The south Caribbean island of Tobago sees, on average, 100,000 cruise passengers each year. It is part of Celebrity Cruises’ itinerary; though many other cruise ship companies also use it as a stopping off point. Both Trinidad and Tobago are somewhat industrialised and wealthy islands, being the largest oil exporters in the region.
If you are trying to decide between a selection of Caribbean cruise deals, Tobago and its sister island of Trinidad would make a wonderful choice. The port of call in Tobago is the town of Scarborough and the island is home to the oldest and best-protected rainforest in this part of the world, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy seeing tropical flora and fauna, along with a variety of exotic birds and meandering nature trails.
Tobago is also home to some of the most amazing natural coral reefs in the world. There are many companies on the island that offer snorkelling, as well as a chance to view the reefs from glass bottom boats. While the island is dotted with beaches that are perfect for swimming, for something slightly different, head over to Argyle Waterfalls to enjoy a dip in the natural pools.
The port of call on the island of Trinidad is Port of Spain; conveniently, the harbour is only a few minutes walk from the town’s shopping district. The port has its own tourism office and duty free shopping. It is also where cruise passengers are greeted by dancing locals who welcome visitors with live calypso music, played on pounding steel drums.
This bustling town is the birthplace of calypso music and is exploding with cultural diversity, which only adds to the experience visitors will enjoy. Trinidad is an eclectic mix of French, Creole, Spanish and English cultures. It is also home to Queen’s Savannah, one of the largest traffic roundabouts in the world. At 260 acres, 105 hectares, it is a major, if somewhat unusual, tourist attraction.
When exploring Trinidad be sure to head over to Maracas Beach to take in a little sun and sand. There are also the Royal Botanical Gardens, Gasparee Caves, Stollmeyer Castle in St. Clair and the Asa Wright Nature Centre to see, as well as some stunning views across the town from Laventille Hills. Be sure to take a look at the row of unique colonial houses known as the Magnificent Seven; they pay tribute to Trinidad’s culture and heritage. Some of these attractions may be offered as excursions by your cruise ship, so be sure to check out what is available.
To get around the islands, you can take a safari, quad-bike tour or rent cars jeeps or scooters. There are many national parks for adventurous hikers, mountain bikers or for those who are just curious. Remember, if you hire a car on the island you will be driving on the left side of the road. While this is great for Brits, it is something others will have to keep in mind. If you are not interested in car hire, taxis are relatively inexpensive and fares are controlled by law.