By 
Trinidad and Tobago, two islands located in the Caribbean Sea. The name Caribe conjures up images of blue seas and white-sand beaches against rolling green hills. It brings to mind images of lying on the beach drinking piña coladas or rum and coke. For the vacation traveler, Tobago meets those expectations. For outdoor enthusiasts, however, Trinidad and Tobago can be islands of outdoor recreational adventure with hiking trails and hidden waterfalls, bird and turtle watching, biking through verdant countryside, or kayaking. through forests teeming with wildlife.
Trinidad and Tobago has a variety of hiking opportunities, many of which lead to waterfalls. The Rincon Waterfall in the Rincon Valley on the north coast of Trinidad is a vertical drop of 250 feet. The hike begins in the valley amid small farms, fording several crystal-clear streams, and then winds uphill, culminating in a steep descent to the base of the waterfall. The 20-mile trail from Blanchissuese to Matelot on Trinidad’s north coast is considered a gem. Throughout the trek, virgin jungles alternate with virgin beaches. Starting from Blanchissuese, it meets Paria Bay after two to three hours (depending on the fitness level of the hiker). A short trail from the beach leads to Paria Falls, where there is a deep, clear pool below the falls surrounded by heliconias, fringed lilies, and philodendrons. If you choose to continue the walk after Paria Bay, the trail meanders over a succession of small ridges, crossing several small streams, until it meets Gran Tacarib, which is a 1.2 kilometer crescent-shaped beach. From Gran Tacarib, the trail continues to the Madamas River and then Madamas Beach. Both Playa Madamas and Gran Tacarib are nesting sites for leatherback turtles, during the nesting season from March to September. After Madamas it is a continuation of the walk up and down and crossing small streams and then the Petite Riviere river. The trail continues through abandoned land with cocoa, coffee, tonka bean, nutmeg, and papaya until it reaches the Matelot River and the town of Matelot.
For those who want to lay on the beach but also take part in some outdoor activity, there are several less strenuous walks. Argyle Falls outside of Roxborough in Tobago is an easy walk along the Argyle River to a three-tiered waterfall. The hike to the Rio Seco waterfall on Trinidad’s northeast coast traverses semi-cultivated farmland and then through majestic mulberry forests to a small waterfall with a refreshing emerald pool, ideal for swimming.
Both Trinidad and Tobago abound in birds and an avian show can be seen on almost every corner. Trinidad and Tobago has some of the most diverse bird species to be found in one place with over 460. This variety of species can perhaps be attributed to the fact that the islands are close to South America so the migration is easier, resulting in an unusually diverse fauna. . Asa Wright Nature Center, is Trinidad and Tobago’s premier birding spot and has been widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful ecotourism stories. The list of birds that can be seen in this center is too extensive for this article but around 159 have been identified. , White-breasted Emerald Hummingbird, Cocoa Thrush, Chestnut Woodpecker, Batar Anteater. This Nature Center is located at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet in the foothills of the Cordillera del Norte, seven miles from the town of Arima. It is reached by a single lane road that winds through green countryside dotted with small villages and isolated houses. There are numerous trails throughout the property and very knowledgeable guides.
Grafton Wildlife Sanctuary, Tobago, is a former cocoa and coconut farm that was destroyed by Hurricane Flora in 1963 and became a wildlife sanctuary as a result. is approx. 200 acres in size and is covered in secondary forest. There are three main forest trails. As you enter, the first path to the right leads downhill and is relatively short. The second trail on the left also leads gradually downhill and then eventually climbs uphill. The main path, which is directly in front of the entrance, leads uphill and winds past several abandoned buildings and stables. There are benches along the main path and at some points they provide panoramic views. There are at least three smaller trails that branch off the main trail uphill, but they are not always maintained. The three main forest trails are maintained. It is possible to spend a pleasant hour or four intense hours. The entire sanctuary abounds in birds of various species.
Trinidad and Tobago are islands in the Caribbean Sea, so there are countless opportunities for kayaking. However, for those who don’t want to deal with big waves, swells or ocean currents, Trinidad and Tobago offers a selection of sheltered freshwater and saltwater kayaking opportunities. Two kayaking areas of special interest are the Bon Accord Lagoon and the Godineau River.
The blue waters of Buccoo Bay and Bon Accord Lagoon in Tobago are protected by Buccoo Reef offshore, providing an area for kayaking with only gentle surf. Kayak rentals are available at the nearby Storebay and also at Pigeon Point. The mangrove swamps that line Bon Accord Lagoon provide a scenic contrast to the white-sand beaches along Pigeon Point and in central Buccoo Bay. The offshoots of the reef are also home to adjacent Milford Bay, allowing kayaks to be kayaked southeast from Bon Accord Lagoon around Pigeon Point and into Milford Bay or vice versa.
The Godineau River in southern Trinidad, also known as the South Oropouche River, is one of the rivers in Trinidad that provides year-round kayaking opportunities as the water level is always sufficient. Kayaking in the Godineau area takes you through a variety of habitats, from saltwater mangroves to freshwater swamps and partially cultivated areas. A variety of birds can be seen on these kayak trips, including scarlet ibis, southern lapwing, osprey, savannah hawk, bearded jacana, cattle egret, yellow-hooded blackbird, lesser yellow duckling, black-bellied whistling duck and a variety of migratory ducks (during northern winter). This kayak trip can be started from the sea along the area known as Mosquito Creek or inland from the Woodland area.
Trinidad’s network of old farm and oil roads, plus (relatively) quiet country roads, along with hiking trails, provide a variety of cycling surfaces and environments. More terrain varies from flat land to rolling slopes and hillsides. For those with a preference for road cycling, almost all areas of Trinidad have rural roads with little vehicle traffic. The long-distance cyclist will be able to find undulating terrain with natural views. Those whose interest lies in mountain biking may find forest trails with logs, bamboo, and streams along the trail requiring navigation and dexterity.
So the next time you’re looking for a different kind of outdoor recreation, experience Trinidad and Tobago Islands of Adventure.