Outdoor Activities
Unique in the Caribbean for its environmental diversity, a visit to T&T would not be complete without seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat. The islands rank among the world's top ten birding sites, with more than 430 recorded bird species per square kilometre. The most accessible places to see birdlife in Trinidad are the Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary - nesting place of the scarlet ibis. In Tobago , head for Little Tobago, also known as Bird of Paradise Island, and the protected Tobago Forest Reserve. There is excellent hiking to be had in the Trinidad forests of the Northern Range and the Chaguaramas hills; though make sure you go with a group as it is easy to get lost in the jungle. Snorkelling and scuba diving are extremely popular; both are best in Tobago , where the water is clear and the coral reef spectacular. The best dive spots are Speyside, Charlotteville and around the Sister's Rocks. If you prefer to stick to swimming , bear in mind that undertows and strong currents make many of Trinidad's (and some of Tobago's) beaches downright risky. If in doubt, check with a local. Maracas is Trinidad's most popular beach, though most agree that the best are in Tobago, where the water is cleaner and the facilities more developed. The increasingly commercial Pigeon Point is the queen here, though the undeveloped Castara, Parlatuvier, Englishman's Bay and Pirate's Bay are far more stunning. Lush waterfalls such as Argyll in Tobago and Blue Basin, Maracas and La Laja in Trinidad offer great freshwater swimming , while big breakers around Mount Irvine in Tobago and Toco in Trinidad make ideal conditions for surfing . The main yachting centre is Chaguaramas, a haven especially during hurricane season. For more information contact the Trinidad and Tobago Yachting Association (tel 868/634-4519), or consult the Boaters' Directory , available from marinas and the tourist board. There are hundreds of tour companies in T&T offering everything from hiking, birdwatching and kayaking to more conventional driving tours . The average cost is US$50-100 per day, though the Chaguaramas Development Authority (tel 868/634-4364 or 4349, ) provides excellent hiking from US$25. Wildways (tel & fax 868/623-7332, ) operates out of both Trinidad and Tobago and is one of the best, ploughing profits back into eco-educational programmes for local schools. Island Experiences (tel 868/625-2410, fax 627-6688, gunda@wow.net ) provides tailor-made cultural tours including mas camps and panyards, and Caribbean Discovery Tours (tel 868/624-7281, fax 624-8596, ) gives informative hikes and safaris with a birdwatching, animal-spotting slant.
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