unseen trinidad
Assignment written for The London School of Journalism
Photo credit to Aarti Gosein
I have visited the Caribbean for many years, frequenting popular tourist destinations such as Barbados and St Lucia, but what about Trinidad & Tobago? Seemingly underrated, this twin island nation is renowned for Carnival, but I was keen to discover what else it had to offer. Recently taking a short trip here, I was astounded at its natural beauty, wildlife and outpouring of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Arriving in Trinidad at night, my taxi zipped into the welcoming bustle of Port of Spain. Once in the heart of the city we made a beeline for the Savannah. This grassy expanse was a hive of vibrant activity. Exuberant food vendors doled out satiating curries, corn soup and fresh coconut waters, which we devoured. With full bellies, we joined crowds next to a stage with hundreds of steel pan players. Likened to an army creating beautiful sounds, we spent the evening getting swept up in the joy of the music.
Keen to explore some nature, I spent the next morning at the Bamboo Cathedral. This strikingly beautiful rainforest trail hosts towering bamboo stalks forming arched walkways, and Red Howler monkeys calling out from the heavens. I hiked the challenging route and ended with a dip in the cooling waters of nearby Macqueripe Bay.
Inspired, Caroni Swamp was my next stop. A vast area of protected mangroves, it is also a wildlife sanctuary. I’d come specifically to see the Scarlet Ibis, the island’s national bird, yet notoriously rare to encounter. However, luck was on our side. As we took a sunset boat ride, the crimson coloured birds rose majestically from the trees across candy coloured skies, giving us a show we only could have imagined.
Although Trinidad had ticked all the boxes, I also wanted to explore Tobago. A speedy twenty minute flight away, the next day I headed across to the sister island. Much smaller and beachier, I found myself at Pigeon Point beach, and was quickly persuaded to go on a snorkelling tour. Once in the alluring turquoise waters, we encountered fish and coral every colour of the rainbow, including the largest brain coral in the world. A final swim with the turtles was the perfect ending to my day here.
If you’re an explorer searching for a Caribbean destination offering more than the typical sun, sea and sand, then be sure to venture to Trinidad and Tobago. You won’t be disappointed.