Port of Spain

Cruise ships dock in the capital, Port of Spain, at the Cruise Ship Terminal Complex of Port of Spain where disembarking passengers are greeted by locals dancing in dazzling Carnival costumes, singing calypso or playing the steel pan. The cruise terminal houses a Tourism Information Office, duty-free stores, clothing boutiques and souvenir shops. Immediately outside the terminal is a craft market and you can also find taxis offering island tours. If you want to explore on your own, Port of Spain's shopping and financial district is just 15 minutes' walk away.

For Safety: Walk in groups if possible. Use the same caution you would use visiting any large city. Don't carry large sums of cash, don't walk down dark streets, don't walk across a park at midnight. Stay on the well beaten track and enjoy the things that your relatives and friends will guide you towards.

Printable map to take along.

Lying nine miles off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad is a Caribbean paradise and the southernmost link in the Antillean chain of islands. Trinidad is part of the two-island nation known as Trinidad & Tobago. Yet, although these two islands are linked in their government and geographical proximity, they are quite dissimilar.

Trinidad's recorded history is thousands of years old, but the region became known to Europeans in the 15th century, when Columbus sailed around its southern bay. Sighting three large mountain peaks on the island, he named the land La Trinidad, in reverence to the Holy Trinity. In 1797, the British Empire captured Trinidad from the Spanish, ending more than three hundred years of Spanish rule.

In more modern times, Trinidad has grown into a major tourist destination in part because of its success in the oil industry. The booming petroleum business in the area made Trinidad into an ideal location for upscale business travelers. Therefore, an entire industry unfolded which catered to these foreign travelers. Today, Trinidad remains a prosperous island that welcomes cruise ships from all over the world to dock at its picturesque capital, Port-of-Spain.

Port-of-Spain is a cultural and visual highlight of any cruise excursion. A city of just over fifty thousand, it is known throughout the world for its vibrant and colorful festivals, including the annual Carnival celebration. It is a great melting pot of cultures, featuring prominent African, European, Indian, and Asian dining, architecture, and language.

In and around the Port-of-Spain and Trinidad itself, you will be treated to a land that has been spared from the massive over-development that has troubled other notable ports of call. Instead, you will find ample beaches that have remained in their pristine states, casual and elegant dining in friendly local restaurants, and a great assortment of activities and events that will allow you and your family to explore this magical island and all it has to offer.

All official taxis have registration 'H'. Hiring a private taxi is much more expensive but gives the freedom to go where you like. Though there are fixed rates for certain journeys, it is best to establish this before you start your journey.

Remember $1.00 U.S = $6.30TT but in the tourism industry they round it off to $1,00 = $6.00 flat. Always ask the taxi what currency is he quoting you.

Public transportation consists of MaxiTaxis (shared taxis) and Buses (not recommended).

Traffic is horrendous, do no rent a car.

Maracas Beach is a beach on the island of Trinidad. It is located on the north side of the island, an hour's mountainous drive from the capital city of Port of Spain. The drive to get there goes up and over The Northern Range rainforest area with most drivers stopping at the Maracas Lookout, about a mile before hitting the beach area.

Trinidad continues to be a major shopping center in the Caribbean, attracting shoppers from all over the region and neighboring Latin American countries.

Shopping options are pretty extensive, with bargain shopping in downtown Port of Spain, San Fernando, Chaguanas, Arima, Tunapuna and main streets in other districts.

The currency on Trinidad and Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar, also known as the TT (pronounced teetee). US dollars are also widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted at many stores. American Express, Diners' Club, Discover, JCB and others are only accepted in a few places.

ATM (ABM) cards using Cirrus and Plus networks will work in local ATMs and will allow you to make withdrawals in TT dollars converted to your home currency.

Language: English (official), Hindi, French, Spanish, Chinese

Free but somewhat slow WiFi at the terminal.

Mon-Thurs 0800-1600, Fri 0800-1800 and Sat 0800-1300. Some shops stay open later in Port of Spain, and malls are often open till 2100. Shops close on public holidays, especially during Carnival.

On Sundays and certain holidays everything is closed and walking through town is no fun..take a tour instead. Some malls are open on sundays now.