Discover the top day trips, nature hikes, and nightlife in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Explore natural wonders, vibrant culture, and unique attractions throughout this Caribbean gem.
Asa Wright Nature Centre
Address
7 3, 4 MM Blanchisseuse Rd, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago
Phone: +1 868-675-5364
Escape the hustle of Port of Spain with a day at this expansive 1,500-acre nature reserve located approximately 45 minutes east of the capital. Visitors start their experience in a historic estate house on a former plantation, now enveloped by lush rainforest.
Guided hikes provide an opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the area, featuring 97 mammals, 400 bird species, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and an abundant variety of flowering plants. The hiking tours are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Relax in the pool, enjoy lunch at the dining room, or experience a formal tea on the verandah. Overnight accommodations and various educational programs are also available for guests.
Pitch Lake
Address
Pitch Lake, Brighton, Trinidad and Tobago
Visiting “the world’s largest natural deposit of asphalt” offers a glimpse into a remarkable geological phenomenon that dates back to Sir Walter Raleigh’s documentation in 1595. This intriguing site, situated near La Brea village, is about 55 miles from Port of Spain.
Visitors can walk on the lake’s surface and learn about its unique extraction process, while some opt to enjoy a dip in the water, believed by many to possess healing properties. Official guides are available for an enriched tour experience.
Caroni Bird Sanctuary
Address
65 Orange Grove Rd, Trinidad and Tobago
Phone: +1 868-681-1671
Explore the 5,600-acre Caroni Bird Sanctuary, a harmonious blend of mangrove forests and marshlands. Home to diverse wildlife including tree boas, anteaters, caimans, herons, egrets, and the stunning Scarlet Ibis, this sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Types of tours offer an exciting experience, including fishing, photography, and family picnics. The popular sunset boat tour, around 4 p.m., provides visitors with stunning views for a low price of approximately US$10.
Port of Spain
Address
MFQ5+858, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Phone: +1 868-623-4714
As the capital of Trinidad since 1757, Port of Spain reveals its historical roots established by Spanish settlers and later conquered by the British in 1797. The Queen’s Park Savannah, a 296-acre green space, is central to this vibrant city and is a key location for annual Carnival celebrations.
Fort George presents stunning views of the city and remnants of its historical fortifications built in 1804, available for visitors free of charge. Nearby, notable sites like the Queens Royal College and the Royal Botanic Gardens offer peaceful landscapes featuring various tree and plant species.
Port of Spain’s nightlife is lively, including sporting events, live music, and casual dining along Ariapita Avenue as well as in the St. James district.
Maracas Bay Beach
Address
Maracas Beach, Maracas Bay Village, Trinidad and Tobago
A picturesque one-hour drive from Port of Spain leads to this renowned north shore beach, a favorite weekend retreat among city residents. The palm-lined shore is perfect for families and offers a vibrant atmosphere.
Food shacks selling traditional “bake and shark” sandwiches provide a culinary delight after a day at the beach, with Richard’s being a local favorite among the many options available.
Sri Dattatreya Temple and Yoga Centre
Address
FHG9+697, Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago
Phone: +1 868-233-1428
This multicultural temple represents Trinidad’s East Asian heritage, showcasing the tallest Hanuman Murti statue outside India, standing at 85 feet tall. This site is not just a place of worship; it also holds annual celebrations for Divali, attracting visitors every October and November.
Grand Riviere
Address
Grande Riviere, Trinidad and Tobago
This serene village is where the Grande Riviere River converges with the sea, known for being a vital nesting site for the endangered leatherback sea turtles. The beach provides a breathtaking view, especially during nesting season from March to July, when an estimated 5,000 turtles return to this spot.
Eco-tourists flock to the area, guided by the Grande Riviere Nature Tour Guides Association, offering various options to experience this natural wonder. A selection of nearby accommodations ensures travelers enjoy this picturesque destination.
Gasparee Caves
Address
M88Q+J47, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
The Gasparee Caves, located on Gasparee Island near Chaguaramas, showcase stunning limestone formations and an underground pond. Just 20 minutes from Port of Spain, these caves offer outstanding geological features such as stalactites, stalagmites, and a thriving bat population.
Guided tours are available, providing insight into the caves as well as nearby historical sites, including remnants of a whaling station and World War II fortifications run by the Chaguaramas Development Authority.
