The smaller of the two main islands which make up the country of Trinidad and Tobago lies 22 miles northeast of larger Trinidad (a 20-minute flight away, as well as with direct service to/from Barbados, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany).It´s known for its unspoiled natural beauty; gorgeous beaches (such as Buccoo, pictured above); rich history (dating back to 1654); and vibrant culture (which besides numerous current ways to experience it is particularly on display during events such as the Tobago Heritage Festival, held annually in July and August, celebrates the island’s history and culture with performances, traditional dances, music, and food. The Tobago Jazz Experience, typically held in April, both showcases local talent and attracts international artists.
Anneli Salo
Scarborough, the Capital
This bustling hillside town on the southwest coast has a population of around 18,000 and mix of historical sites, markets, and cultural attractions. Key highlights include Fort King George, a well-preserved 18th-century affair with panoramic views of the town and coastline as well as museum of history and culture; the Scarborough Market for a slice of local life as well as an attractive array of island handicrafts sold among the fresh produce and spices; and a pleasant botanical garden.
VisitTobago.gov.tt
Those Beaches!
Part of a 125-acre park at Tobago´s southwestern tip and just a short drive from Scarborough, the island´s most famous and picturesque is Pigeon Point, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and the iconic thatch-roofed jetty. It´s a full-service scene here, with water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding and amenities like restaurants, bars, and beach chair/umbrella rentals.
A bit north of here, there´s another fine beach at Buccoo Bay, whose claim to fame is its extensive offshore reef, home to colorful coralsand tropical fish, as well as giant sea turtles. Glass-bottom boat tours are available for those who prefer to stay dry while enjoying the underwater beauty. The reef is part of the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, which also includes the famous Nylon Pool, a shallow sandy area in the middle of the sea where you can swim and stand waist-deep in the clear waters.
A bit farther afield – on the northwest coast just under an hour from Scarborough –Englishman's Bay is a crescent-shaped beauty often described as the island´s most beautiful, surrounded by lush greenery, and with maybe a couple of dozen other beachgoers around you. Not much in the way of amenities – just a small, rustic restaurant serving simple local fare. Perfect for “limin´” (the Caribbean version of chilling out).
Argyle Waterfall
Nestled amid lush rainforest on Tobago´s east side just outside the town of Roxborough on the road to Scarborough (and just a short hike in from the road), the highest of its eight cascades tumbles 175 down through three tiers, creating natural “rock-tub” pools at each level where you can take a refreshing dip.
Castara
This charming fishing village on the island's north coast less than a half hour´s drive from Scarborough is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful bay beaches, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and savoring the local cuisine at beachside restaurants. The village also offers a unique cultural experience with its "Castara Bonfire" every Thursday evening, where visitors can enjoy traditional drumming, dancing, and local food around flames on the beach.
Main Ridge Forest Reserve
Established in 1776 (!), the world’s oldest legally protected reserve geared toward conservation is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is essentially the rainforested backbone of the island. Located a 20-minute drive east of Castara, its 9,780 acres are crisscrossed by a network of trails for hiking and birdwatching, with chances to see exotic birds such as the blue-backed manakin and the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird. Guided tours are available to enhance the experience, providing information on the diverse flora and fauna of the rainforest.
Plymouth
Another picturesque, laid back fishing village, on the lower north coast just a ten-minute hop from Scarborough, it’s known for its scenic coastal views, historic sites like 18th-century Fort James (above), and beautiful beaches like Grafton, Buccoo (see beaches section above) and Great Courland Bay.
Little Tobago
Also known as Bird of Paradise Island, this protected bird sanctuary off the northeastern coast is an important nesting site for seabirds. Visitors can take a glass/bottom boat ride out here from the village of Speyside (a 45-minute drive north of Scarborough and surrounded by the mountains of Main Ridge, see above) as well as guided walks through dry forests to spot the feathered likes of red-billed tropicbirds, Audubon's shearwaters, and frigatebirds. The surrounding waters are also great for reef snorkeling and diving.
For more, check out VisitTobago.gov.tt
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