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Eco-loving, and sporting itTrinidad is known for its hustle and bustle, andis the economic tiger of the Caribbean region.Yet with all the trimmings of modernity, it stillcoexists in harmony with nature. Along theNorthern Coast Road, you have a breathtakingview of the Caribbean Sea, and sumptuouslocal cuisine to sample along the way. CentralTrinidad also hosts the national bird – ScarletIbis – and other exotic species at the CaroniSwamp, which is one of the highlights of theeco-tours planned for FCCA delegates.Despite the fact that Trinidad is very metropolitan,upon deeper exploration you’ll find proof ofits ecological and geographical diversity – aproduct of its one-time attachment toVenezuela’s South American mainland. Withover 450 species of birds, 600 types of butterflies,and 23,000 species of flora and fauna,Trinidad and Tobago is rich in bio-diversity. Thebeauty of the two islands lies in their individualabilities to offer distinctive, yet equally enjoyableexperiences.World-renowned for its ecotourism offerings,Tobago offers nature lovers scuba diving,eco-trails, and bird watching. Just a 15-minute flight or two-and-a-half-hour ferry ridefrom Trinidad, it is the quintessentialCaribbean island with secluded beaches,quaint villages, sumptuous cuisine, andcharming hotels. Some eco resorts and villasalso have nature reserves and bird sanctuariesright on the property.Tobago has some of the best diving in theCaribbean, and a wide variety of marine life.Adventurous divers will love the North-easternfishing village of Speyside with its lush reefs, andthe smaller islands off of Tobago – Goat Island andLittle Tobago – which provide plenty of shelter.Meanwhile in the South-West of the island, there’smuch easier diving for the casual diver with goodreefs and wrecks to visit, and calmer dives. Nondiverswill also enjoy hopping aboard the glassbottomedboats that carry you past Goat Island tothe bird-watching hotspot of Little Tobago. BuccooReef, Tobago’s largest reef, is also a “must-have”experience – nature lover or not.However, it is the award-winning Main RidgeRainforest Reserve in East Tobago, whichwas established in 1776, that continues toattract eco-lovers, as it is the oldest protectedrainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Amature rainforest, it is a wonderland of treeferns,palms, towering trees, bromeliads, epiphytes,and orchids.Blessed with natural sites for adventure,leisure, eco and health tourism, Tobago continuesto attract tourists who have a taste forsimple pleasures, as well as sophisticatedexperiences. For example, golf enthusiastsfrom countries such as Germany visit Tobagoto play at the Mount Irvine Golf Course.Additionally, with novelty sports such as kiteboarding,Tobago is one of the few placeswhere visitors can still boast of having beenone of the first to ride a number of spots.Trinidad & Tobago • October 27-31, 2008 FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show 29