6 Best Sights in Trinidad and Tobago

Nearly 200 acres are covered with plants, trees, and colorful flowers, and the surroundings are atwitter with more than 200 bird species—including the gorgeous blue-crowned motmot and the rare (and protected) nocturnal oilbird. Take one of the guided hikes to the oilbirds' breeding grounds in Dunston Cave. Those who don't want to hike can relax on the inn's veranda and watch birds swoop about the porch feeders. You are also more than likely to see a variety of other animal species, including agoutis (similar to large guinea pigs) and alarmingly large golden tegu lizards. This stunning plantation house looks out onto the lush, untouched Arima Valley. Visits must be booked in advance and include lunch and afternoon tea on the verandah.

This mile-long crescent of sand looks like a frame ripped from a classic pirate movie. The somewhat steep sandy beach almost always has calm waters and backs onto unspoiled tropical rain forest. The beach is usually deserted, but there are a few shacks offering food, drink, and souvenirs. Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; walking.

On Mount St. George, a short drive up the hill from Scarborough, Tobago's best-preserved historic monument clings to a cliff high above the ocean. Ft. King George was built in the 1770s and operated until 1854. It's hard to imagine that this lovely, tranquil spot commanding sweeping views of the bay and landscaped with lush tropical foliage was ever the site of any military action, but the prison, officers' mess, and several stabilized cannons attest otherwise. Just to the left of the tall wooden figures dancing a traditional Tobagonian jig is the former barracks guardhouse, now housing the small Tobago Museum. Exhibits include weapons and other pre-Columbian artifacts found in the area; the fertility figures are especially interesting. Upstairs are maps and photographs of Tobago's past. Be sure to check out the gift display cases for the perversely fascinating jewelry made from embalmed and painted lizards and sea creatures; you might find it hard to resist a pair of bright-yellow shrimp earrings. The Fine Arts Centre at the foot of the Ft. King George complex shows the work of local artists.

This stretch of peach-color sand has a cove and a fishing village at one end. It's the local favorite, so it can get crowded on weekends. The government is constantly trying to upgrade the facilities (with limited success), so the areas around the beach are less than pristine. Lifeguards will guide you away from strong currents. Parking sites are ample, and there are snack bars selling the famous bake and shark, a must-try. Take the winding North Coast Road from Maraval (it intersects with Long Circular Road right next to KFC Maraval) over the Northern Range; the beach is about 7 miles (11 km) from Maraval. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; walking.

This stunning locale is often displayed on Tobago travel brochures. The white-sand beach is lined with swaying coconut trees, and there are changing facilities and food stalls nearby. The beach is public, but there is an admission fee. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming; tanning.

This large swamp with mazelike waterways is bordered by mangrove trees, some plumed with huge termite nests. If you're lucky, you may see lazy caimans idling in the water and large snakes hanging from branches on the banks, taking in the sun. In the middle of the sanctuary are several islets that are home to Trinidad's national bird, the scarlet ibis. Just before sunset the ibis arrive by the thousands, their richly colored feathers brilliant in the gathering dusk, and as more flocks alight, they turn the mangrove foliage a brilliant scarlet. Bring a sweater and insect repellent. The sanctuary was renamed in 2015 following the death of its founder, Winston Nanan. He was also the owner of the only official tour operator, and his family continues to operate tours.