Trinidad & Tobago

Tobago and its big sister, Trinidad, are the Caribbean's odd couple. Tiny Tobago is relaxed, slow-paced and largely undeveloped. Trinidad is a densely populated, thriving island with a cosmopolitan population and strong regional influences.

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Because of Trinidad's southerly location, temperatures are equable year round. The average daily high temperature in Port of Spain is 31°C (88°F) in both January and July, while the low averages 22°C (72°F) in July and is only one degree cooler in January. December to May are the driest months, with a relative humidity of 75%. June to August, the wettest months, average 260mm (10in) of rain and 23 rainy days each month. Trinidad & Tobago are outside the hurricane belt and generally don't experience the severe storms that hit the more northerly islands.

Transport

Getting around

BWIA is the main airline between Tobago and Trinidad, with up to nine daily flights making the 15-minute jaunt between the islands.

Plenty of bus choices operate in Port of Spain linking Trinidad's largest towns. The main departure point is the City Gate terminal on South Quay. An information booth manned 07:00-19:00 weekdays and till noon Saturday operates from the west side of the bus platform. In Tobago a regular bus service from Scarborough runs to Crown Point, Plymouth and most villages on the island.

Driving is on the left here and a home driver's license from the USA, Canada, UK, France or Germany or an International Driving Permit is valid on Trinidad & Tobago for stays of up to three months. There are car rental offices in both Trinidad and Tobago, though you must be 25 or older to rent in Tobago.

'Tourist taxis' with established prices operate around Trinidad, as do 'Route' taxis, operating set routes for a minimal charge. Hail them as you would a normal taxi, anywhere along their route. 24 hour 'Maxi taxis' operate along colour-coded zones as well; these are a little more flexible in their routes. Many taxis can be hired for touring, though official companies do operate from St James. Hitching is common on the islands, as is cycling. Five hour ferry trips run daily (though only rarely on Saturday) between Port of Spain in Trinidad and Scarborough in Tobago.

Getting there and away

Flights to and from the USA, Canada, the UK, South America and other Caribbean Islands come and go from Piarco International Airport (23km/14mi east of Port of Spain in Trinidad) and Crown Point International Airport in Tobago. Taxis with established fares link Piarco International airport with Port of Spain. Cruise ships dock at the south side of Port of Spain. There's a smaller cruise-ship facility in Scarborough on Tobago. Trinidad & Tobago is beyond the main sweep of most hurricanes, making it a safe haven for yachters. Once a week, on Wednesday mornings, a passenger ferry travels from Chaguaramas on Trinidad to Guiria, Venezuela.

Health & Legal Requirements

Visas overview

Citizens of the USA, Canada, UK and most European countries do not require visas. Visas are required by citizens of some countries, including Australia, New Zealand, India and Sri Lanka. In most countries, visas are obtained through the British Embassy, or you can pay 100.00 upon arrival at the airport.