The two-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago represents one of the most prosperous countries in the Caribbean, primarily due to its offshore petroleum and natural gas production and processing. From the oil drum, it was here that the only musical instrument invented in the 20th century, the steelpan, was conceived. Calypso music was born here. Trinidad and Tobago is a multi-cultural, multi-religious nation, with its diversity reflected in its festivals and cuisine.

Famous primarily for it's annual Carnival celebration, said to be second only to Rio's, the ecology of Trinidad, in part due to its once being a part of the South American mainland, allows the island to boast some of the most spectacular rain forests, agricultural plains, wetlands, and even coral reefs. Seven miles off the coast of South America, this English-speaking island attracts from all over with its ecological diversity reflected in 430 species of birds, over 104 species of mammals, and 2,000 species recorded of flowering plants.

The smaller island of Tobago is still today described as undiscovered. Do not expect to find the giant cruise ships visiting its port. Very relaxed and tranquil, Tobago is a contrast to the fast pace of Trinidad. 

This island provides options in golfing, spa treatments, scuba diving, jeeping, hiking and mountain biking, simply relaxing on the beach, or visiting historic forts. It boasts two 18-hole, Par 72 Championship golf courses, and some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean. Tobago features a number of quality accommodations, one of which ranked number 7 on Condé Nast’s Reader’s Travel Awards for hotels in the Americas and the Caribbean for 2004.

Read our featured articles on Trinidad and Tobago.