Because Trinidad and Tobago lies so far south in the Caribbean, it is often excluded from the itinerary of the major Caribbean cruise lines. That being said, the Trinidad and Tobago cruises are increasing in number, and passengers who are fortunate enough to stop here will surely find plenty of options for interesting things to do. When you enjoy a cruise to Trinidad, you can explore the capital city, head to a nature reserve, or go on an extended sightseeing tour. Upon arriving on a cruise to Tobago, you might venture to the island’s signature beach, see the sights on an island tour, or perhaps take a glass-bottomed boat ride over Buccoo Reef. These are just some of the possibilities when it comes to deciding what to do with your time onshore. Trinidad and Tobago cruises can be booked year round, and while the peak Caribbean cruise season runs from December to April, you might just save some money when booking in the off-season.

The majority of the Trinidad and Tobago cruises embark from the southern Florida cities of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. There are also some cruises that embark from ports in the Caribbean, such as Bridgetown in Barbados, San Juan, Puerto Rico, or Montego Bay, Jamaica. Trinidad and Tobago will not be the only destination that you will visit when enjoying Trinidad and Tobago cruises. Other possible stops can include places like Aruba, St. Vincent, St. Thomas, Curacao, and Tortola. Some Trinidad and Tobago cruises even include a visit to the nearby continent of South America, where you will cruise down the venerable Amazon River. Most of the Caribbean cruises that visit Trinidad and Tobago last either seven or fourteen days, and there also cruises available that can last the better part of a month, so you can choose accordingly to suit your timetable.

There are two Trinidad and Tobago cruise ports that serve the needs of the major cruise lines, and they are in the respective capital cities of each island. Should you book a cruise to Trinidad, which is the larger, livelier, and less touristy island, your port of call will be Port of Spain. On a cruise to Tobago, which is the smaller, sleepier, more rustic, and more touristy island, you will dock at Scarborough. It is rare to find a cruise that will stop at both destinations, so you will have to figure out which island interests you more. Because you will often only have about eight hours to enjoy your time in either Trinidad or Tobago before shoving off for your next destination, there is only time for one or two onshore excursions. Should you be on a cruise to Trinidad, among the most popular excursions for cruise ship passengers include a drive through the Northern Range, a trip to the Caroni Swamp Reserve or the Asa Wright Reserve, or a fishing excursion off the shores of the nearby Chaguaramas peninsula. For those who pick a cruise to Tobago, the idyllic, palm-fringed Pigeon Point Beach is among the top onshore destinations. Perhaps a hiking tour in the island’s mountainous interior will pique your interest, or maybe you want to choose a sightseeing tour that includes Fort King George.

Trinidad & Tobago Map

Both of the Trinidad and Tobago cruise ports have tourism information offices, and they can help you arrange onshore tours and excursions. In Port of Spain, it’s a short walk to the Brian Lara Promenade, where you will find additional tour guides offering their services. While booking an onshore tour on your own is always a possibility, it is often a better idea to book an excursion that is offered by the cruise company. You will sometimes pay a little bit more if you do, but you will also save yourself some time. The excursions offered by the ship are also ideal because they ensure that you will make it back to port on time. You wouldn’t want to miss the boat, not that a few extra days in Trinidad and Tobago would exactly be a bad thing.