Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago might just be one of the Caribbean’s most stunning island nations—think jaw-dropping waterfalls, dreamy beaches, and record-breaking wildlife.
But as picture-perfect as it looks, there’s a serious reason travelers are being warned to think twice before booking a trip.
Fast Facts
Before we jump into the dangerous details, let’s gain some perspective.
Official Name: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Population: 1, 221, 047
Area: 5, 128 sq km
Capital City: Port of Spain (the epicenter of unlawful activity)
Michael Bluschke, Shutterstock
An Island Paradise
Trinidad and Tobago is a melting pot of cultures with influences from Africa, India, Europe and the Caribbean, has the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and is home to an array of birds, monkeys and sea turtles.
The country holds a few intriguing world records that are worth noting as well.
World Record: Tobago’s Coral
The world’s largest piece of brain coral can be found at Speyside—the popular diving and snorkeling spot. It measures 10 by 16 feet.
The islands are home to over 300 different species of coral.
But that’s not all.
World Record: La Brea Pitch Lake
La Brea Pitch Lake is often called “a destination of amazement and mystery,” and for good reason—it's the largest natural deposit of asphalt on Earth.
Holding around 10 million tons, it’s one of only three known pitch lakes in the world.
And that’s not the island’s only world record—there’s another one, and it’s just as impressive.
World Record: Queen’s Park Savannah
Queen’s Park Savannah is a park in Port of Spain, and it is the city’s largest open space. The park is encircled by a 3.7km perimeter road—making it known as the world’s largest roundabout.
Queen’s Park Savannah
At Queen’s Park Savannah you’ll find a stunning botanical garden, carnival grounds, the Magnificent Seven houses—and a very popular evening activity that is a hit among tourists.
The Open Air Food Court
The Open Air Food Court is an evening food court at Queen's Park Savannah.
From 6:00-10:00pm you’ll find a variety of food and drink vendors set up, including doubles, corn soup, shawarmas, jerk chicken, bake and shark, and even a refreshing coconut water stand.
The vendors are also there for the island’s most famous festival—which holds another world record.
Nandani Bridglal, Shutterstock
World Record: The Largest Caribbean Carnival
Trinidad and Tobago is best known for its vibrant Carnival, a lively celebration of music, dancing, and dazzling costumes.
But it’s the main event that’s truly record-breaking.
Jean-Marc, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
The main celebration is known as “The Greatest Show on Earth”, and is so elaborate that some locals spend over $1,000 on their costume.
That’s not the only thing the island is rich in, though.
Idobi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
An Eco-Adventurer’s Paradise
Trinidad and Tobago is the best Caribbean destination for Nature lovers.
The islands boast over 470 species of birds, over 600 tropical butterflies, and hundreds of rivers and waterfalls.
Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Best Nature Holiday Award
Trinidad and Tobago took home the 2015 UK Telegraph Caribbean Travel Award for Best Destination for a Nature Holiday.
And let’s not forget the turtles—some of the world’s largest nest here every year.
Kp93, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Leatherback Turtles
Each year over 10,000 giant Leatherback turtles visit the island’s shores to nest.
In 2015, Time Magazine named Trinidad and Tobago as the best place in the world to see Leatherback Turtle hatchlings.
There’s also a swimming pool in the middle of the ocean.
Jordan Beard, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Ocean’s Swimming Pool
The Nylon Pool is a natural, 1-meter-deep crystal-clear swimming pool with a sandy bottom—and it’s located in the middle of the ocean.
It was created by an offshore sandbar and a still lagoon.
The People
Trinidad and Tobago’s people are among the happiest and most positive people in the world.
In 2013 and 2015, the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network ranked the islands as the Caribbean’s Happiest Country.
But just because they’re happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. Trinidad and Tobago has some challenges too.
A Rough Start to the Year
Current stats aren’t painting the rosiest picture for Trinidad and Tobago.
Experts say 2023 will likely be remembered as a turbulent chapter in Tobago’s history—marked by controversies, scandals, and political clashes that dominated the headlines.
And 2024 didn't offer much hope for a turnaround.
Mark Williams Pics, Shutterstock
Unlawful Activity in 2023
Already in 2024, the islands are struggling with an increase in incidences involving fatal home invasions, taking of children, and fatalities involving mostly women.
The first major incident happening already on New Year’s Day.
The New Years Incident
On January 1st, 2024, a 41-year-old individual lost his life. He was targeted after refusing to join a specific street group.
On the same day, someone else fatally shot.
Anneli Salo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
January 2, 2024: Drive-By
The very next day, tragedy struck again. Three women lost their lives—one a 19-year-old shot in a drive-by, and two others killed by a family member.
Anneli Salo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
January 2, 2024: Domestic
The other two women were victims of a domestic situation where the husband/son-in-law made good on his threats.
The pattern continued from there, with each day bringing more lives lost.
Kalamazadkhan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Substance Use
A lot of the violence that occurs in Trinidad and Tobago are substance related and carried out by known street groups.
2023 and 2022 statistics confirm that there’s been a change in recent years.
Kalamazadkhan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Statistics
While the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) reported a five percent decrease in lives taken, the numbers are still concerning.
There were 576 lives taken in 2023 and 605 lives taken previously in 2022.
Even so, citizens remain concerned for their safety and distressed about the levels of domestic violence in the country.
Kalamazadkhan, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Prime Minister’s Thoughts
In October 2023, Prime Minister Keith Rowley acknowledged the troubling rise in the “glamorization of firearms” and the growing acceptance of “violence as a way of life” in Trinidad and Tobago.
His response? A push to disarm offenders and boost state security operations. But many citizens weren’t convinced—and their reactions made that clear.
U.S. Department of State , Wikimedia Commons
Local Concerns
Locals are concerned that the government is not getting to the root cause of the problem—too many citizens are armed.
There is also a common fear of reporting.
Kalamazadkhan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Small Communities
Most of the population live in small communities where everyone knows one another, and many people are afraid of being victimized if they report any wrongdoing.
Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Laws
While Trinidad and Tobago has laws regulating gun ownership and use, illegal firearms are still easily found on the streets.
And every year, citizens make sure to remind the government of this reality on one unforgettable night.
New Years Eve Tradition
A recent trend in Trinidad and Tobago has apparently emerged—firing shots into the sky at midnight on New Years Eve.
Authorities pleaded with citizens not to continue this—but it only hurt their credibility more.
That’s not the only concern in the islands, though.
John de la Bastide, Shutterstock
Most Dangerous Countries List
In 2023, Trinidad and Tobago ranked 12th in a list of the world's most dangerous countries, with taking lives being the biggest concern.
But taking people in general is another huge concern.
Snatching People
After a middle-aged businesswoman was taken only 3 feet from her home recently, citizens have started speaking up about the level of unlawful activities happen in Trinidad and Tobago in recent times.
The islands have been several kidnappings each year including mostly women and children.
Citizens Are Living in Fear
The constant fear of being taken in broad daylight is just one of the many concerns locals face. Now, even tourists are being warned to stay extra vigilant about their surroundings.
Tourism Warnings: From Trinidad and Tobago, Itself
Trinidad and Tobago advise tourists of the following: “exercise a high degree of caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to the threat of violent crime”.
The US has its own warnings too.
Tourism Warnings: From the US
The US Department of State suggests Americans to “reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime”, and if travel is a must, “exercise increased caution due to terrorism and kidnapping”.
The most common concern for American tourists though is theft.
Robbery
Armed robbery rates are soaring, affecting both locals and tourists. Incidents range from a quick "give me your wallet" to tourists being forced to drain their bank accounts at ATMs.
Home invasions are also a serious issue, even impacting some off-resort accommodations.
Tourist Advisories
It is advised that tourists do the following:
- Do not wear jewelry in public (leave it at home entirely)
- Avoid carrying large quantities of money or multiple cards
- Avoid isolated areas after dark
- Travel in groups of more than two
Tourist Advisories Cont’d
- Use locks – on everything from cars, luggage, hotel rooms, etc.
- Only use licensed transportation (plate number will begin with ‘H’)
- Only stay in reputable hotels/resorts
- Use official tour guides for excursions, not people who offer from the street
Final Thoughts
With already 15 lives taken so far in 2024, and a record high of lives taken in the previous two years, the future of Trinidad and Tobago is looking grim.
While it remains one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, its safety ratings are at an all-time low making it one of those places that is suggested we admire from afar.
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