Trinidad is the southernmost island of the West Indies. It was once an extension of the northern coast of Venezuela, but the lowlands were washed away by the Orinoco River centuries ago; at the closest point only 7 miles ( 11 km ) of sea separate Trinidad and Venezuela. Port of Spain, the capital, is one of the Caribbean's most cosmopolitan cities. People from Africa, China, Britain, India, France, Holland, Portugal, Spain and many other countries make their home here along with decendants of the Arawak and Carib Indians. The architure is as varied, with ornate mansions, Spanish patios and tiled roofs, French grillwork, cathedrals, mosques and temples.
Many Trinidadians leave the hustle and bustle of their island to vacation on subdued Tobago, some 20 miles ( 32 km ) away. Tobago's present name may be derived from the Spanish word for tobacco, but exactly when and how the island was named is unknown. It is believed that Tobago was the inspiration for the shipwreck tales of the Swiss Family Robinson and Robinson Crusoe. Today's visitors will find wide white beaches and small contemporary hotels.
Trinidad covers 1,864 square miles ( 4,828 Sq km ), roughly the size of Rhode Island. Three mountain ranges cross the island; at 3,085 feet ( 940 km ), El Cerro del Aripo is the highest point. Half of the island is forest, and mangrove swamps provide wildlife habitats on both the east and west coasts.
The islands' African heritage surfaces in three art forms; calypso, satirical songs on tropical themes; limbo, a dance strictly for the athletic; and steel bands, with instruments fashioned from oil drums. These bands are especially popular during Carnival. Based in Trinidad's capital, Carnival is held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, but parties and dances begin weeks in advance. Costumes, calypso, and steel-band contests and the crowning of a king and queen make this the best known of Caribbean festivals.
Beautiful beaches line the coast of Trinidad and none is less than an hour's drive from Port of Spain. Maracas Beach, with its white sand, limpid water and coconut palms, is considered one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Trinidad's efforts to develop the natural beauty of the coastline are focused on Maracas and Las Cuevas bays, northwest of Port of Spain, and Manzanilla and Mayaro beaches on the east coast.
The island of Tobago, 20 miles ( 32 km ) northeast of Trinidad, covers 116 square miles ( 300 sq km ). A low mountain ridge divides the island, which is a sanctuary for jacamars, hummingbirds, green parrots, motmots, and nightjars.
Robinson's Crusoe's Cave, 10 miles ( 16 km ) west of scarborough, is named for Daniel Defoe's fictional castaway. The subterranean cave traverses Crown Point and Store Bay. The ruins of Fort James are nearby at Plymouth; a powder magazine on the grounds has been restored.
Recreation on Tobago centers on the sea. The island's many inlets, bays, shoals and reefs are excellent for fishing with line or spear; boats, guides and equipment are available for hire. Scuba diving and snorkeling are excellent at Buccoo Reef, and there is bathing at the Nylon Pool, 2 miles ( 3.2 km ) out in the Caribbean. For landlubbers, Mount Irvine Golf Course has an 18-hole course.
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