Trinidad Carnival
February 26th to March 05th, 2025.
Trinidad and Tobago is well known for participants’ colorful costumes and exuberant celebrations with numerous cultural events such as band-launches, fetes, stick-fighting, limbo, calypso, Soca competitions, steel pan competitions, and more in the lead-up to the street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. It is said that if Trinidad is not celebrating carnival, then they are preparing for carnival.
Tour outline
- Day 1: Arrival Trinidad
- Day 2: Fete #1: AM Beach – Meet and Greet – Fete #2: Tribe Ignite Drinks-Inclusive
- Day 3: Cultural Activity – Fete #3: Phuket All-Inclusive
- Day 4: Fete #4: Am Bush – Fete #5: Soca Brainwash
- Day 5: Fete #6 Sunny Side Up – Spill Over (Soca Islands Event)
- Day 6: Carnival Street Parade Day One (Monday Wear)
- Day 7: Carnival Street Parade Day Two (Full Costume)
- Day 8: Depart Trinidad or Tobago Cool Down
What’s included
- Accommodation in double rooms
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary inclusive of entrance fees
- Fete (party) tickets
- Group transportation to and from all the activities on the itinerary
- Backline carnival costume
- Costume pickup
- Costume photography
- Experienced Soca Islands Host with you throughout the trip
- Max 20 travellers per group
- One farewell group lunch or dinner
Soca Islanders must provide proof that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Remember, international flights aren’t included and prices are based on sharing a double room with two beds. If you’d prefer a private double (for couples), single room, or private transportation for you and your group, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.
Trinidad Carnival group itinerary
DAY 1: FEBRUARY 26
Arrive in Trinidad
- Arrive in Trinidad and transfer to your chosen accommodation
- The day is yours to enjoy as you please. Be sure to get some rest though as we head out before the break of dawn the next day to attend your first event
DAY 2: FEBRUARY 27
AM Beach All Inclusive – Meet and Greet – Tribe Ignite
- Get ready to kick off your Carnival season with a bang at your very first fete at 5 am – AM Beach
- Meet your fellow Soca Islanders and get to know the individuals with whom you’ll be celebrating for the next seven days
- Attend the second fete on your itinerary – Tribe Ignite
DAY 3: FEBRUARY 28
Cultural Workshop – Phuket All Inclusive
- Attend our cultural workshop where you will learn stilt-walking, learn to breath fire, and learn to play the steelpan
- In the evening we attend Phuket, an event that promises an amazing experience, complete with delicious food and drinks
DAY 4: MARCH 01
AM Bush – Soca Brainwash
- Very early on Carnival Saturday morning, we’re off to A.M. BUSH – a J’ouvert themed paint party
- In the evening, we attend Soca Brainwash – a food and drink inclusive Soca festival
DAY 5: MARCH 02
Sunny Side Up – Maracas Beach
- Attend the final fete on your itinerary, another early-morning food and drink inclusive fete – Sunny Side Up
- Later in the day we take a trip to Maracas Beach to recharge while enjoying Trinidad’s famous bake and shark
- Beach-themed photoshoot
DAY 6: MARCH 03
J’ouvert – Carnival Monday (Monday Wear)
- Prepare to be on the road all day, starting with J’ouvert morning celebrations from 4 am
- Experience day one of the two-day Carnival street parade. Monday wear is used for the street parade and has to be purchased separately. Alternatively, you are free to wear anything you please
DAY 7: MARCH 04
Carnival Tuesday – Full Costume
- Today we take to the streets of Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, to showcase our elaborate and intricately designed costumes featuring feathers, beads, sequins, and vibrant colours
- Today marks the last day of the Carnival Celebrations
DAY 8: MARCH 05
Depart Trinidad
- Depending on your departure time, you might have a few hours for some last-minute shopping
- Bid farewell to the island and your new friends
Trinidad Carnival payment plan
Final Payment due on or before November 30 2024
Soca Islands provides you with the most flexible payment plan making it super easy and affordable to book your Trinidad Carnival experience by providing two payment plan options.
- Option One: 15% deposit is due upon booking, followed by 35% of the total cost due 30 days after booking. The remaining 50% due 60 days before your trip.
- Option Two: 25% deposit is due upon booking, followed by regular monthly payments. The total cost must be paid in full 60 days before your trip.
For bookings made between 90 and 60 days before the start date of the experience, 50% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Bookings made between 60 days and 30 days before the start date of the experience, 100% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Accommodations
Here’s a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.
Kapok Hotel
Located 5 minutes’ walk from Queen’s Park Savannah and from Ellerslie Plaza, Kapok Hotel features a swimming pool, garden and a sun terrace.
Hololo Haven
Open, light-filled room with balcony in a modern, beautiful, safe and secure building overlooking Port of Spain and the Gulf of Paria.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? (Plus airport code)
You can to fly into and out of the Piarco International Airport (POS).
Will the itinerary change?
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome event)?
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry – no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes from Piarco International Airport (POS) only. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
Are tips included?
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Do I need a visa?
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
- Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
- Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
How much should I budget per day for extras?
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
About Trinidad Carnival
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is an annual event held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in Trinidad. This event is well known for participants’ colorful costumes and exuberant celebrations. There are numerous cultural events such as band-launches, fetes, stick-fighting, limbo, calypso, Soca competitions, steel pan competitions, and more in the lead-up to the street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. It is said that if Trinidad is not celebrating carnival, then they are preparing for carnival. Traditionally, the festival is associated with calypso music, with its origins formulated in the midst of hardship for enslaved West and Central Africans. In recent years Soca music has replaced calypso as the most celebrated type of music.
The week before carnival is called carnival week and that’s when the most of the fetes occur. The most popular fetes are usually held from Carnival Wednesday to Carnival Sunday. However, the “feting” starts long before… as early as Boxing Day (December 26th). Carnival in Trinidad is considered by many to be the greatest street parade in the world; the greatest show on earth.
Tobago Cool Down
After Carnival, most folks need a break to wind down and recover, and they do this by hitting the beaches of Tobago. On Ash Wednesday, the day after Carnival is over, it is customary to visit Tobago for a couple of relaxing days. It should be noted that tickets for the period after Carnival sell out the year before.
Trinidad & Tobago travel information
Time Zone: GMT -04:00
Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar. 1 USD = 6.80 TTD
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is the southernmost island in the Caribbean archipelago. Located just off the north-eastern coast of the South America mainland, the twin island Republic is home to international greats such as Miss Universe 1998, Wendy Fitzwilliam; Zyban USA; Cricket Legend, Brian Charles Lara; and Carnival, the Greatest Show on Earth.
The capital city, Port of Spain, is the business centre of the Caribbean, housing the headquarters for a number of local businesses, a myriad of restaurants and nightlife entertainment like no other. The sister isle of Tobago is a stark contrast to Trinidad. Considerably smaller in size, Tobago is well-known for its coral reefs, pristine blue waters and white sandy beaches,the smaller island is perfect for leisure activities and an immersive experience with nature.
Trinidad & Tobago is warm and sunny year-round, with an average daily temperature of 28 C/ 85F, dipping to 22C/75F in the evenings. There are only two “seasons” in Trinidad & Tobago; the dry season (December – May) and the rainy season (June to December). During the Rainy Season, you can generally expect sunny mornings and early afternoon showers.
The islands are located outside the Hurricane Belt, making it a haven for yacht owners throughout the region. The water temperature year around is 24-29C/75-82F, encouraging water activities year-round including, surfing, world-class diving, sport fishing, kite surfing and paddle boarding.
How to get around in Trinidad
The most popular ways to get around are via the island’s taxi and maxi-taxi services. These are widely used among locals and tourists alike and provide an authentic island experience. A number of bus routes are available, generally operating from Port of Spain to Arima, Chaguanas, Diego Martin, Petit Valley, and San Fernando. You can catch one at a marked bus stop or by flagging it down along the main roads. Public transport is extremely affordable in Port of Spain. You can also rent your own vehicles, for a flexible way to travel around the island.
Where to stay in Trinidad?
Finding accommodation for Trinidad Carnival will be one of the hardest things you ever do. It is one of the most demanded carnivals in the world, therefore accommodation prices are high, and unfortunately, availability is low.
You should aim to look for accommodation around Port of Spain as most of the activities are there. Everything takes place all around Port of Spain.
The most popular hotel option on the island is the Hyatt Regency. There is also the Hilton Hotel, Courtyard by Marriot, Brix by Marriott, and Radisson Hotel. These hotels can go for around $650US a night and are usually sold out about six months prior to Carnival.
There are also some smaller boutique hotels that are worth looking at like the Chancellor Hotel, Hotel Normandie, or the Kapok Hotel. Another great option is to hire a villa, house, or apartment with your friends and split the cost.
For a more economical option, book a little further out. For example San Juan, Tunapuna, Diego Martin or Trincity where you can actually find many great places to stay for less. There are quite a few carnival concierge services that will have accommodation included in packages too.
Things to do in Trinidad
The twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, located off the coast of Venezuela, are a lesson in contradiction: large and small, industrial and pristine, developed and not. However, they are part of the same country, share the same spirit, and exist in harmony.
In Trinidad, the oil and gas industry are a big part of local life, with sightseeing tours revealing mangrove swamps sitting beside smokestacks. In the capital, Port of Spain, highlights include the House of Parliament (the Red House), the Magnificent Seven (a string of colonial houses located on the border of the Queen’s Park Savannah), Queen’s Park Savannah, Maracas Bay, and the Royal Botanical Gardens.
The southern end of Trinidad is home to Pitch Lake, which draws travelers with its title of world’s largest natural asphalt deposit, while Chaguaramas Boardwalk is also worth a visit for walking, cycling, and swimming. Trinidad is a bastion of untouched Caribbean landscape, ringed with white-sand beaches and dotted with coconut palms.
In Scarborough, considered the capital of Tobago, island landmarks such as Pigeon Peak and Fort King George are easy to access on day trips, while both islands offer plentiful opportunities for birdwatching, with the Asa Wright Nature Centre and the Caroni Bird Sanctuary being top choices for naturalists. And of course, there is the water—sail, swim, dive, and snorkel. Buccoo Reef is a favourite for getting to know the Tobago’s underwater eco-system via a glass-bottom boat or through your own snorkel mask.