5 Things To Do In Trinidad Besides Carnival And Sunbathing

As the plane lifted off from the tarmac of JFK airport, the land below began to shrink into patches of greens and browns, adding to the excitement of the tropical adventure that awaited me. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of flying, but with each passing cloud my heart raced with anticipation as each brought me a mile closer to Trinidad. Seven days of “liming” in the sun, sand and sea sounded like paradise — but what I received instead was much more than I could have dreamed of: a rich history of the land, a sense of the natives’ pride, savory cuisine to die for, and more.

As a Black woman who loves to have a good time, the first thought when traveling to Trinidad was to witness Carnival – and, yes I experienced a sample. However, the world-class, hands-on adventure that awaited me made the iconic fete seem like a small thing. From having dinner on a boat in the middle of the Caroni Swamp Bird to visiting some of the island’s most precious landmarks — it is really true when a Trini says, “We got that!” The island indeed has everything to offer just like any other place, but with Visit Trinidad, tourists transform into locals for a week.

Touching down in the island’s capitol, Port of Spain, the tropical air was extremely warm as the sunlight lit up the greenery consisting of palm trees and tropical blooms. The lively energy of the city was welcoming, as a mosaic of Asian, Indian and African descendants could be seen everywhere. As we inched closer to the Hyatt Regency, I was ready for a deep dive into the heart of Trinidad’s rich heritage and breathtaking beauty.

The island’s capital, Port of Spain, serves as an epicenter of art, gastronomy, economics and administration—while also offering some of the most delectable street foods like doubles. The island also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, of which some are accessible by traveling through the twists and turns of the mountains. Not to mention, the lush greenery and blooming florals that can be found all over—the island is a sanctuary.

Whether you travel there in the hot temperatures of the Summer or to escape the frigid air of the Winter — tourists can enjoy festive activities during the holiday season such as paranging, Archbishop’s House and more. Whatever you may be looking to do, there’s something for you in Trinidad.

Here are five activities to consider when planning your destination trip to the island, which can be done through Visit Trinidad.