Parks, gardens, nature reserves, scenic walks, and wildlife
If you're a nature enthusiast, Trinidad and Tobago offers a variety of lush landscapes and lively wildlife to see. From its extensive network of nature reserves to serene garden settings, these islands are a haven for those seeking a natural retreat.
The Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary are top spots in Trinidad, while Tobago's Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a must for birdwatching and hiking.
Located in the Northern Range, the Asa Wright Nature Centre is an 80-minute drive from Port of Spain and offers guided tours through its lush rainforest. The Caroni Bird Sanctuary, a 30-minute drive from the capital, is famous for the evening roost of the Scarlet Ibis. Over in Tobago, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, one of the oldest protected rainforests in the Western Hemisphere, is good for spotting the White-tailed Sabrewing hummingbird. For more detailed itineraries, check our nature reserves guide.
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain and the Tobago Botanical Gardens offer scenic settings with a variety of plant species.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, established in 1818, are a short drive from downtown Port of Spain. With over 700 trees, including species from around the globe, it's a tranquil spot for a leisurely walk. Tobago's Botanical Gardens, located in Scarborough, feature a smaller, yet equally appealing collection of tropical flora. Both gardens are free to enter, making them accessible options for nature lovers.
Expect to see a variety of birds, including the endemic Trinidad Piping-guan, leatherback turtles on nesting beaches, and diverse marine life in its coral reefs.
Trinidad is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 400 species recorded, including the rare Trinidad Piping-guan at the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Turtle-watching tours on the beaches of Matura and Grande Riviere offer the chance to see massive leatherback turtles nesting from March to August. The reefs around Tobago provide opportunities for snorkeling and diving among lively coral and fish species. For tour arrangements, visit our tours page.
The Caroni Bird Sanctuary, 15 km from Port of Spain, charges TT$70 for guided boat tours to see scarlet ibis nesting from January to March. In Tobago, the 5.2 km hike to Argyle Waterfall leads to the island’s highest cascade, dropping 55 meters into a natural pool.
The Caroni Bird Sanctuary, 15 km south of Port of Spain, is home to over 200,000 Scarlet Ibis that roost nightly from December to March. Guided boat tours cost around TT$150 per person, offering close views of toucans and other native species in this 5,611-hectare wetland reserve.
Maracas Bay, 30 km from Port of Spain, features a popular bake and shark sandwich priced around TT$40, while Pigeon Point Beach in Tobago charges TT$20 entrance fee and is known for its calm waters averaging 28°C year-round, ideal for snorkelers and families.
Main Ridge Forest Reserve, established in 1765, is the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, spanning 6,234 hectares on Tobago. Hiking trails range from 1 to 6 kilometers, with entrance fees around TT$20 per person. Average temperatures hover between 24°C and 30°C year-round.
Argyle Falls, Trinidad’s tallest waterfall at 54 meters, is located in the Northern Range near Tobago. Avocat Falls drops 30 meters and is accessible via a 4-kilometer hike from the village of Avocat. Paria Falls requires a 2-hour trek through the Paria Main Road, with no entrance fee.
Englishmans Bay and Castara Bay in Tobago offer serene beaches with stunning views and local flavors. Expect to pay around 30 TTD for a beach chair rental. Both bays are within 12 km of each other, making them accessible for a day trip.
Pigeon Point Beach, located 30 km southwest of Scarborough, features a historic jetty built in 1904 and a $20 TTD entrance fee. Water temperatures average 28°C year-round, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling along Tobago’s southwestern coast.
Plan your visit to Maracas Bay Beach, just 30 minutes from Port of Spain, with local food options starting at $20 and parking available from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Tobago offers eco-lodges like the Eco-Discovery Centre at $700 TTD per night and Green Haven at $900 TTD per night, perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure amidst lush landscapes.
Pitch Lake in La Brea covers 40 hectares and contains an estimated 10 million tons of natural asphalt, formed over 40,000 years. Guided tours cost around TTD 50 per person and last about 90 minutes, providing safe access to the largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world.
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