Point Lisas

Point Lisas is an industrial and coastal settlement on the west coast of Trinidad, in the Couva-Tabaquite-Talparo region. It is best known as the site of the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, one of the largest industrial complexes in the Caribbean, which includes petrochemical plants, a steel mill (ArcelorMittal Point Lisas), and a major deep-water port. The estate was developed from the 1970s onward as part of Trinidad and Tobago's strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas.

Despite its industrial character, Point Lisas sits on the Gulf of Paria coast and has some beach areas. The residential community that has grown up around the industrial estate is home to workers and families connected to the various plants and port facilities. The climate is tropical, with temperatures averaging 25–31°C and a wet season from June to December.

Point Lisas is not a tourist destination, but it is of interest for those studying Caribbean industrialisation, and the coastal areas offer views across the Gulf of Paria.

By Plane

Piarco International Airport (POS) is the nearest airport, approximately 35 km northeast. A taxi to Point Lisas costs around TT$250–350 and takes 40–50 minutes.

By Car / Road

Point Lisas is reached from Couva via the Point Lisas Main Road, heading west toward the coast. It is approximately 5 km from Couva town centre (10 minutes). From Port of Spain, take the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway south to the Couva exit and follow signs west to Point Lisas (approximately 35 minutes).

A private vehicle is the most practical way to get around Point Lisas. The industrial estate is large and not designed for pedestrian access. Route taxis connect the residential areas to Couva.

• Point Lisas Deep Water Port — one of the Caribbean's major cargo ports; not open to casual visitors but visible from the access road
• Point Lisas Industrial Estate — home to petrochemical plants, a steel mill, and various manufacturing facilities; the scale of the complex is impressive even from the outside
• Coastal areas — the Gulf of Paria shoreline near Point Lisas offers views of the water and, on clear days, the Venezuelan coast

Point Lisas is primarily an industrial area and does not offer conventional tourist activities. Visitors can drive through the estate to observe the scale of the industrial complex, or visit the coastal areas for views of the Gulf of Paria. The nearby village of Waterloo (5 minutes south) offers the Temple in the Sea as a cultural attraction.

Small food stalls and shops in the residential areas serve local fare. The industrial estate has canteens for workers. For more dining options, head to Couva.

A few rum shops in the residential areas near the estate serve local rum (Angostura) and Carib and Stag beer. There are no bars, cafés, or restaurants of note. For more variety, head to Couva or San Fernando.

Shopping options in Point Lisas are limited to small provision shops and parlours in the residential areas near the estate. These sell everyday essentials, snacks, and drinks. For more extensive shopping, including fresh produce, clothing, and electronics, Couva town centre (10 minutes east) has a market and commercial district.

• Couva (10 minutes east) — the regional capital with markets, shops, and dining
• Waterloo (5 minutes south) — a coastal village with the Temple in the Sea
• San Fernando (20 minutes south) — Trinidad's second city