Trinidad and Tobago Water Sports
Trinidad and Tobago
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The archipelago nation of Trinidad and Tobago is made up of two-dozen islands off the northeast shore of South America. The country’s namesake islands account for the vast majority of area and population. Trinidad is square-shaped, located a mere 11 kilometres from Venezuela’s coast and characterised by mountain ranges and plains. The capital city of Port of Spain is situated on the northwest corner of Trinidad. Tobago is 30 kilometres northeast and a fifteenth of Trinidad’s size. It is pill-shaped, has numerous satellite islands, and coves and bays punctuate its coastline. Rivers and streams traverse both landmasses and hydrate their ... (Read more...)
tropical forests. Although the physical islands of Trinidad and Tobago are technically located on the South American continental shelf and are not part of the Lower Antilles island chain, the nation is popularly considered Caribbean by virtue of colonial history and cultural identity.
At 11 degrees north latitude, climate on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago is tropical and heavily influenced by northeast trade winds. The year is divided into two seasons: dry and rainy. Temperature remains fairly constant between the two, hovering around 26C. The rainy season lasts from June through December and brings high humidity to the region. The dry season ranges from January to May and does not indicate a lack of precipitation, but simply less rain than the other months. Temperature and rainfall can vary depending on elevation and, in the case of larger Trinidad, distance from the coast. The island of Tobago was volcanically formed and consequently offers mountainous terrain and a plethora of coral reefs. While hurricanes plague other Caribbean islands with severe weather, Trinidad and Tobago sits just south of the hurricane belt and is fortunate to elude the paths of many calamitous storms.
Scuba Diving
Diving is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Trinidad and Tobago, and it's the island of Tobago that provides the most opportunities.Tobago and its tiny satellite islands offer reefs, wrecks and marine shelves with excellent prevailing conditions and unparalleled underwater biodiversity. The Guyana Current flows northward off the East coast of South America and makes many of the dive spots optimal for drift diving – allowing one to see more area with minimal swimming effort. It also carries nutritional sediment which serves as the basis for the fantastic array of sea life teaming below the surface. Be prepared to find manta rays, sting rays, eels, snappers, rainbow fish, sea turtles, octopus, lobsters and several species of shark all on one dive. Swim underneath the famed London Bridge or investigate the wreck of the Maverick – the original ferry boat running between Trinidad and Tobago, now an underwater haven for fish and coral alike.
Kayaking
The rivers of Trinidad create a wonderful opportunity to explore tropical rain forests from a unique perspective. Renting a kayak is an exciting way to explore these rivers and forests, and is safe and easy to do. Kayaks can be rented almost anywhere along the rivers, from coffee shops to outfitters, and many even offer a guide to assist your exploration. Kayaking presents a great medium through which to view forest wildlife, especially multitudes of exotic birds on the Godineau River. All of Trinidad’s rivers eventually empty to the ocean and its bays are often worth exploring as well. River sediment makes water visibility poor, but tarpon are known to swim close to the surface and majestic sunset views are entirely worth the paddle. Tobago boasts protected lagoons like Buccoo Bay that beg to be explored via kayaking and, unlike Trinidad, you’ll be able to see right down to the coral reefs below.
Mountain Biking
Old military roads and forests paths in Trinidad and Tobago provide great mountain biking trails across the country. Biking is optimally a dryer sport than scuba diving and kayaking, so conditions are best during the dryer months of the year when puddles and muddy tracks won’t ruin your adventure. Bikes can be rented readily, and tours are also offered for varying durations and skill levels. Instead of driving, mountain biking offers a more intimate mode of transport to propel you across the land. Visit waterfalls, beaches, remote villages, and historic landmarks such as Fort George while keeping your eyes peeled for unique, indigenous plant and animal life. For the experienced mountain biker, downhill trails are abundant and can supply a technical challenge as well as breathtaking island and ocean views.
Surfing
The sport of surfing is markedly on the rise in Trinidad and Tobago and it's easy to understand why. Hurricane swells in early fall kick off the surfing season, which runs from September through March and brings warm ocean energy through the region. Easterly swells make the northeast coast the epicentre of surfing on Trinidad. Spots like Salibya and Sans Souci (home of a Caribbean Surf Network's annual event) present world-class waves. Although both these spots attract crowds, the limited population at this end of the island lends itself to exploration. Plenty of unclaimed beaches and breaks remain unsurfed. Tobago's craggy coastline also makes for a variety of waves, mostly on the western tip of the island. Year-round surfing is not a reality in Trinidad and Tobago, and storms occasionally disrupt the most promising swells during peak season. But with a little patience and effort, a memorable surfing experience lays in wait for those adventurous enough to find it.
Fishing
The waters off Trinidad play host to several international fishing competitions throughout the year, so it is no surprise that game fishing is a popular activity among visitors to the islands. Whether your interest lies in casually casting into river mouths while sipping a beer, or chartering a fishing excursion to bountiful shoals, Trinidad and Tobago fulfills your desire. The Gulf of Paria separates Trinidad from Venezuela and is home to an abundance of tarpon, tuna and sharks year-round. Seasonally, these waters also offer mackerel, sailfish, redfish and grouper. Charter services are easy to find and will take your party to the best spots depending on the season. If your wish is to stay on land, it’s just as easy to rent rods and reels and cast off from the beach or riverbank. Mullet, salmon and grouper are likely to nibble on your line while you kick back on shore.
Classic Itineraries
Those traveling to Trinidad and Tobago are bound to encounter a mix of tropical culture, climate and liveliness unlike any other Caribbean destination. A rich colonial history leaves its mark on cities like Port of Spain and Scarborough, where landmark forts, temples and public squares are necessary stops along the way. Fort George and Independence Square exude the essence of the country’s varied past. The natural landscape is equally as rich. Dense rainforests cover much of the islands, and wildlife sanctuaries such as Trinity Hills in southern Trinidad allow visitors a firsthand glimpse into the habitat of howler monkeys and ocelots. Of course, keep in mind that so much of Trinidad and Tobago’s mystique lies beneath the surface of the sea. Buccoo Reef, off Tobago’s coast, is home to incredible marine life, such as octopus and manta rays; visit their world by scuba diving or snorkeling. For more active travellers, don’t miss opportunities to kayak up rainforest rivers, mountain bike down volcanic slopes and surf perfect, warm, tropical waves.
Other Activities
Culturally, Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival celebration is rivaled only by Brazil’s in passion and elaborate undertaking. Held annually for two days sometime between mid-February and mid-March, the party involves non-stop dancing, music, ceremonies, competitions and costumes – keep in mind that steel-drum bands and calypso music originated here. It’s a 'must see' to help gain a perspective on the handful of Afro, Indian and Anglo cultures that characterise the islands’ population. But if you wish to keep your visit private and romantic, think horseback rides on white sand beaches and sailing through protected coves at sunset with your significant other. The unique mix of history, culture, activities, tropical climate, landscapes and seascapes makes Trinidad and Tobago an unforgettable holiday destination.
