The Caribbean's ‘Adventure Island' Has Rainforests, Remarkable Restaurants, and a Rich Culture Waiting To Be Discovered
Posted Apr 19, 2023
Accurately known as one of the most adventurous islands in the Caribbean, Tobago stands out for its dedication to preserving its largely unspoiled, natural outdoor experiences. Unlike many neighboring islands in the region that simply encourage lounging at the beach with a cocktail in hand, a full itinerary in Tobago can include that and so much more.
For city dwellers wanting to swap skyscrapers for scenic views, or trade in traffic jams for trekking through miles of hiking trails, Tobago is an ideal getaway. Read on for how to plan the perfect trip to this Adventure Island.
Getting to Tobago
Caribbean Airlines is operating direct flights weekly from New York (JFK), as well as regular flights with a short stopover in nearby Trinidad (POS) from Toronto (YYZ) and Miami (MIA), making it easier than ever to get to Tobago from the U.S. and Canada. If you are coming to Tobago from another Caribbean island, Caribbean Airlines now offers direct flights from Barbados and more.
Best Time to Visit Tobago
Tobago’s rich culture is on full display in its music, food, and art 365 days a year. But Soca and calypso music, paint, mud, and powder will cover the island during its second-ever Carnival in October (while February plays host to the bigger, national celebration in Trinidad, Tobago is quickly establishing a celebration that’s not to be missed). Earlier in the year,the renowned Tobago Jazz Experience returns in April featuring an international line-up of talent performing in some of the island’s most scenic locations. In August, the Tobago Heritage Festival showcases the island’s rich heritage and culture in towns and villages from coast-to-coast. But thanks to its prized location in the southern reaches of the Caribbean, tucked safely outside of the hurricane belt, Tobago is truly the ultimate year-round destination.
Best Things to Do in Tobago
One of the best ways to see the beauty of this island is through one of its countless hiking trails through the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Described by UNESCO as “the backbone of the island”, it covers nearly two thirds of Tobago's surface and encompasses 3,958 hectares (9,780 acres) of pristine tropical rainforest. Main Ridge is on record as the oldest legally protected forest reserve geared specifically towards a conservation purpose. It was established in 1776 by an ordinance which states in part, that the reserve is "for the purpose of attracting frequent showers of rain upon which the fertility of lands in these climates doth entirely depend."
Scientific American has commented "...that the protection of Tobago's forest was the first act in the modern environmental movement." The forest is considered a landmark in the history of conservation and preservation of the environment of which citizens of Tobago take great pride.
For a top-quality exploration, the Gilpin Trace trail provides excellent access through the heart of ancient forest, dominated by breathtaking scenery. The 2-hour trail is the most popular in the country, and is overall quite flat and easy terrain to navigate. As you wander through the Main Ridge, glimpse the vibrant flora and fauna that spread out across the territory. Slithering snakes and lizards, geckos and soaring white-tailed sabrewing hummingbirds, which is rare to the region, may also be on display.
Just outside Roxborough, on the Scarborough road along the Caribbean coast, is the starting point for the trek to Argyle Falls. At 175 ft (54 metres) Argyle is Tobago’s highest waterfall and attracts visitors to its cascade of cool, crisp water that flows down from three dramatic levels. It’s considered a relatively easy trek because of its minimal elevation gain. But be mindful that it does include some muddy bits (especially with off-and-on downpours). The payoff is worth it as Argyle Falls is a stunner that leads into a refreshing water base, perfect for cooling down.
A walk along the wooden boardwalk that winds through the protected mangroves on the south shore of the island is a relaxing and surreal experience. Within minutes of stepping onto the walkway, you'll feel like you're in uninhabited territory as the palm tree-fringed water stream is laden with countless flowers and plants cascading at the sides. Mangrove forests are a vital natural resource that help buffer the impacts of climate change- sea level rise, storm surge, coastal erosion, and coastal flooding, in addition to providing other ecosystem services, pollution abatement and nursery habitats. They are one of the most important plant species in the world. Kayak excursions are also available.
The unparalleled nature experiences don’t stop at the shores either. For those in the know, Tobago has become a top destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, free diving, and more. Popular sites include Speyside, Arnos Vale, Mount Irvine, Kelleston Drain, home to the largest brain coral in the world, and Japanese Garden. This particular underwater haven is said to resemble a miniature Japanese garden and has the most magnificent range of corals and is suitable for all levels of divers.
Lastly, Nylon Pool is an in-sea shallow white ground coral pool located off of Pigeon Point and easily accessible by boat. The name is derived from its resemblance to a swimming pool, created by an offshore sandbar and a still lagoon. The colour of the water has captivated visitors for generations and is perfect for swimming. Local legend claims the water has the ability to rejuvenate anyone lucky enough to swim in it.
Best Places to Stay in Tobago
The best and most efficient way to explore Tobago is by splitting up your stay between the north and south sides of the island, allowing for regional excursions and a variety of lodging options that will add to your overall experience.
Start your trip in the southwest where everything is a convenient walk away, even the airport. Tropikist Beach Resort, Crown Point Beach Hotel, Shepherd’s Inn, Kariwak Village are among the well-positioned offerings with easy access to the beach and the abundant shops and restaurants of the town. Coco Reef Resort, the pastel-hued, 135-room landmark, is ideally positioned between two of Tobago’s most magnificent beaches, Store Bay to the west and world famous Pigeon Point to the east. Slightly further afield is Mount Irvine Bay Resort. Set amidst an old sugar and coconut plantation overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the resort is an elegant, historic hideaway located just 5 miles (or 15 minutes) from Crown Point.
Then, make your way north for a stay at one of Tobago’s acclaimed retreats. Secluded in the rainforest is Cuffie River Nature Retreat, an ideal base for bird-watching or nature tours. Nestled nearby in the hillside is Castara Retreats, a sustainably designed eco-lodge with the rainforest behind and the ocean below.
Tucked away in Northern Tobago is the village of Speyside boasting a population of 1,100 and some of the most impressive scenery the island has to offer. Blue Waters Inn offers all guests an ocean facing room looking out over the most brilliant blue waters you will ever see. For divers, the Manta Suites offers four modern self-catering suites with generous patios overlooking the ocean.
Best Places to Eat and Drink on Tobago
The cuisine in Tobago is as flavorful and diverse as its many cultural influences. The island has a unique history and its food is influenced by African, Indian, and European culinary styles. This fascinating culinary fusion makes for far more interesting fare than the typical food found in other Caribbean destinations. To many people the food is one of the highlights of any visit to Tobago.
Mark Wiens, self-described Full Time Eater and one of the world’s best known street food YouTuber with 10 million subscribers recently visited Tobago and fell in love with local specialty dishes like crab and dumplings, breadfruit roast, and coconut drops fresh from the dirt oven. More than 1.5 million viewers have tuned in to watch Mark eat his way across the island.
On the fine-dining spectrum is Sea Horse Inn, a quaint, family-owned restaurant and bed-and-breakfast overlooking the Caribbean Sea in the Black Rock section of the island. Breathtakingly beautiful, the menu features a range of international dishes that are sure to delight.
Also in Black Rock is The Fish Pot. As its name suggests, it’s serving some of the freshest fish on the island. Be sure to leave room for dessert, the light-as-air coconut cheesecake has been luring back visitors and locals alike for years. In nearby Buccoo, La Tartaruga offers al fresco dining and the finest Italian cuisine with abundant options for vegetarians.