Lots of visitors come to Trinidad and Tobago to swim, surf, and do other water sports at the amazing beaches. But what should you do when you’re already sunburnt and need a break from the sand and surf? While visiting as part of the Society of American Travel Writers freelance delegation, I found 10 fun things to do in Trinidad and Tobago.

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If you are looking to get around the islands, you can travel by bus, by ferry, or by car (either a taxi or a rental). While taxis are available on Trinidad and Tobago, you want to avoid them during rush hour, be prepared to pay cash, and let your driver know if you want to go someplace “off the beaten path.” They may not want to drive the entire way. Given the restraints of the taxi system, you may prefer to rent a car. Remember that driving is on the left side like in Great Britain. Familiarize yourself with the traffic laws and always follow the laws. Don’t be alarmed with cars parked in the middle of the road where there is no shoulder. Simply wait until the oncoming traffic clears and go around the parked cars. If you are looking for a car rental in Tobago, visit Guys AutoZone for an easy and safe rental car experience.

Visit a Panyard in Trinidad

Steel pan music is a distinctive feature of Trinidad. This percussive yet melodic instrument evolved from discarded oil drums. Nowadays many steel pan orchestras perform around the islands. Catch them on their home turf in a panyard, where they rehearse and play for visitors.

The Invaders, a steelpan band, play in their panyard.

On a recent visit, I heard the Caribbean Airlines Invaders play songs ranging from “Don’t Rock the Boat” to Beethoven’s Fifth.

Eat a Roti in Trinidad & Tobago

Everywhere you drive in Trinidad, you’ll see roti stands. This dish comes from the island’s East Indian population. Sometimes it comes pre-rolled, like a wrap. Or you’ll get a plate of meat or vegetables and a huge, hot piece of flatbread to break off and dip.

A vegetarian roti served at a roadside restaurant

Options range from duck and goat to channa – spiced chickpeas—for those who, like me, prefer vegetarian food. Try your luck at any stand, or go with the reliable Shiann’s with outlets around Trinidad.

Tour a Cocoa Estate

Trinidad is known for producing some of the world’s best cocoa beans. The whole island of Tobago used to be planted with cocoa estates, until Hurricane Flora devastated the island in 1963.

Cocoa pods at the Tobago Cocoa Estate

Now there’s only one working cocoa estate on all of Tobago. Tobago Cocoa Estate’s 45-minute tours are open to the public, and include a chocolate and rum tasting. You’ll see the cocoa pods growing on the trees, and learn about the fermenting and drying process. The biggest action is during harvest season, which runs from November to March.

Go to a Goat Race in Tobago

This may sound frivolous, but Tobagans take their goat races very seriously. Ever since 1925, goat jockeys have raced behind their goats, joined by nine feet of rope. Races happen at least three times a year—at Easter, summer, and the beginning of cruise ship season—and people put a lot of money down on their favorites.

This mural on a Tobago street depicts the island’s famous goat races.

Both the goats and jockeys must be in top shape. Goats strengthen their legs by swimming in the sea, and you can sometimes see goats and jockeys training together, walking up Tobago’s steep hills.

Cruise the Caroni Swamp

The Caroni Swamp is the best place to glimpse a scarlet ibis. Formerly hunted for feathers, this bright red bird gained protected status when T&T won its independence in 1962 and chose this ibis to be its national bird.

Take a boat through Trinidad’s Caroni Swamp

Lester Nanan, the owner of Nanan’s Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tours, is the third generation to navigate the fertile waters of this swamp. In addition to a great flock of scarlet ibis, he pointed out cascabel boas lounging in the trees and a quick-moving caiman. Go at sunset to see scarlet ibises and snowy egrets return to their nesting trees.

The Caroni Swamp

Zipline in Trinidad & Tobago

You’ll get a different perspective on the island by zipping through the trees and over Macqueripe Bay in the Chagauramas area of Trinidad. ZIP-ITT Adventure Tours runs a safe, efficient seven-line course. My favorite line took us over bright red blooms of chaconia, T&T’s national flower.

Ziplining over red chaconia flowers

Visit a Temple

On the western side of Trinidad, a statue of the Indian god Hanuman rises 85 feet, making it the second tallest Hanuman in the world. This is probably the hugest sacred monkey statue you will ever see. Located in the village of Carapichaima, you’ll also find a yoga center here and a gift shop that sells CDs, statues, books, and devotional items.

The 85-foot tall Hanuman statue

Admire a Waterfall

Tobago’s Argyle Waterfall is not very big by waterfall standards, but it’s a pleasant forested walk and an attractive little fall. If you really can’t stay out of the water for an entire day, the wading pool is more protected than the beach. Or remain dry and enjoy the view.

Argyle Waterfall near Roxborough on the Caribbean island of Tobago. Photo by Isabella via iStock by Getty Images

Take a Yoga Class

Between the East Indian and the resort vibe, yoga is alive and well in T&T. If you’re interested in spiritual and disciplined yoga, you can get the ashram experience at Blue Star Center, with a daily schedule that starts with breath work at 4:15. Or opt for a more relaxed approach.

Karen Blackman leads a poolside yoga class at the Port of Spain Hilton

I had the opportunity to take a class with Karen Blackman, who teaches at Sangha Yoga Trinidad, and also for special groups and events. We spent an enjoyable hour doing yoga by the Hilton pool.

Browse in a Local Market

Every town of any size has an outdoor market where you can buy fruit, vegetables, clothes, and household items. These are great places to people watch and buy tropical fruit or those really hot peppers that Trinibagonians transform into tongue-scalding hot sauce.

A family shops at a local market in Tobago.

There are always exciting and amazing things to see when traveling. Sometimes the most amazing memories are created when exploring off the beaten path! Enjoy these unique experiences on your visit to Trinidad & Tobago. Be sure to explore Wander for more great ideas on where you visit in the Caribbean.