Trinidad Parks and Gardens

(Trinidad, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago)

When prospective holiday makers imagine Trinidad, they usually picture the tropical coastline and sandy beaches, and don't ever imagine the wonderful public parks and planted gardens that exist here. Many gardens and public spaces are sited around Trinidad's capital, Port of Spain, where both the Memorial Park and the Queen's Park Savannah await.

Also in Port of Spain the Trinidad Botanic Gardens is a particular surprise and is certainly one of the most beautiful and tranquil places on the island, often being rather overlooked in favour of the beaches. The island also boasts a number of vast nature reserves, such as the Nariva Swamp at Rio Claro, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary in Valsayn, and the famed Wild Fowl Trust at Point-a-Pierre.

Botanic Gardens

Address: Queen's Park North, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
The Trinidad Botanic Gardens is to be found on the northern side of the Queen's Park Savannah and alongside the famous President's House. Covering just under 100 acres / 40 hectares in total, the Botanic Gardens was first laid out roughly 200 years ago and so is home to some very mature specimen plants and exotic trees.

Caroni Arena Dam

Address: Arena Road, San Rafael, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 675 7034
Surrounded by nature trails, picnic spots and many recreational possibilities, the Caroni Arena Dam stands on the northern side of Trinidad, in San Raphael. Families will certainly appreciate the playground area, the butterflies, the hummingbirds and the open spaces.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary

Address: Uriah Butler Highway, Valsayn, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 645 1305
This attraction was established more than 50 years ago in a successful attempt to protect the native wildlife, and in particular the various birds, such as the Scarlet Ibis. The wetland area is best explored by means of a guided boat tour, with boat trips departing most afternoons.

Cleaver Woods Recreation Park

Address: Arima Old Road, Eastern Main Road, Arima, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
The Cleaver Woods Recreation Park stands close to the Cleaver Road and in the town of Arima. Popular nature trails prove a leading attraction of this parkland, as does the visitors centre, where you can learn more about the island's earliest descendants via a series of interesting exhibits.

Memorial Park

Address: Frederick Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Standing across from the National Museum and Art Gallery and along the bustling Frederick Street, the Memorial Park provides a peaceful and spreading parkland in the very centre of Port of Spain. An important monument honouring those from Trinidad and Tobago who lost their lives in past wars stands here and is central to Memorial Day services each year.

Nariva Swamp

Address: East Coast of Nariva County, Rio Claro, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +353 56 776 4933
Regarded as the island's premier nature reserve, the Nariva Swamp resides within southern Trinidad and in the area known as Nariva, being close to Manzanilla Bay. The landscape around the Bush Sanctuary is especially diverse, as is the enormous mangrove area and the waterways are home to a group of wild manatees. Many tourists come here to see the capuchin monkeys and the red howler monkeys alone.

Navet Dam

Address: Tabaquite Main Road, Tabaquite, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Tel: +1 868 675 7034
Situated close to the main road leading into Tabaquite and on the southerly side of Trinidad, the Navet Dam offers an extremely scenic spot with endless views and many surrounding hillsides. A number of hiking trails present themselves around the Navet Dam, along with plenty of picnicking opportunities.

Point-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust

Address: Petrotrin Oil Refinery, Pointe-a-Pierre, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Located on the very outskirts of San Fernando, the Point-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust is known on Trinidad for its extreme natural beauty and plentiful Caribbean flora and fauna, including many native birds. This important nature reserve covers just over 62 acres / 25 hectares and features a large wetland area and two expansive lakes.

Oropouche Lagoon

Address: South Trunk Road, Oropouche, San Fernando, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
The Oropouche Lagoon is a scenic mangrove swamp and lies just over 5 km / 3 miles from the attractions of San Fernando. A huge variety of exotic birds and butterflies can be found here, including a number of endangered species. Guided tours of the Oropouche Lagoon ensure that you really do make the most of your visit.

Queen's Park Savannah

Address: Queen's Park West, East, Port of Spain, Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago, TT
Encompassing some 400 acres / 988 hectares, Queen's Park Savannah is amongst the largest green spaces within Port of Spain and was established almost 200 years ago. Now actually owned by the city, this parkland is bounded by a skyline of towering buildings and is ideal for those looking to enjoy a stroll, jog or picnic. Look out for the open-air concerts and the seasonal carnival celebrations.