Go Plan
Experience the natural beauty, pristine waters, and living culture of an idyllic Caribbean escape. Book your dream trip and get ready to relax in paradise.
Experience the natural beauty, pristine waters, and living culture of an idyllic Caribbean escape. Book your dream trip and get ready to relax in paradise.
Getting to Tobago
Tobago, which is just off the coast of South America, is known for offering an authentic Caribbean experience, where unspoilt traditions, untouched natural beauty and undiscovered gems merge to create the idyllic holiday escape.
There are a number of international flight services to the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport in Crown Point. These include services by British Airways and Caribbean Airlines.
All major airlines fly to Trinidad (Piarco International Airport) and then passengers take a shuttle (domestic) Caribbean Airlines flight on the air-bridge service which connects both islands to the ANR Robinson International Airport
Caribbean Airlines- Daily hourly flight.
Return tickets are USD$50. Flight duration is twenty minutes. Tickets can be purchased at local travel agents, Caribbean Airlines offices or online.
Domestic Ferry Service
The fast ferry service available from Port of Spain, Trinidad to Scarborough, Tobago; can be done aboard either the Buccoo Reef, A.P.T James , the T&T Spirit or the M.V. Galleons Passage.
Return tickets are TTD$100 for adults- prices vary for infants and children. Sailing duration is estimated at two and a half to three hours. On board facilities on ferries include cafeteria, bar and VIP Lounge.
Visit the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-island Ferry Service website or view ticket outlets and scheduled sailing times.
Visas
Most countries generally do not require a visa for visits up to 90 days, however, you should still confirm whether you require a one and the steps to get started.
Entry Requirements
Business travelers and tourists must show passports that are valid for three months longer than the intended stay and a return ticket. For visits of up to 90 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas.
Getting Around Tobago
Tobago’s small size gives travelers the added advantage of easy access to all of our sites, attractions and amenities.
Whether you intend to lounge the day away at the award-winning Pigeon Point Beach, hike to the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere or cool down at our many stunning waterfalls, our tour guides are ready to show you the way.
If you prefer to move around on your own, you can traverse the island by hired and local route taxis, maxi-taxis (mini-bus), car and bike rentals.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and many hotels provide transfers from the airport.
Taxis have license plates starting with the letter H (for hire) and will stop anywhere they are flagged down and take as many riders as legally require for the size of the vehicle; unless clients arrange for a point-to-point trip.
Rentals
Rental cars are also readily available and international licenses are valid for up to three months to drive in Tobago.
Driving is British-style, on the left, and requires being alert to taxis that may stop without warning, and people, chickens, dogs, cows and goats meandering across the road. Many scenic routes have hairpin turns and potholes.
There is one 24-hour gas station on the island in close proximity to the airport and a total of seven on the island.
Bike Rental Companies
Tobago E-bikes Tours and Rentals
Road Safety
- Be aware of the difference in driving conditions when using our roads.
- Please wear seatbelts – it’s the law and it saves lives.
- Cellphone usage while driving is against the law.
- Many of our drivers still use hand signals to communicate when turning or stopping – be alert!
- Be especially mindful of taxi drivers – since there are no designated pick-up or drop-off points, they usually pull aside anywhere for passengers – drive a safe distance behind them.
- Local drivers are generally courteous, but be attentive and drive defensively.
Public Transport
Tobago has a public transportation bus service which spans the island. Fares range from TT$3-TT$8.
Money Matters
The local currency is the TT (Trinidad and Tobago) dollar. The current exchange rate is about TT$6.80 for US$1.00 US. The national currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD), which comes in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Coins come in 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents. Credit cards (Visa & MasterCard) are widely accepted at business and ATMs and foreign currency can be changed at local banks.
Major banks include First Citizens Bank, Republic Bank, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Scotiabank. Daily banking hours are 8:00 am-2:00 pm Monday-Thursday and 8:00 am - 5:00 pm on Fridays (regular branches) and 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (shopping mall branches).
Taxes
A 12.5% goods and services tax (V.A.T.) is added to goods and services. There’s a 10% hotel tax, and some hotels add service and utility charges.
Doing Business
If visitors have to conduct business on the island, the must note that office hours are usually from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for the private sector. Government offices have the same hours, but often close certain services (especially those that require cash payment) by 2:00 p.m. The corporate sector and privately owned businesses, however, will conduct business as early or as late as meetings need to be held in order to get the job done.
Mobile/Cellular Telephones
There are two major providers cellular phone service in Trinidad and Tobago: Bmobile and Digicel. Both provide great mobile service and free and easy roaming facilities. International cellular roaming services are available and if visitors have installed a roaming application in their home country, they can simply turn on their sets and make calls. Prepaid phone cards in a number of denominations for mobile phones (Bmobile and Digicel Cards) are available for sale at all Customer Service Centres and from many other vendors throughout the islands. Look for the ‘Phone Cards Available Here’ sign.
Internet & Wi-Fi
Most accommodation providers offer internet access and WiFi to guests to clients. Additionally, both Bmobile & Digicel have 4Gnetworks and offer portable Wi-Fi devices. There are also free Wi-Fi Hotspots at various locations on the island where visitors often frequent.
Travel tips for your Tobago holiday
- Stay connected: If you plan to holiday in Tobago for a considerable length of time, you should think about getting a local SIM card. Local mobile phone network providers are Digicel and Bmobile, both of which offer prepaid SIM cards and plans inclusive of unlimited data.
- Consider an off-peak visit: If you can, consider traveling to Tobago during the off-peak season which can save you a lot of money. Tobago’s peak season runs from January to May, also known as the dry season. It’s cooler and rains little and is the most expensive time to visit. Off-peak seasons runs from June to December, also known as the wet or rainy season. (It’s more humid, the sea is warmer, and warm, tropical rain usually comes in short, sharp bursts and freshens the greenery.) Because there are over 101 things to do on the island, even if you come during off-peak season, you’re still guaranteed to have a memorable holiday experience in Tobago.
- Stock up on sunblock: The sun is extremely strong in Tobago, with temperatures averaging 30° -32°C and the UV Index can reach as high as 12. As you explore all of the unspoilt gems of Tobago, it’s very important to protect your skin during the day. Wearing sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher, hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves where possible go a long way in protecting your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Limit exposure during midday hours or seek shade
- Learn some Tobago twang: Although English is the official language, there are a number of words and phrases that are influenced by French, Spanish and Dutch colonization. Learning some key phrases can enrich your cultural experience, make you feel more comfortable and connect with the people you’ll meet during your stay.