Tobago
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Trinidad and Tobago in pictures
Highlights
The unmissable sights and experiences of Trinidad and Tobago.
Steelpan & Calypso
The birthplace of the steelpan, an instrument born in the streets of Port of Spain, the island pulses with calypso and soca rhythms throughout the year.
Caroni Swamp
This nature reserve shelters large colonies of scarlet ibis, best observed at sunset on guided boat tours through the mangroves and waterways.
Leatherback Turtles
The beaches of Matura and Grande Rivière host nesting leatherback turtles each year, a natural spectacle supported by local conservation programs.
Tobago's Beaches
Pigeon Point and Englishman's Bay rank among Tobago's most beautiful beaches, loved for their calm, clear waters and relaxed island atmosphere.
Buccoo Reef
This protected coral reef, reachable by glass-bottom boat, offers an ideal spot for snorkeling and observing marine life up close.
Practical Information
- Capital
- Port of Spain
- Area
- 5,130 km²
- Population
- About 1.5 million
- Language(s)
- English (official)
- Currency
- Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
- Time zone
- UTC-4
- Climate
- Tropical, warm and humid year-round
- Best season
- January to May (dry season)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Trinidad and Tobago's carnival take place?
Carnival traditionally takes place on the two days before Ash Wednesday, so in February or March depending on the year. The main event is preceded by several weeks of celebrations known locally as carnival fetes, held throughout the country.
What is the best time to visit Tobago?
The dry season, from January to May, offers the most stable weather for beaches, diving, and hiking. The rainy season, from June to December, is still manageable but brings more frequent showers.
Do I need a visa for Trinidad and Tobago?
Entry requirements vary by nationality. Many travelers from Europe, North America, and Commonwealth countries can enter visa-free for a short tourist stay, provided they hold a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
How do you get from Trinidad to Tobago?
Short domestic flights and ferry crossings regularly connect Port of Spain to Tobago, making it easy to combine both islands in a single trip, depending on schedules and seasonal availability.
Where can you see leatherback turtles in Trinidad and Tobago?
The beaches of Matura and Grande Rivière, on Trinidad's northeast coast, are the main nesting sites for leatherback turtles, typically visible between March and August during guided night tours.
Is Tobago good for a diving trip?
Yes, Tobago offers a range of dive sites around Buccoo Reef and the north coast, with rich marine life, dramatic drop-offs, and generally calm waters suited to different experience levels.
Plan your trip to Trinidad and Tobago
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
