Near Eastern Tobago, Kelleston Drain lies off the southern tip of Little Tobago. There, sloping reefs lead to brain corals. They are considered the largest of their kind in the Caribbean; some even consider them the largest in the world.
The bigger picture: Trinidad and Tobago
For the bigger picture, it is worth looking at Trinidad and Tobago: the archipelagic state lies 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. The name Trinidad and Tobago refers to the archipelagic state; Trinidad is also the larger and more populous of the two main islands.
Forests and reefs on Tobago
On Tobago, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve offers a striking contrast to the reefs. 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. The rare white-tailed sabrewing (Campylopterus ensipennis), a species endemic to Tobago, finds a habitat in the reserve’s rainforest.
On Tobago, Buccoo Reef offers another reef to explore. Tropical fish live there, and the reef also features colourful corals. You can explore it by glass-bottom boat or on a dive. The two options differ primarily in perspective: from a glass-bottom boat or while diving. Check the current availability of operators before your trip. Unlike Kelleston Drain, the focus here is not on the classification of the brain corals, but on the tropical fish and the ways of exploring mentioned above.
Carnival and nature on Trinidad
On Trinidad, Carnival is a distinct cultural highlight within the wider destination. The main street parade of Trinidad Carnival takes place on Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday; the dates vary each year. The pre-Carnival period includes steelpan limes and competitions leading up to Panorama; their specific schedules vary. At pan-yard limes, visitors can chat with locals and listen to live steelpan music. These gatherings are seasonal and organised locally. Since dates and schedules vary, it is worth checking the latest event calendar before making plans.
The annual Great Race is a powerboat race that starts in Trinidad and ends in Tobago. Its route therefore connects the two main islands, while the parade and pan-yard limes are based in Trinidad. Rio Seco Waterfall on Trinidad offers a different natural attraction: it is about 30 feet high, and a large, deep pool at its base is suitable for swimming. Water conditions can vary, so follow local guidance before swimming.
Discover more destinations: Speyside, Charlotteville, Belle Garden, San Fernando, Tunapuna-Piarco, San Juan-Laventille, Chaguanas, Diego Martin.
Go to the main travel overview: Trinidad and Tobago.
