Tour Options in Trinidad and Tobago

Although any taxi driver in Trinidad or Tobago can take visitors to the major attractions, using a tour company allows for a more-leisurely and educational adventure. Tour operators are also more mindful of the sensitivities of tourists and are much less likely to subject passengers to breakneck speeds and "creative" driving.

In Trinidad, Caribbean Discovery Tours is operated by Stephen Broadbridge. His tours are completely personalized and can include both on- and offshore activities. Tours can range from the strenuous to the leisurely, with prices based on the duration of the expedition and the number of participants. Kalloo's offers tours ranging from a fascinating three-hour tour of Port of Spain to an overnight turtle-watching tour. Sensational Tours & Transport comes highly recommended and is your best choice for island tours. Owner Gerald Nicholas worked for the tourist board for many years and knows the island intimately. He is a complete delight to be with, and his tour prices are the lowest on the island by far.

In Tobago, Frank's Glass Bottom Boat & Birdwatching Tours offers glass-bottom-boat and snorkeling tours of the shores of Speyside; Frank also conducts guided tours of the rain forest and Little Tobago. As a native of Speyside, he's extremely knowledgeable about the island's flora, fauna, and folklore. Tobago Travel is the island's most experienced tour operator, offering a wide variety of services and tours.

In Trinidad

Caribbean Discovery Tours Ltd. (9B Fondes Amandes, St. Ann's, Port of Spain. 868/624-7281 or 868/620-1989. www.caribbeandiscoverytours.com). Kalloo's (Piarco International Airport, Piarco. 868/669-5673 or 868/622-9073. www.kalloos.com). Sensational Tours & Transport (47 Reservoir Rd., La Pastora, Santa Cruz. 868/676-2937 or 868/687-7832).

In Tobago

Frank's Glass Bottom Boat & Birdwatching Tours (Speyside. 868/660-5438). Tobago Travel (Scarborough. 868/639-8778).