{"id":60726,"date":"2023-08-15T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-15T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/?p=60726"},"modified":"2023-09-22T15:46:58","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T19:46:58","slug":"island-icon-trinidad-tobago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yachtingmagazine.com\/cruising-and-chartering\/island-icon-trinidad-tobago\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Places to See When Cruising Trinidad and Tobago"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Trinidad <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n A rich history, relaxing beaches, abundant wildlife and infinite cuisine options await cruisers on Trinidad and Tobago.<\/span>\n Richard Semik<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n\n\n

Trinidad and Tobago reward cruisers with far more than merely beautiful beaches. While best known for the Carnival celebration, these twin isles tempt travelers ashore year-round with awe-inspiring architecture, bountiful biodiversity, and memorable mouthwatering meals. Continue reading to learn more about our favorite destinations in Trinidad and Tobago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article was adapted from our Island Icon Series in the June 2023 Edition of Yachting Magazine<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Magnificent Seven<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 260-acre Queen\u2019s Park Savannah<\/a> is the nexus of social and cultural events in Trinidad\u2019s capital, Port of Spain, particularly during its internationally renowned Carnival and steel-pan festivals<\/a>. But any time of year, visitors can take a stroll along its western edge to take in the Magnificent Seven<\/a>. This architectural sampler of resplendent early 20th-century mansions fully lives up to its moniker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Castle Killarney<\/a>\u2014also known as Stollmeyer\u2019s Castle\u2014was the first to arise on the block, its design inspired by Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The Palladian-style Whitehall takes its name from the gleaming coral used in its construction. The Archbishop\u2019s Palace<\/a> melds Indian Empire design with red granite and marble brought over from Ireland. Intricate iron railings adorn the elaborate Roomor, while stonework stands out on the French Colonial-style Hayes Court. A 93-foot-tall clock tower dominates the German Renaissance design of the Queen\u2019s Royal College<\/a>. The elegant French Provincial Mille Fleurs was originally built as a gift for Port of Spain\u2019s mayor and still stands as a gift that keeps giving to all who pass by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Maracas Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 1.25-mile crescent-shaped Maracas Beach<\/a> on Trinidad\u2019s north coast is as much a destination for its natural beauty as for its \u201cbake and shark\u201d vendors. This classic street food wraps shark meat in fried flatbread and slathers it with condiments of your choosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Asa Wright Nature Centre<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trinidad\u2019s remarkable biodiversity is on full display in the Asa Wright Nature Centre<\/a> in the Arima Valley. Schedule a tour to this 1,200-plus-acre preserve, where more than 600 butterfly species flit among the more than 2,000 varieties of flowering plants. The center\u2019s 400-plus species of birds draw in enthusiasts eager to spot tanagers, toucans, colorful motmots and the elusive oilbird.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Veni Mang\u00e9<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For a culinary and visual feast, dine at Veni Mang\u00e9 in Port of Spain<\/a>. Opened in 1980 by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef and her sister, this bustling, art-filled restaurant sets the standard for authentic West Indian fare on the island. It\u2019s best known for its rendition of callaloo, Trinidad\u2019s national dish, as well as oxtail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Fort King George<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re spending time on Tobago, see the restored 18th-century colonial buildings and beautiful vistas at Fort King George<\/a>, overlooking Scarborough and Rockly Bay. The officers\u2019 quarters house the Tobago Museum and its collection of Amerindian artifacts, 17th-century maps and military relics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Island Hopping Tips:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n