Trinidad is the big sister island to much smaller Tobago but both islands are among the best destinations in the Caribbean for eco-tourism. The islands are the southernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles chain, just off the coast of VenezuelaTobago is the better choice for textbook Caribbean beaches. Hotels in Tobago are more conventional and lend themselves better to flop and drop holidays. Trinidad, although beach-rich, offers a greater choice of things to see and do. It’s impossible to get a full picture of the republic on a holiday to Trinidad and Tobago without visiting both islands and a regular plane and ferry service makes this easily possible even on short holidays.
Experiencing two very different islands
Balancing Tobago’s beach life with Trinidad’s wildlife
The multi-ethnic appeal of Trinidad’s music and population Snorkelling and scuba diving in Tobago
Bird watching – both islands offer a diversity of species unmatched elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Arriving in Tobago with no cash on you and dashing through the airport. There are no banks on the island except at Crown Point airport and Scarborough.
British passport-holders don’t need a visa for holidays of ninety days or less. It’s recommended that passports have twelve months to run before expiry. Dengue fever – transmitted by mosquitoes – is becoming a problem during the wet season from May to December. You’ll need to cover up at night and use a repellent outdoors.
Trinidad and Tobago enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures rarely falling much below 32°C/90°F. The high season runs from mid-December to mid-April when sunshine is plentiful and rain is rare. The rainy season is from the end of May to early December.
Flights to Trinidad from the UK take about ten and a half hours. Add another thirty minutes for flights to Tobago.
Driving is on the left-hand side and the roads are generally narrow and winding. Driving standards are poor and driving at night is not recommended. Use a taxi instead. Some local hire companies only accept cash not credit cards.