Tobago’s Top 10
This tiny Caribbean island offers visitors everything from exploring the world’s oldest protected rainforest to soaking up the sun on pristine beaches. Here is just a taster…
1 HIT THE BEACH
Tobago has beaches in abundance, and many are enticingly empty. Englishman’s Bay is a perfect curve. Castara Bay is dotted with fishing boats. Pigeon Point Heritage Park has a great choice of restaurants and bars, and you can join a boat trip for snorkelling, fishing or beach-hopping.
2 GO PADDLING
Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular activity around Pigeon Point. Why not try night-time paddleboarding (you can kayak too) to Bon Accord Lagoon? Here, you can do a tour to see the bioluminescence, which is caused by the plankton.
3 DIVE IN
Tobago’s waters are rich in coral and marine life. Snorkelling sites include Buccoo Reef, Mount Irvine Bay and Arnos Vale; while scuba divers head to Speyside and Charlotteville, where you might spot sharks, rays, turtles and dolphins.
4 WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Tobago’s rainforest is an unspoilt wonderland of lush hills and tumbling waterfalls. Walk from Roxborough to the Argyle Waterfall, where you can cool off in a rock pool. Or hire a guide for a trek to Gilpin Trace, where you’re sure to spot a hummingbird or the cocrico, the island’s national bird.
5 OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
For a chance to really immerse yourself in nature, take a trip to Corbin’s Local Wild Life, a reserve set up by local hunter-turnedconservationist Roy Corbin. Here you can spot everything from caimans, iguanas, agoutis and armadillos, to blue and green herons, jacamars and motmots. Book a five-hour hike and discover amazing flora and fauna en route; tobagowildlife.com
6 Historic sites
Tobago was fought over by several colonial powers before gaining independence from the British in 1962. Visit the defensive British
forts of Fort James at Plymouth and Fort King George at Scarborough. The former has stunning views over Great Courland Bay, while the latter houses the Tobago Museum.
7 “LIME” LIKE A LOCAL
Tobago’s national pastime is “liming” – chilling with friends, eating and drinking, and listening to music. Sunday School at Buccoo is a vibrant street party with a steel-pan orchestra, with “wining” (dancing) to soca, hip-hop and R&B.
8 FESTIVAL FUN
Visiting in July or August? Don’t miss the Tobago Heritage Festival, where locals celebrate their culture with folk dancing, food and music. Tobago also has a colourful Carnival, plus a Jazz Festival in April. And over Easter, join the crowds at the Buccoo Goat and Crab races – yes, really; tobagoheritagefestival.com
9 AUTHENTIC FOOD
Tobago’s cuisine blends influences from many places, including Africa, India and Europe.
Its signature dish is curried crab and dumplings, while roti is the perfect snack – a wrap filled with curried potato and chickpeas, chicken or goat.
10 FEEL THE LOVE
Beautiful Tobago is the perfect destination for the romantically inclined. Wedding services range from all-in packages to DIY. You can be guaranteed a truly memorable experience, stunning scenery and friendly service.