The Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago (TDC) extends a warm welcome to all the participants of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Freelance Council. We are delighted to have this tremendous opportunity to showcase our beautiful twin-island nation, known for being the home of the Caribbean’s largest Carnival, world's largest brain coral, oldest protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere, birthplace of the steel pan and soca as well as a vibrant culinary scene and diverse culture.
We encourage participants to take the time to immerse, explore, discover the destination.Two Islands, Two Unique Experiences
Disclaimer:
Any changes to the itinerary will be reflected in the colour purple
Tours - September, 2016
Monday September 12 – Arrival Day
Core Meeting Itinerary
Tuesday September 13, 2016
Day Tour Option 1: Adventure
Participants will journey down Chaguaramas for a mild hike and ziplining. Imagine flying through the trees like a bush-residing Spiderman along part of Trinidad’s coast. This experience is now available with the recent launch of the zipline and canopy tours in Chaguaramas. The zipliner climbs a tower and on one of its landings is outfitted with a harness and helmet. The first ride takes you over the Macqueripe Bay and is one of the longer, higher and faster rides.
Day Tour Option 2: Maracas Bay & Paramin
Lunch at Maracas beach to experience the world-famous fish sandwich and sample local preserved fruits, local sweets and coconut water. Maracas beach is located on the north side of the island, an hour’s mountainous drive from the capital city of Port of Spain. Unlike many of the northern beaches of Trinidad, Maracas Beach is protected by a deep bay. It is one of the most well-known beaches in the island of Trinidad as it’s considered by some to be the most beautiful beach of its size located closest to the capital city.
Paramin is a village located on one of the highest points of the western area of the Northern Range in Trinidad, which forms part of the Maraval area. It is a sprawling, steep and mountainous village whose residents have traditionally been farmers, producing herbs like chives, thyme and parsley as well as vegetables like tomatoes and yams.
Wednesday September 14, 2016
Day Tour Option 1: Central Culture Experience
Local lunch and then travel to the central part of the island, Chaguanas with visits to the Temple in the Sea and the 85–ft Hanuman Murti to learn about the East Indian heritage of the island. Shopping time can be enjoyed at the Chaguanas market and the tour ends at the home of Trinidad’s national bird, Scarlet Ibis at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
Day Tour Option 2: Birding
Trinidad’s lush landscape provides the perfect conditions for the more than 400 plus species of birds that call the island home. Visit to key birding spots on the island that will include the Asa Wright Nature Centre, Yerette and the home of Trinidad’s national bird, Scarlet Ibis at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.
Day Tour Option 3: Down the Islands
Recommended activity for photographers, Down the Islands and the Bocas is a rewarding offshore trip. Gaspar Grande, Monos, Huevos and Chacachacare are the islands most frequently visited. Although part of Trinidad, Scotland Bay is considered to be “down the islands” because it can only be reached by boat.
Thursday September 15, 2016
Day Tour Option 1: Island Tour
A tour of the sister island, Tobago that includes a stop at Fort King George and the museum, coastal tour; Castara, Parlatuvier and Bloody Bay.
Day Tour Option 2: Catamaran Cruise
Coastal Boat Tour/Catamaran that departs Pigeon Point discovering the Island’s coves with key stops at Cotton Bay, Castara with the opportunity for snorkelling.
Friday September 16, 2016
Day Tour Option 1: Island Tour
Tour of Tobago Cocoa Estate, considered the ‘birthplace’ of Trinitario bean, is a heritage park where visitors can learn about the history of cocoa farming and Argyle Waterfall, the island’s highest falls located in the Roxborough Estate.
Day Tour Option 2: Water sports
On the peninsula of Pigeon Point, known for being Tobago’s most beautiful beach and home to the famous thatch-roofed. Participants will have the opportunity to experience a selection of water sport activities that include paddle boarding, kiteboarding, surfing, kayaking offered on the island’s scenic Pigeon Point beach.
PRE-TRIP OPTIONS:
- Birding Tobago – $300 per person
nights, Maximum no. of participants – 5 (Recommended for photographers)
- Culture & Heritage – $300 per person
2-nights, Maximum no. of participants – 7
Highlights and showcases the rich and culturally diverse history of Trinidad. Taking participants on a tour of the island including Temple in the Sea, Magnificent Seven, Fort George, Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Brian Lara Promenade, National Museum & Art Gallery, VS Naipaul House/Museum and Angostura.
- Dive Tobago – $300 per person
3-nights, Maximum no. participants – 6
Tobago provides an ideal location for divers because of the slow flow of the Guyana current that moves up the eastern coast of South America, divides around Trinidad and washes the south and east coasts of Tobago. Warm water rich in nutrients provide a haven for a wide range of marine life making it possible for divers to catch a glimpse of barracudas, dolphins, whale sharks, turtles, tortoises even the occasional manta rays as well as butterfly fish, queen and French angels and parrotfish. Tobago is also one of the few places in the world where divers can regularly dive with manta rays.
Diving is concentrated in five main areas around the island:
- Speyside
- St. Giles Islands
- Man O’ War Bay
- North Coast
- Columbus Passage
Tobago has a few true coral reefs such as Angel Reef and Buccoo Reef where divers can find thousands of barrel, rope and tube sponges on the reef which are home to countless invertebrates, hydroids and fish. The coral in Tobago is in excellent health and large sizes such as the brain coral heads (reported as being the largest in the world) are estimated to be hundreds of years old and span more than 13 feet. For more information on diving in Tobago visit www.tobagoscubadiving.com.
POST-TRIP OPTIONS:
- Undiscovered Trinidad – $300 per person
2–nights, Maximum no. of participants – 8
The group will head past the city of San Fernando to explore the natural phenomenon ‘Pitch Lake’, which is in the village of La Brea. Far from being water, the “lake” is 40% pitch, 30% water and 30% colloidal clay. A gift of nature and a national treasure, the Pitch Lake provides the entire country and many of the neighbouring islands with pitch for building roads. In fact, many of the roads in New York City were paved with asphalt from the Pitch Lake
The tour continues with a Central Experience to local markets, villages and other sites integral to Trinidad’s culture. - Trini Eats – $300 per person
2–nights, Maximum no of participants – 8
Trinidad’s culinary scene offers a kaleidoscope of tastes, flavours and scents. With a colourful tapestry of East Asian, African, European and Caribbean influences it is a little surprise that the island has been noted as being an ideal destination for food–cations. From street food to fine dining, the destination offers visitors the chance to savour a unique and adventurous culinary style that offers tasty options, regardless of dietary needs; vegetarians to meat lovers.
Post tour participants will sample ‘Trini’ cuisine at a variety of restaurants and beverages from traditional eateries to fine dining as well as enjoy hands on cooking experiences and take part in a “Rum & Chocolate” tasting courtesy of Trinidad’s Cocobel and Angostura.
Participants will also have the opportunity to learn to cook “Trini–style” and will test their skill on preparing local favourites such as Callaloo and Roti.
- Fishing Tobago - $300 per person
2-nights, Maximum no. of participants - 7
Visitors to Tobago can cast from anywhere along the coast, including popular fishing sites in Plymouth, Pigeon Point and Crown Point and expect to reel in a lively mackerel, snapper or grouper. For the sportsman, highly coveted game fish like blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish and wahoo are found in abundance in the offshore water waiting to become part of a fisherman’s tale. While the fishing is strong year round in Tobago, the main offshore fishing season runs from October to June with impressively large marlin being most prevalent February through April.
Trinidad & Tobago Game Fishing Association
