Tobago has been a hot spot Caribbean destination for years. This lush island lays claim to part of the economic powerhouse in the Caribbean. Although it plays host to many visitors every year it is not typically considered a “tourist” location. This area is a hub for vast oil and gas reserves and this has led to the high standard of living for some of its inhabitants. The northern beaches are peachy in color and the water is a sparkling blue-green. When you travel to Tobago, admire the backdrop of the mountainous Main Ridge and the island around it. In Tobago, you can always find excellent accommodations and amenities for any traveler. Enjoy the lush rainforest, the oldest protected rainforest in the western Hemisphere. To learn more about all the beautiful beaches on Tobago, visit here. Now view our Tobago Travel Guide to help plan your next Caribbean vacation!
Tobago Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Trinidad and Tobago is from January to May when the skies stay clear. Although the islands aren’t on the hurricane belt, afternoon rain showers are daily occurrences from June to December. Hotels lower their rates to account for rainy weather during this wet season. At least the weather stays pleasant year-round: There’s little humidity and average temps hover in the low 80s.
Best Tobago Beaches
Bacolet Bay
Bacolet BayWalt Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson was filmed here in 1960. It is a driftwood-strewn beach, overlooked by the Blue Haven Hotel. There is a large beach-hut bar, providing shade as well as drinks. The beach here gradually deepens, making it a great beach for families.
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Parlatuvier Bay
Parlatuvier BayA long jetty stretches into the sea from the center of this beach. Small fishing boats are anchored in the bay, and you’ll see fishermen returning with their catches. You’ll also see boats sitting on the beach, some upturned, ready for repairs, giving a comfy feel to this beach.
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Englishman’s Bay
Englishman’s BayThis golden-sand beach is often empty. It is a quiet and secluded stretch of sand, but you will find Eula’s restaurant here. The clear water is great for snorkeling and exploring the marine life off the rocky headland jutting away from the sand.
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Pigeon Point
Pigeon PointThis beach has all of the typical Caribbean amenities; swaying coconut trees, pearl-white sand, and aquamarine water, and its in southwest Tobago. If you haven’t picked a resort near Pigeon Point, just about everyone say you need to make a special trip to this beach for at least a couple of hours of beach time.
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Cambleton Bay
Cambleton BayThis secret bay is a 10-minute hike down. At the bottom is a small, heavenly beach, where you won’t see another soul. Long vines hang down from towering trees; wading birds hunt fish in the river; the waves break gently on the beautiful sand.
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Tobago Tours & Activities
Glass Bottom boat Cruise at Buccoo Reef
Explore one of the Caribbean’s most accessible and colorful coral reefs on a glass bottom boat tour from Trinidad and Tobago. Set out from Scarborough in Tobago and cruise the Caribbean to Buccoo Reef, known for its vast array of hard and soft corals and sea life. Marvel at the underwater world of green loggerhead turtles, endangered leatherbacks and giant manta rays—as well as exquisite reef formations—beneath you from the comfort of above. Afterward, stop at the island’s popular ‘Nylon Pool’ for a swim in its shallow sandbar waters. Read more about Glass Bottom Boat Cruise at Buccoo Reef.
Full Island Tour (including lunch)
The Full Island Tour is the most popular tour among island visitors, and for good reason. While we do offer shorter island tours (such as the Highlights of Tobago Half-Day Tour), this all-day tour is the best way to make the most of your trip and really see what Tobago is about, including just enough history, culture and beach to satisfy everyone’s interests. Be sure to bring your swimsuits and some dry clothes so you can snorkel in some of the island’s breathtaking hidden bays. An authentic Caribbean lunch is included with the tour, an experience in itself. Read more about the Full Island Tour.
The Grand Circle Island Tour
The Grand Circle Island Tour is a private sightseeing “Dawn to Dusk” tour like none other that explores the entire island of Tobago in 11 to 13 hrs! It is custom-designed by you, based on your preferences. Explore both the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, amazing waterfalls and pristine beaches! Hiking, bird-watching, snorkeling, picnicking, anything goes and is accommodated for, even a few seldom seen hidden gems. Read more about the Grand Circle Island Tour.
Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool Adventure
This spectacular Nylon pool tour has three stops. Depart the Buccoo Jetty and journey to the Buccoo reef where you can see some of the most amazing corals and fishes through our glass bottom boat. An opportunity to snorkel will also be granted on this tour. The second stop will be at nylon pool and from there you will journey to no man’s land. Read more about the Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool Adventure.
Bioluminescence Tour
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism produced by energy released from chemical reactions occurring inside (or ejected by) the organisms. These glowing plankton will be the most spectacular thing you’ll ever see. Read more about the Bioluminescence Tour.
Best Tobago Restaurants
The Seahorse Inn $31 – 60
Creole crab cakes, Jerk Chicken Satay … there’s a reason this is one of the top culinary addresses in Tobago. Fabulous beach side dining with fresh seafood, premium ingredients, and great personal and attentive service. Telephone: 868-639-0686 Web: The Seahorse Inn.
Kariwak Village Restaurant $11 – 30
Recorded steel-band music plays gently in the background at this romantic, candlelit spot in the Kariwak Village complex. Whatever the dish, it will be full of herbs and vegetables picked from their organic garden, and there is always a vegetarian option. Be sure to try the delicious homemade ice cream and the reasonably priced but potent cocktails. Friday and Saturday buffets, with live jazz or calypso, are a Tobagonian highlight. Those really taken with the food can even purchase the restaurant’s cookbook, Cooking Kariwak Style. Telephone: 868-639-8442 Web: Kariwak Village Restaurant.
The Fish Pot $11 – 30
Beautifully presented dishes made with the freshest of fish is the big draw at this cozy eatery. The surf and turf, featuring Caribbean spiny lobster, is excellent. The bar is usually lively and populated with regulars who consider this an essential Tobago dining experience. Telephone: 868-635-1728 Web: The Fish Pot.
Blue Crab Restaurant $11 – 30
The Sardinha family has been serving the best local lunches at their home since the 1980s. The ebullient Alison entertains and hugs diners while her husband, Ken, does the cooking. The food is hearty and usually well seasoned in the creole style. The only bad news is that the restaurant is primarily a lunch spot—it’s open for dinner only three days a week. Telephone: 868-639-2737 Web: Blue Crab Restaurant.
Chaud $31 – 60
Famous chef Khalid Mohammed’s restaurant presents food that rises off the plate. Classic European dishes are paired with distinctively Caribbean touches like cassava (manioc) hash. Freshness and satisfactions is virtually guaranteed here. The price is well worth it for a special romantic evening. Telephone: 868-621-2002 Web: Chaud
Best Tobago Bars & Nightlife
Green Shop (aka Pumpy’s)
The simple wooden shack has a three-man bench out front for people watching and a short bar inside with not much on offer but rum, ice and chasers – only now there are a few more benches. Here, rum is the great equalizer: Pumpy’s is popular with old-timer locals, the drop-in-after-work crowd and late-night crews who stop for a quick “prime up” before heading to nightspots such as Shade and Illusions. Web: Pumpy Green Bar.
Bago’s Beach Bar
Mixing Caribbean charm, funky tunes and its own beach with sea grape trees for shade, Bago’s Beach Bar is described by regulars as an “elegant rum shop”. It’s a perfect spot for the sunset crowd after a long, hard day of beach activities. There is also a nightly happy hour from 7pm to 8pm, and karaoke on Saturdays. Telephone: 868-793-9901 Web: Bago’s Bar.
Grafton Beach Resort
Grafton Beach Resort has some kind of organized cabaret-style event every night. Even if you hate that touristy stuff, check out Les Couteaux Cultural Group, which does a high-octane dance version of Tobagonian history. Telephone: 868-639-0191 Web: Grafton Beach Resort.
Kariwak Village
As many locals as visitors frequent Kariwak Village on Friday and Saturday nights, when one of the better local jazz-calypso bands almost always plays. Expect more of an older crowd. The fruity cocktails here are the best on the island. Telephone: 868-639-8442 Web: Kariwak Village.
The Shade
This sure bet for raucous late-night fun is open from 7 pm to 4 am Thursday through Saturday. It’s across the road from Crown Point’s only gas station. Telephone: 868-329-0082 Web: The Shade.
Best Tobago Hotels
Awesome information. I’m from Trinidad and Tobago and you did well in representing its beauty and key points of interest. I’ll definitely be using this site as a guide for my partner who is a beach fanatic.
Thank you Patrice. I am glad you enjoyed reading my Tobago Travel Guide. Yes, your partner will enjoy BeachTravelDestinations.com if they are a beach fanatic for sure 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Wow, does this place ever look amazing! Is it very child-friendly? Are they many all-inclusive resorts?
We travel with three kids and often have a hard time finding hotels with suites that allow five people but somewhat affordable. Maybe this is a trip I’ll be taking with my husband with the kids!
Yes, it is a family friendly island. They would have so much fun with the wildlife and birds there. Of course playing at a calm beach is always fun for the kids too. I don’t know of any all-inclusive hotels on Tobago, but I do know that the Plantation Beach Villas are a great choice for families. You will find all the amenities of home to cook in, or go out to eat. The Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort has a kids club, so this hotel definitely caters to families as well. These are both great choices for families. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com!
Traveling is great for all the experiences during the trip, but reading through travel sites like beachtraveldestinations is all about the pleasure of fantasizing about the travel destinations first.
I really like how your website and this Tobago travel guide page describe beach locations and practicalities with passion. I was wondering though if small places like Tobago suffer from over popularity with tourism like you describe Buccoo Reef?
Jan
Hi Jan and thank you for reading the Tobago Travel Guide. Tobago is one of the Caribbean Islands that doesn’t get the crowding like some of the other popular Caribbean Islands. So, it is not as popular, rendering it be much less crowded, and rates are also a little bit lower than some of the other islands. So, no it is not suffering from over popularity 🙂 Thanks for visiting beachtraveldestinations.com, and if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Hey Leahrae!
I’m very glad that I have come across your site!
All these amazing destinations are on my bucket list, there are so many places to visit that sometimes it’s hard to choose where to go first lol.
I have bookmarked this page and will check it out for future references =)
Keep up the great work!
Miren
Thank you so much Miren! I am glad you found the Tobago Travel Guide helpful for your future travel plans. Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com!
The Lord Bless You Leahrae ,
Pastor Gabriel Helene here. Your Website is simply Amazing really nice and well conceived I look forward to visit some of the nice places in the Future. Very informative and I am ready to visit Tobago after reading this wonderful article.
God Bless
Thank you Pastor Gabriel for visiting the Tobago Travel Guide. I am glad you enjoyed, and come back and visit soon!
What a great travel guide! I’ve never been to Tobago, but after reading this I think I need to put it on my destination list. Looks gorgeous and with an average temp in the 80s year around, it sounds awesome too. I’ve been wanting to learn how to stand up paddle, might be a good place to learn! Thanks again for the informative post.
You are very welcome Will, and stand-up paddle boarding is so fun and easy. You can enjoy the water, catch the sunshine, swim, enjoy the ocean, get some exercise, all in one activity. I love it actually 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed the Tobago Travel Guide. Please come back when you are ready to plan your Caribbean Island vacation!
Wow, love this post and so many great recommendations for rooms and other things. This really is very informative and will make it very easy for me if I do decide to visit Tobago, by the way, love the video.
Great Steve! Yes, the video seals the deal! Tobago is one of the Caribbean Islands that sort of gets forgotten about, but none the less, just as beautiful with gorgeous beaches as the other Caribbean islands. Plus Trinidad is so close, you can take the ferry there, or hop on a plane and visit two islands in one dreamy vacation 🙂
When I first looked at your site, I smiled as this is a travel web site that captivates your attention, I love everything about it, it’s like surprise after surprise as you go down the page with the pictures text, advertising, information about how much things cost so to speak, I feel like I’m there already!
🙂 you have been working hard for awhile and it shows. I am traveling abroad currently in Ireland and I have to say your site makes me dream of summer. I will definitely come back and spend more time on your web site. Thank you.
Thank you so much Leigh for the wonderful comments 🙂 Yes, I have been working hard and I am glad you hare having fun dreaming about wonderful beach destinations while visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com 🙂
I’m so thankful to have found your website — you do such an amazing job of bringing these destinations to life, and anticipating the questions we travelers are likely to have. I love the idea of Tobago, not just for all that it offers, but because it’s so easy to get to Trinidad, too. It definitely sounds like flying between the two is a more comfortable option. Can you tell me, though, how the cost of the ferry compares to air travel for this short trip? Also, is it possible to book a flight on short-notice, or will we need to do that when we make our other arrangements?
I am so glad you enjoyed reading the Tobago Travel Guide. You can book a flight or boat ride at any time to go between Trinidad and Tobago. It won’t be necessary to have an advanced purchase. The ferry will run you $100 round trip and you can actually catch a flight for about $80. So the flight is definitely cheaper and faster 🙂 Please let me know if you have any other questions.
I never really looked into visiting Tobago but now that I am seeing this, I really would like to take a visit there seeing as just how beautiful this island is!
One of the first things that got me interested is hearing about the weather being around 80 degrees which is great compared to how it is where I am. One week, it can be a beautiful day and then the next, there could be a massive snowstorm!
The first area in that island I would probably be interested in visiting would be the cocoa estate. It looks to be a beautiful area where you, and maybe someone else, could go to relax and admire the lush environment as well as tasting rum and chocolate.
I watched one of the videos for stand up paddling and I gotta say, that looks like a ton of fun. That is also something which I am interested in trying.
The Kariwak village is definitely one I would be sure to check out if I got a chance to visit there! It looks quite beautiful and hearing about the stuff they have there like tropical fruit, homemade yogurt, and as you mentioned, ice cream, there is no way I could pass something like that up!
My question is, what is or would be your favorite part about visiting Tobago? Is there a favorite place there you would visit, or have visited? Or a favorite activity there?
First, thank you for reading the Tobago Travel Guide Arie. I can see that you will love visiting there. I would say that I am pretty much in agreement the that Cocoa Estate is on top of the list. So interesting to see how chocolate and rum is made, and then tasting the two…perfect. I love any water activities, so paddle boarding (something I love) would be the first activity that I would do, any island I go to probably. It’s fun, peaceful, and invigorating all in one. I would also ferry over to Trinidad for the bird sanctuary. I love the birds in the Caribbean, and this is something not to miss, for me anyway. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment 🙂
I keep finding myself returning to this site to research my holiday destinations. Once again another brilliant travel guide to a stunning location. Tobago seems to have the standard beautiful white sandy beaches and wonderful turquoise waters that one thinks of when travelling to the Caribbean but I was also attracted by the chance to visit a rainforest. Also thanks for sharing about the cocoa estate, this is a must do for me as I love rum and who doesn’t like chocolate?
I don’t know of anyone that does not like chocolate! The Coco Estate is one place that every visitor to the island needs to visit. Of course, I think the rainforest is another must with all the beautiful birds and fauna. Thank you for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com again 🙂 Hope I can get you start your planning 🙂
I love it, love it, love it! Thanks for sharing these dream places Leahrae. Each time I come to your website you have a new “paradise on earth” place to show. I wonder if you really have been to all those places yourself, if you really did, then you are the most lucky person on this planet.
Can’t wait for your next destination.
John ツ
Thank you John 🙂 I am glad you loved visiting Tobago and some of the other destinations on BeachTravelDestinations.com. Oh, I wish I had been to all of them. I would truly feel like the luckiest person on the planet! Thank you for visiting the Tobago Travel Guide!
Tobago looks beautiful! The water looks so calm and clear. It is strange how so many islands seem to have those daily rain showers! I remember that in Barbados and Hawaii. Thanks for the travel guide. I would like to go to Tobago one day, and you have given me everything I need to start planning!
Yes, I do think that all of the Caribbean islands have those short showers. We get them here in Florida too. Nice thing is they don’t last long, and before you know it they are gone again, and the sun is out. You would love Tobago, along with Trinidad. When you do go, make sure you spend time on each island.
I have never been to Tobago before, but I really want to go there now! This article was informative and thorough. As a college student at UC Santa Cruz, I love that you included inexpensive places to stay at. Tobago is definitely on my bucket list and I am in the planning stages. Is it safe to visit there right now?
Tobago is beautiful and worth going to! I think that with any foreign country, well most anyway, you just have to take precautions while traveling to stay safe. Some places, I know I will not travel to at the moment because of the political or religious upheaval that is going on. I feel that you most certainly can travel to Tobago. Just be safe!