Top 12 Facts About Trinidad and Tobago: What to Know
You were definitely today-years-old when you first heard these incredible Tobago facts. And we guarantee they’ll have you falling in love with the island all over again!
Did you know that Trinidad and Tobago was once voted the happiest country in the Caribbean? Ok, so some facts about Tobago aren’t hard to believe (I mean, just look at the place!)
But there are more things about this incredible island that we bet you didn’t know!
To that end, we’ve filled this blog with 12 facts about Trinidad and Tobago that will not only have you adding it to your holiday hit list, but also give you some fact-fodder for the next time you find yourself in need of some Caribbean country knowledge down the local.
So, let’s get into them!
12 Facts About Trinidad and Tobago
- Home to the world’s largest brain coral.
- You can find a swimming pool in the middle of the ocean.
- A beach next to a rainforest.
- Has one of the highest bird densities in the world.
- Home to the world’s oldest protected rainforest.
- The home of the limbo!
- Prime location to spot leatherback turtles.
- Once home to the hottest chilli in the world.
- Tobago is the originator of the steel pan drum.
- Home of Robinson Crusoe.
- Hosts one of the most popular Carnivals in the world.
- Boasts award-winning chocolate.
One lesser-known fact is that you can now book Tobago for under £1k. Click below to read more.
1. See the World’s Largest Brain Coral
Trinidad and Tobago facts are full of surprises, and a lot of those lie under the waves. One such curiosity is the world’s largest brain coral that resides in an underwater area known as Kelleston Drain. Its estimated age is about 200 years, and it’s 16 feet wide and 10 feet high, which is about the same size as a lorry. It won’t surprise you to learn that this is a haven for divers the world over.
2. Ocean-faring Swimming Pools
Nylon Pool is a naturally formed, 1-metre-deep, crystal-clear swimming pool with a sandy bottom in the middle of the sea, created by an offshore sandbar and a still lagoon. Located off Pigeon Point, Tobago, and accessible by boat, there have even been rumours that this is the fountain of youth. If that’s not enough to put it on your list of things to do in Tobago, I don’t know what is! Fun fact: Princess Margaret gave the pool its name, remarking that the water was as clear as her nylon stockings.
3. Beachy Bliss Beside a Rainforest
Maracas Beach in Trinidad emerges from a wild rainforest, with lots of space for all kinds of activities. Swim out in the gentle sea to admire the mountainous backdrop. While it’s secluded, it’s not without plenty of amenities. There are an abundance of vendors offering food and drinks, and there’s even Wi-Fi access, so, yes, you can post your snaps on Insta straight away.
4. Exotic Birdwatching in a Twitchers Paradise
Our next fact about Tobago is that the island has one of the highest densities of bird species in the world. There are more than 260 varieties adorning the shores and canopies. So, if you take your checklist with you, it won’t take long to tick the boxes. (My favourite spot was the hummingbird.) One of the best places for birdwatching is Little Tobago Island, where you can see the exotic frigatebirds.
5. Enchanting Ancient Forests
The Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve is on record as being the oldest legally protected forest reserve geared specifically towards conservation purposes. An ideal hike and an even better birdwatching site, it has a visitor centre and a network of 9 trails for you to enjoy the reserve responsibly. Gilpin Trace is a highlight of the reserve, where you could see a white-tailed sabrewing, one of the rarest hummingbirds in the world.
6. Not Purgatory, Just the Home of the Limbo
Contrary to popular belief, the limbo doesn’t come from Hawaii. One of the lesser-known facts about Trinidad and Tobago is that the limbo dance originated as an event that took place at gatherings in Tobago and remains an entertainment failsafe worldwide. Typically set to the live sounds of steel pan drums (more about these later), get practising with the mop or broom at home and you could be a pro by the time you arrive on the island.
7. Lively Wildlife Watching Havens
Trinidad’s Blanchisseuse Beach plays host to leatherback sea turtles, and it’s also a haven for the island’s colourful parrots. There are hiking trails through the rainforest, which lead to enchanting waterfalls. There’s even more wildlife to spot as you leisurely ramble along. When you’re feeling peckish, visit a nearby village for some local treats.
8. The Weather Be Hot, But the Chillies Be Hotter
One of the more fascinating facts about Trinidad and Tobago is that the indigenous Moruga Scorpion hot pepper was the first pepper ever to break 2 million Scoville Heat Units and was the hottest chilli in the world before being knocked off its perch by the Carolina Reaper. The Reaper weighs in at a searingly painful 2.2 million units, a current Guinness World Record score.
For reference, each pepper packs the heat of around 400 jalapeños. So, maybe pace yourself if you’re thinking of working your way up to the Moruga Scorpion during your holiday.
9. Home of the Sound of the Caribbean
The steel pan drum originates from Trinidad & Tobago and is the heart of much of its music. Playing calypso, reggae, jazz and even pop music, musicians weave the steel pan into delightful tunes that will provide the soundtrack to your stay on the island. Its melodic percussion has something instantly nostalgic about it, evoking storybook Caribbean adventures.
Top tip: Visit Sunday School in Buccoo for the ultimate steel pan and party experience.
10. The Mythical Castaway and Legendary Treasure
Tobago was allegedly the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island as well as being the setting for the movie Swiss Family Robinson. Myth has it that Crusoe arrived at Englishman’s Bay, on the North Coast of Tobago, when he was stranded out at sea. There are offshore coral reefs teeming with marine life – great for snorkelling. The secluded beach has been voted as one of the top ten beaches in the world and is a definite must-visit. Spend the day and have lunch at Eula’s restaurant.
11. Party Town of the Caribbean
Carnival is celebrated all over the Caribbean, but if you’re fixing to see some first-class partying for the annual celebration, then T&T needs to be top of your list. These are festivals with dazzlingly colourful costumes, cultural tradition and lots and lots of music. Consistently one of the highest-ranking Carnival destinations in the world, Trinidad & Tobago knows how to party. Join them and enjoy one of the most fun things to do in Tobago.
12. Award-winning Chocolate
If you like your tours with a treat, you can taste award-winning chocolate as you enjoy an immersive experience at the Tobago Cocoa Estate. Winner of the silver award at the 2019 International Chocolate Awards for its Laura dark milk chocolate bar, the estate is a heritage park where you can learn about the history of cocoa in Tobago, see historical displays and participate in the interesting activities at the estate.
Chocolate production has long been a treasured skill in the Caribbean, especially on islands like Grenada, St Lucia or Tobago.
In the Mood for More Facts About Trinidad and Tobago?
Another Tobago fact that you might not know is that it’s home to more than 80 beaches. Each of those stretches of sand is more perfect than the last.
But where do you go if you want to find more of the best beaches in Trinidad & Tobago?
That’s easy, you just click the button below and we’ll tell you more about the 5 spots we recommend for kicking back on the soft white sand.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to fly from the UK to Trinidad and Tobago?
The shortest flights from London Gatwick take approximately 10 hours 50 minutes, flying direct to Tobago.
How Warm is the Sea in Trinidad & Tobago?
The sea is warm enough to swim all year round, with an average temperature of about 26.5 degrees C.
Are the beaches safe for children?
Most of the beaches in Trinidad and Tobago are perfectly safe for children. The water is calm and you can easily keep an eye on them.
What about Caribbean hurricanes?
Even though Trinidad and Tobago verge on the hurricane belt, they very rarely occur. The islands’ southerly position provides natural shelter. So, there’s nothing to worry about.
When is the best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago?
For the best weather, visit between February and April, towards the end of the UK winter and the Caribbean summer. It’s better than visiting at the height of summer, as it can get very rainy.
