World Country Guide

Sport & Activities

Watersports
There are good facilities for all types of watersports, especially at the beaches along the north and east coasts of Trinidad, and all around Tobago. Buccoo Reef, just off the southwest coast of Tobago, and Speyside offer exciting scuba diving with magnificent coral formations and abundant marine life. Trips in glass-bottomed boats are very popular. Tobago has some of the finest reefs in the Caribbean and many scuba schools located at Speyside and Store Bay.

Fishing
All kinds of fishing - from deep-sea to inland - are widely available and usually rewarding on and off both islands. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, wahoo, bonito, dolphin fish and yellow tuna are the usual catches, with grouper, salmon and snapper also to be found off the west and north coasts of Trinidad. In Tobago, there is an increasing number of boats available for hire.

Birdwatching and wildlife
These islands have a unique wealth of wild birds and flowers, butterflies and fish, mostly undisturbed, yet accessible. The islands boasts no less than 622 species of butterfly and over 700 species of orchid. The latter are perhaps best seen in Trinidad's Botanic Gardens in Port of Spain (along with a wide selection of indigenous trees, shrubs, ferns and cacti). The Emperor Valley Zoo has a similarly representative selection of local wildlife - reptile as well as mammal. Birdwatchers on Trinidad should head for the Nariva Swamp, the Aripo Savannah and the Asa Wright Nature Centre and look out in particular for the national bird, the scarlet ibis, conserved in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. The sight of these scarlet birds flying in formation to roost before sundown is a stunning and colourful spectacle. While on Tobago a visit to Little Tobago Island is recommended, particularly if you're keen on birds. Boats leave from Speyside. Hummingbirds are ubiquitous on Tobago; there are 19 recorded species, seven of which are unique to the island. There are specialist birdwatching tours and nature trips available, details of which can be provided by any hotel.

Other
Golf can be enjoyed just outside Port of Spain (Maraval) or in Tobago at the marvellous Mount Irvine Golf Course, former host to the Johnny Walker Pro Am. Cricket is the major spectator sport and the season runs from February to June. The best national and international matches can be seen at the Queen's Park Oval, in Port of Spain. Trinidadians are keen on racing, and the Arima Velodrome hosts a number of major meetings, particularly around New Year and Easter. It is possible to bet on all English and much US racing in any of the racepools in Port of Spain and Scarborough.