Eastern Tobago: Reefs near Little Tobago

Near Eastern Tobago, Kelleston Drain lies off the southern end of Little Tobago. There, sloping reefs lead to brain corals that are considered the largest of their kind in the Caribbean; some even consider them the largest in the world.

Trinidad and Tobago at a glance

Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic country in the southern Caribbean, northeast of Venezuela and south of Grenada. The country covers 5,128 square kilometres and consists of the two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as 21 smaller islands. Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the two main islands. For regional orientation, it is helpful to distinguish between the two main islands, since the nature and cultural experiences below are located partly on Tobago and partly on Trinidad.

Rainforest on Tobago

Tobago is home to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. It covers 3,958 hectares of tropical rainforest, including lower montane rainforests, lowland rainforests and xerophytic rainforests. The Main Ridge extends lengthwise across about two-thirds of Tobago. The reserve was established by the British in 1776. Its rainforest provides a habitat for the rare white-tailed sabrewing (Campylopterus ensipennis), which is endemic to Tobago.

Reefs and experiences across the wider island setting

Buccoo Reef is also one of Tobago’s reef attractions. Tropical fish live there, and the reef also features colourful corals. You can explore Buccoo Reef by glass-bottom boat or on a dive. Check operator availability before your trip if you plan to do either.

Carnival and events on Trinidad

The major Carnival street parade on Trinidad takes place on Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday; the exact dates change every year. The pre-Carnival season there also includes steelpan limes and Panorama competitions. At pan-yard limes, visitors can chat with locals and listen to live steelpan music. These limes are seasonal and organised locally. When planning your dates, it is worth distinguishing the parade days from the seasonal, locally arranged pan-yard limes. Check the dates for the relevant Carnival and look for a suitable opportunity to attend a pan-yard lime.

Another annual event is the Great Race, a powerboat race that starts in Trinidad and ends in Tobago. Its course therefore runs from one main island to the other.

Waterfall on Trinidad

Trinidad is also home to Rio Seco Waterfall. It is about 30 feet high; at its base is a large, deep pool where you can swim. If you plan to swim, follow local guidance and bear in mind that water conditions can vary.

Discover more destinations: Speyside, Charlotteville, Belle Garden, Tobago, San Fernando, Port Of Spain, Western Tobago, Trinidad.

For the main travel overview: Trinidad And Tobago.