Information on arriving into Trinidad or Tobago, Customs and Immigration, and what to expect in Chaguaramas or Tobago.
Chaguaramas
Information on what is happening in and around Chaguaramas. Including: Emergency Medical Information, Events, Information on Marinas and Anchorages, Marine Services and Contractors, and where to obtain parts and supplies in Trinidad. Answers to Frequently asked Questions.
Shopping and Food
Where to shop for what you need and information on the unique foods of Trinidad and Tobago. Where to find something good to eat.
How to get around Trinidad and Tobago, and
Safety information.
Exploring Trinidad
There are vast opportunities to enjoy all that is offered in Trinidad. Beaches and hiking, Watching birds and wildlife, Exploring Port of Spain, The history and culture of Trinidad, Night life, Out of the way places around the island, and Adventures and Sports.
Seasonal Events
Many events are seasonal. The first event of the New Year is Carnival in February or March. Other events dot the year finishing with Diwali and lastly Christmas.
Resources
Information on Weather, Links on the internet of interest to cruisers, forms for the local net, to search for specific information and how to file a float plan.
Arrival Information:
Passage & Arrival in Trinidad
The majority of cruisers arrive in Trinidad after a passage from Grenada, but others come from further afield. Information on what to expect during the passage, hazards, weather and arrival information, Communications and Float Plan details.
The paperwork can seem daunting at first, but taken one step at a time and with good humor, it can be easily taken in stride. Information on where to clear, procedures and costs. Additional information on clearing parts and pets.
Chaguaramas is the center of yacht activity in Trinidad. Information on local places to shop and eat, local activities, and where to find additional information.
Weather is of prime importance to cruisers. The weather page gives a brief overview of some of the weather issues affecting Trinidad and Tobago and the Eastern Caribbean.
Chaguaramas Bay has changed a lot since the days of being an American Military Base during World War Two. It now has one of the finest collection of marine services and skilled workers to be found anywhere in the Caribbean. There is very little that cannot be found, fabricated, or repaired here. All with the unique Trini style.
Chaguaramas is a commercial port and has a long history of supporting the yachting community. There are a wide range of services available for the cruising sailor. A lot resides in the yacht yards, but there is also a community of highly skilled contractors and businesses providing marine supplies and services.
While Chaguaramas has a lot to offer, there are many services important to cruisers that are available elsewhere in Trinidad. Check here for medical information.
There are a number of good places to shop between Port of Spain and Chaguaramas. Most can be reached by a short Maxi-Bus ride along the Western Main Road or as part of Jesse's weekly organized shopping trips.
Port of Spain provides a great array of shops for any need. There is a large area of fabric shops, a good music store, electronic shops and various small to medium sized department stores. Just outside of Port of Spain is the fresh food market. Along the major highways to the east and south are other stores to serve most of a cruiser's needs.
A number of years ago, he came up with the idea of getting the cruisers out of the marinas in Chaguaramas and introduce them to local foods that Trinidadians eat, and along the way have a lot of fun.
Getting around Trinidad and Tobago is relatively easy. There are Maxi-Buses, Large route buses, some taxis and of course rental cars. Jesse can proved a car and driver to meet specific needs.
Some Cruisers have yet to discover the many Opportunities of outdoor Trinidad. The are many beaches, hiking trails, caves to explore, and waterfalls to be found.
Trinidad has many unique birds and animals. There are many places to observe them without having to venture too far into the forests or Savannahs. Excellent guides are available to assist in the understanding of what you might see.
While many think of Port of Spain for shopping, there are lots to see and do downtown: cricket at the Queen's Park Savannah, the Botanical Gardens and Zoo, or Fort George overlooking downtown.
Trinidad and Tobago's history is interesting and as diverse as her people. There are many places around Trindad and Tobago to see a bit of that History and Culture.
With a car or as part of an organized trip, there are a number of interesting places to visit. The Pitch Lake in the southwest corner of the island or the Temple by the Sea on the west coast are just a few.
Cricket is the national sport. Its followers are fanatical and the country gets swept up in the excitement. Trini life grinds to a halt whenever the West Indies team comes in for a test match. Shorter 20/20 or 50/50 matches are easier to watch for the uninitiated.
Carnival in Trinidad is arguably the best in the world. Carnival here consists of a great number of different events spread over more than a month leading up to the main parade downtown Port of Spain on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Title63
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Return to Prior Menu
What is New
Coronavirus, Covid-19 Information for Trinidad Cruisers
As a continuing service to help make the passages to/from the islands to the north safer, Jesse James has instituted a Convoy program. Details can be found in the News Release on Jesse's site
The website is being constantly updated. The most Recent updates are:
The first question most cruisers ask is, why travel all the way to Trinidad and Tobago?
Several reasons come to mind. Many will need to get work done on their boats and are attracted by Trinidad's reputation for excellent work or low prices. Others will seek to keep their boat in a safe place during the Caribbean hurricane season. Many of these people leave their boats and return to North America or Europe for the summer. Other cruisers travel to Trinidad or Tobago just to experience the islands and its people. It is a shame that more don't as there is much to see and do.
Often cruisers are so focused on getting their work done that they seldom venture beyond Chaguaramas. We will attempt to explore some of the things that can be found beyond the limits of the marinas in Chaguaramas or on the island of Tobago, as well as where to find the services and facilities needed.
