Tobago holidays

A tiny Caribbean island located northeast of its larger sibling, Tobago offers everything you could want from a tropical beach break. Snorkel among jewel-coloured coral and fish, trek through lush rainforests, and feast on seafood pulled straight out of the sea. Get ready to discover your own slice of paradise on a holiday to Tobago.

Top destinations in Tobago

Crown Point

This lively corner of southwestern Tobago is known for sugar-sand beaches lined with buzzing bars. Spend your sunny days surfing, scuba diving or soaking up the rays.

Tobago: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$)

Time zone

Scarborough - UTC−4 (AST)

High season

December – April

Low season

June – November

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Tobago holiday highlights

Tobago

See the coral reefs

Snorkelling is one of the best things to do in Tobago, an island surrounded by coral reefs. Buccoo Reef is the largest and a favourite for its variety of coral, from boulder-like brain coral to antler-shaped staghorn coral. Angel Reef is known for its unusual fish species like trumpetfish and porcupine fish. Hoping to spot turtles? Head to Pirate’s Bay in Charlotteville.

Listen to island music

Music sets the rhythm to life in Tobago, whether it’s soca or calypso. Plan your visit to coincide with the island’s legendary annual pre-Lenten Carnival celebrations. Or, for a more casual musical experience, join the local crowds for Sunday School, a weekly street party in the fishing village of Buccoo featuring steelpan music, craft stalls and food.

Go bird-watching

Tobago is a paradise for birdwatchers. Expect to see a flurry of hummingbirds across the island. And keep your eyes peeled for blue-crowned motmots, blue-backed manakins and rufous-vented chachalacas — Tobago’s national bird. For some of the best birdwatching, head to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve or the small island of Little Tobago.

Things to do in Tobago

Tobago

Top attractions

On an island famous for its sugar sand beaches, Pigeon Point is the most popular, home to screensaver views and a picturesque thatched-roof jetty. After relaxing on its peaceful shores, check out nearby Buccoo Reef for Tobago’s best snorkelling and diving. Hungry for more nature? Head northeast and enjoy the short walk to Argyle Falls, surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Beaches

Tobago’s beaches offer something for everyone, from water sports to relaxation to retail therapy. Pigeon Point’s white-sand beach is the island’s most famous, loved for its swaying coconut trees and calm, warm waters. And Store Bay has snack kiosks and crafts stalls to break up days on its golden shore. Keen to surf? Make a beeline for Mount Irvine Bay.

Nature

With a landscape dominated by rainforest-cloaked mountains and powdery white sands, Tobago has plenty of nature to go around. Hike around Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. Or swim in the spring waters of Argyle Falls, Tobago’s highest waterfall. Tobago is also one of the world’s best turtle-watching destinations — visit between March and August for nesting season.

Cuisine

The restaurants in Tobago range from simple seafood shacks to fancy al fresco terraces. The best ones use local ingredients offset by flavours from the Caribbean, Latin America, India and Africa. Tuck into crab and dumplings, usually cooked in a curry sauce with coconut milk. And stop by a street food stall for ‘doubles’ — fried flatbreads stuffed with curried chickpeas.

Culture and museums

One of the best museums in Tobago to learn about the local culture is the Tobago Historical Museum. Located in Fort King George’s former officers’ quarters, it displays military relics, paintings and domestic artefacts. Interested in art? Make your way to the Kimme Sculpture Museum, home to works by German artist Luise Kimme and Cuban sculptor Dunieski Lora Pileta.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Tobago is refreshingly laid-back. Crown Point is the main spot for after-dark fun, offering a mix of sports bars, beach clubs and festive beer gardens. Don’t miss Buccoo’s ‘Sunday School’ if you’re here on a Sunday. The steel band starts at 8pm, but the party is liveliest after around 11pm.

Find the best time to visit Tobago

Weather in Tobago through the year

June – November: Wet season kicks off in June, bringing heavy rainfall and occasional storms. Still, Tobago has a relatively low risk of hurricanes compared to many of its Caribbean neighbours. In September, there’s often a break in the rains known as ‘Petit Carême’. This can be a great time to visit Tobago for cheap deals and thinner crowds.

December – May: Tobago’s dry season brings blue skies, minimal rainfall and temperatures climbing into the high 20s°C. April and May offer the warmest weather, while March is ideal for wildlife viewing, with the turtle nesting season coinciding with the arrival of migrating birds from North America. And December’s sea breezes are perfect for sailing and windsurfing.

Events in Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival (February or March): Most of the action takes place in neighbouring Trinidad, but it’s worth hopping over for this world-famous street party. Think elaborate masks, colourful parades and a brilliant sound clash of steel-pan, calypso and soca music.

Tobago Heritage Festival (July to August): This two-week celebration sees different villages throughout the island host a cultural show each night. Expect a mix of traditional dance, spoken word, folk storytelling and theatre performances.

Tobago Carnival (October): Although smaller than its Trinidadian counterpart, Tobago’s version brings soca beats, colourful costumes and traditional foods to the streets of Scarborough. It’s a great way to experience local culture and traditions.

Know before you go

Budget

While this can be a pricey travel destination, cheap holidays to Tobago are possible with some careful planning and budgeting. In general, you can expect to pay less than 120 Trinidad & Tobago dollars ($) for a simple meal and under $20 for a local beer.

Health and safety

Most advisories suggest getting typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations before your trip to Tobago. Depending on where you’re visiting, yellow fever, hepatitis B and rabies shots may also be necessary. Tobago’s roads are scenic but notoriously winding, so bring medication if you’re prone to car sickness. And don’t forget insect repellent to protect against pesky sand flies and mosquitoes.

Free things to do

Get a fascinating and free history lesson at Fort King George, an 18th-century site used by French and British troops. Wildlife lovers will enjoy Tobago’s dazzling array of colourful tropical birds, with Bon Accord Lagoon being one of the best viewing spots. Don’t want to fork out for a snorkelling tour? Head to Castara Bay to see manta rays swimming close to shore.

Family friendly

Outdoorsy families will feel right at home in Tobago. Start your adventure at Bon Accord Lagoon, whose shallow, still waters are ideal for kayaking or paddle boarding. Then head to Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which is threaded with short, kid-friendly trails like Gilpin Trace (you’ll want a guide to explore). Chocolate lovers should book a tour and tasting at Tobago Cocoa Estate.

Getting around Tobago

Tobago

Public transport

Buses: Tobago’s public transport is limited, but there are a few fixed bus routes linking Scarborough with Buccoo, Plymouth and Crown Point. Buy tickets at Scarborough bus station or local stores. Be prepared to wait, as services often run late. There are also communal ‘maxi taxis’ between various locations, including Scarborough and Charlotteville.

Boats: The cheapest option for travelling to Trinidad is to take the three-hour catamaran journey from Scarborough to the Port of Spain. Grab a spot in the middle of the boat, as the crossing can get choppy.

Domestic flights

There are more than a dozen flights between Tobago and Trinidad daily, leaving from the island’s sole airport in Crown Point. Fares are relatively inexpensive and the journey takes just 25 minutes.

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Driving and car hire

It’s a good idea to have an international driving licence if you plan to drive in Tobago. Many local drivers use hand signals instead of indicators, so stay alert and take it slow. Stick below the local speed limit and remember to drive on the left. There aren’t many petrol stations on the island, so refuel whenever you can.

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FAQs about Tobago holidays

Many first-time travellers base themselves in Crown Point, which puts a mix of beaches, restaurants, tours and activities right at your fingertips. Looking for something more under the radar? Consider staying in Castara, a quiet fishing village where eco lodges nestle among lush rainforests and beaches.
You can spend as little as three days in Tobago and get a feel for the island. But if time and budget allow, set aside at least five days to make the most of the area’s culture, nature and activities.
If you want minimal rain and consistently hot temperatures, consider visiting Tobago in January and February. But know that these are peak tourist months, especially around Carnival time. March is also a great time to visit, as it coincides with the start of turtle nesting season. If you’re looking for a bargain, try the rainy season between June and November.
Tobago’s crime rates are significantly lower than in neighbouring Trinidad, but you should check with your local government for travel advisories before visiting. Annual storms can sometimes cause flash floods and landslides. Keep an eye on weather forecasts, particularly if you’re visiting in the rainy season between June and November.
English is Tobago’s official language, but out on the streets, you’re likely to hear Tobagonian, a West Indian dialect that blends English, French and African words. Listen closely and you may pick up some basic words like ‘aye’ (hello), ‘ow yuh do?’ (how are you) and ‘lime’ (hang out).
Tobago uses the Trinidad and Tobago dollar ($). Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at major hotels and restaurants, but you’ll need cash for smaller shops and rural spots. ATMs are easy to find in tourist hubs like Scarborough, Crown Point and Buccoo.