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TOBAGO BUCKET LIST: 22 of the best things to do in Tobago

• by Martina Kokesova
• March 19, 2020 May 3, 2024

Tobago is not like the other Caribbean Islands. While much of the Caribbean has been lost to development, Tobago remains refreshingly untouched by mass tourism . This tiny tropical gem stubbornly resists change , and only a handful of the all-inclusive resorts occupy its land. It’s a perfect place for a quiet Caribbean escape, where locals welcome you as friends rather than just a walking dollar. Let’s dive into the best thing to do in Tobago and unlock the secrets of this beautiful island.

Forget fancy restaurants and glitzy shopping malls – this sleepy island is more authentic. This isn’t the place for spring breakers or hordes of tourists sunbathing on sun loungers.

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WHY TO VISIT TOBAGO

Tobago is famous for its rich culture , stunning beaches , world-class snorkelling and diving spots , and the world’s largest brain coral . It’s also a leading eco-tourism spot with the oldest legally protected rainforest in the Western world . Birdwatchers flock here for its diverse species , while endangered sea turtles nest on its shores. These attractions are a rarity worldwide.

Trinidad and Tobago is a country situated off the northeast coast of Venezuela, formed by two islands. Both sister islands lie outside the ‘Hurricane Belt’ and provide a safe haven from severe storms. Tobago is much smaller – it’s about 40 km (26 miles) long and has more than 11 km (7 miles) across at its widest point.

Don’t let the island’s size fool you – this island has a big personality and offers a unique travel experience. 

UNMISSABLE THINGS TO DO IN TOBAGO:

After spending two weeks exploring Tobago’s rich culture and natural wonders, we have had the privilege to discover some of its best attractions. Here, we share our firsthand experience and insider tips to help you make the most of your visit. Taking advantage of both guided tours and the freedom of a rented car , we had a chance to uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks of this stunning island. Grab your sunscreen and a sense of adventure because this tropical paradise has more tricks up its sleeve than you can imagine. These are the best things to do in Tobago that you cannot miss.

1. Visit Pigeon Point Heritage Park

It’s easy to see why Pigeon Point Heritage Park ranks among the top destinations for many tourists. This stunning nature reserve is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most scenic spots . What makes it so special? This internationally recognized symbol of the island rivals a painting of a tropical paradise. It has soft white sands and swaying coconut palm trees.

Here is a juicy part: visiting Pigeon Point Heritage Park is one of the best things to do in Tobago because it’s the most famous beach on the island . Pigeon Point actually has not one, not two, but three gorgeous palm tree-fringed beaches . All three coral-bordered beaches have calm waters , perfect for swimming and snorkelling. There are also excellent conditions for water sports , such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet-skiing.

If you are looking for a beach with a buzz, Pigeon Point is a place to go.

Did you know Pigeon Point has three beaches: North, Main, and South Beach ? Each beach is unique and offers different activities for its visitors.

The Main Pigeon Point Beach

The Main Beach Pigeon Point Beach , with the famous thatched-roof jetty, has a lifeguard patrolling on duty. Hit the waves on the North Beach – it’s one of the best Tobago’s windsurfing and kiteboarding beaches . Book your water sports adventures with Watersports specialists   Radical Sports   and  Reel Thunder Charter s.

For more details about Pigeon Point, we recommend you to check out our article about the best beaches in Tobago . There is a longer section about Pigeon Point Heritage Park and all its amenities.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Pigeon Point Heritage Park, surrounded by a gorgeous lagoon and coral reef, lies on the island’s southwestern tip. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island because it requires only a 10-minute drive from the Arthur N. R. Robinson International Airport . Pigeon Point is also easily accessible from Scarborough (the island’s capital) when you arrive on a cruise ship.
• This heritage park operates daily between 9 am and 5 pm .
• Did you know Pigeon Point Heritage Park is the only beach on the island with an entry fee? Adult entry for all three Pigeon Point beaches costs $TT 20(about USD 3) as of February 2024. Alternatively, you can purchase a weekly pass for Pigeon Point Heritage Park . It costs  $TT 100 f or an adult ,  just under USD 15 (as of February 2024). If you visit with children aged 6 to 12, expect to pay $TT 10 (USD 1.50) for a day pass. You need to pay $TT 50 for a children’s weekly pass. It is approximately USD 7.50 as of February 2024. Here is a bonus: senior citizens of T&T can enjoy free admission with a valid ID.

• Pigeon Point is one of the few places on the island with excellent beach facilities . When we visited this heritage park, we found bathrooms, showers, changing rooms and lockers. Pigeon Point also has a few shops which sell souvenirs and water sports accessories. 

• Did you know Pigeon Point is the only beach on the island with wheelchair-accessible toilets and even a floating wheelchair ? If you or your family member has mobility issues or disability, contact them at (868) 639-0601 or [email protected] .
• Coming to Pigeon Point between mid-March and July ? Then you are in luck because Pigeon Point is a nesting spot for hawksbill and green turtles .
• If you are looking for unique attractions in Tobago, don’t miss out on a nighttime bioluminescent tour .
• Book a glass-bottom Bucco Reef boat tour from the Pigeon Point Jetty and swim in Nylon Pool.
• There are plenty of delicious food options available at the local restaurants if you feel hungry.  Renmars & Traditions  serves local and international cuisine, and  the Caribbean Kitchen  specializes in the famous bake and shark. You can also try  Liz’s by D’ Bay. It serves traditional Creole dishes like ox tail, stew chicken, salt fish, and crab & dumplings.
• Looking for more adventure? Rent chairs  and beach umbrellas for a comfortable day by the sea. Expect to pay the same price for each – $TT 3 0 or USD 4 , as of February 2024.

2. Buccoo Reef

FUN FACT : Coral Reefs protect approximately 90% of the coastline shoreline of Tobago.

If you want to take your Pigeon Point experience to the next level (and trust us, you do) – hop on a glass-bottom tour to the Buccoo Reef . This protective marine park , located offshore of Pigeon Point, is one of the most famous Tobago attractions. Now, why is it such a sensation, you ask? Well, hold onto your snorkel because we’re about to dive into it!

Did you know the Buccoo Reef is one of the three largest coral reef marine ecosystems in Tobago? This underwater kingdom spans an area of 7 square kilometres . In fact, it’s nearly as expansive as the world-famous Palace of Versailles and its gardens. Imagine five majestic reef flats standing tall, reaching up to 25 metres (82 ft) in height. It’s like the Grand Canyon of the sea but with more colourful characters!

But wait, there’s more! The Bucco Reef is not just a pretty face. This underwater wonderland receives freshwater and nutrients from the mighty Orinoco River (one of South America’s longest rivers). As you snorkel through its clear waters, you will meet up with approximately 119 fish species . And the fantastic part? You don’t even need diving equipment.

That’s why taking a glass-bottom tour from the Pigeon Point Jetty of Store Bay is one of the best things to do in Tobago .

• The only way to reach the Bucco Reef is with a glass-bottom tour. Fortunately, several companies offer daily excursions to the Bucco Reef. The price for a tour starts from USD 57 for a 3-hour and 30-minute tour as of February 2024. They also provide lifejackets for your own safety.
• Keep in mind that reef walking, boat anchoring, storms and coral bleaching have left their mark on the reef.
• Avoid stepping on corals because these delicate animals are very slow-growing and easily damaged.
• Remember, always use only biodegradable sunscreen when snorkelling so we can protect reefs for future generations.

BOOK YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE BELOW:

  3. Nylon Pool in Tobago

No trip to Tobago would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Nylon Pool . This swimming hot spot isn’t just your average swimming hole, oh no. It’s a breathtaking sandbank in the middle of the Caribbean Sea . It gives you the island vibes, all without ever setting foot on land.

Why is visiting Nylon Pool one of the best things to do in Tobago ? Well, let us tell you, this sandbar with calm waters is a natural phenomenon . Why, do you ask? This shallow pool is only about 1 metre (3.2 ft) deep and offers excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities . Here you will have the chance to see vibrant marine life, and if luck is on your site, you may also spot majestic stingrays.

Nylon Pool, with palm-fringed Pigeon Point in the background, is so gorgeous that you will never want to leave this stunning lagoon! It’s like nature’s own little jacuzzi right in the heart of the sea. It lies just south of the Bucco Reef, near Pigeon Point.

But wait, it gets better! Nylon Pool is a sandbank steeped in tales of royalty and mystery. Legend has it that the locals named this sandbar after Princess Margaret , who visited the island in 1962. The glamorous British princess pointed out that the water here was as clear as her nylon stockings . And as if that wasn’t enough – rumour has it that Nylon Pool possesses mystical powers . The locals say the water in Nylon Pool has supernatural powers . It grants eternal youth to those brave enough to swim in its waters. So, forget your skincare routine; just pack your swimsuit and head to Nylon Pool instead!

Nylon Pool, with its waist-deep waters, is one of the most popular Tobago attractions . You cannot swim here or come on a kayak – it lies a distance from the shores. The only way to access it is with a boat . A glass-bottomed tour is the ideal way to experience its wonders. Several companies depart to the Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool, and these tours typically last around 3 hours and 30 minutes. They leave from the Pigeon Point Jetty or Store Bay and cost USD 57 as of February 2024.

4. Bioluminescence in Bon Accord Lagoon

After the sunsets and the first stars brighten up the sky, set out for a bioluminescent experience . Ever heard of it? You know, that magical phenomenon where tiny organisms in the water put on a light show in the water? Well, the Bon Accord Lagoon is one of those places where you can see this twinkling wonderland.

But why is this one of the most unique things to do in Tobago , do you ask? The Bon Accord Lagoon is one of the few places in the world where Mother Nature throws the coolest light show ever . Trust us, it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences you don’t want to miss. 

At first, there was only little to see – only dark water on the left and mangroves to the right. But once we dipped our toes in the lagoon, our footprints sparkled with fairy dust. Millions of gloving microorganisms lighted up the water, and suddenly, we were the stars of the show. So, if you are looking for adventurous attractions in Tobago, head to the Bon Accord Lagoon. Trust us, it will be a glowing experience you won’t soon forget !

Join a nighttime bioluminescence tour by kayak or paddleboard with Radical Sports or go by motorboat with Fish Tobago . The approximately 2.5-hour tour starts at Pigeon Point’s North Beach after sunset.

We went on our nighttime bioluminescence tour by boat, and we cannot recommend it enough. After seeing Bon Accord Lagoon, our captain was kind enough to take us also to Nylon Pool. We had a chance to stand in metre-deep water surrounded by all sides of the ocean with stars twinkling overhead. And here is the fantastic part: We had both Nylon Pool and the Bon Accord Lagoon just to ourselves. Tours start from USD 60 per person (as of February 2024).

Before you book this tour, we recommend you find out if the bio is on a cycle for optimal viewing. Here are some glowing tips for you to get the most out of your tour experience:

• Bioluminescence tends to be more visible during certain times of the year . It is hard to see it after several days of rain or heavy rain during the day. 
• Avoid this tour on a full moon – the best experience is when the sky is dark.
• Keep an open mind: bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, which means its intensity varies from night to night. Enjoy this experience regardless of the glow’s brightness.

5. No Man’s Land

Looking for a serene escape tucked away from the bustling crowds of Pigeon Point, where the clock ticks a little slower? Look no further than charming No Man’s Land – a secluded little peninsula nestled in the heart of the Bon Accord Lagoon . 

Why should you make the pilgrimage to this remote oasis, you ask? Well, let us enlighten you. This secluded haven that’s remained uninhabited has untouched sands stretching as far as the eye can see. It also has clear and shallow – ideal for a refreshing swim or a leisurely stroll along the shore. But wait, it gets better! This hidden gem also serves as a haven for exotic bird species thriving in its lush mangrove wetlands.

Now, let’s ask the million-dollar question: How do you get to No Man’s Land? Well, strap on your sailor hat because the only way to access No Man’s Land is on a boat. Join one of the guided tours , which include a delightful stop here with a BBQ and refreshing rum punch from Pigeon Point of Store Bay. If you are a more adventurous soul, consider a kayaking excursion to explore this hidden gem at your own pace. 

• No Man’s Land lacks modern amenities , as the locals try to preserve its natural beauty and avoid commercialization. Remember to pack your own refreshments if you plan to kayak or paddleboard here. Facilities such as toilets, shops, or bars are not available here.  
• Approximately 5-hour day trip to Bucco Reef, Nylon Pool and No Man’s Land typically starts from $TT 650 per person, or USD 110 , as of February 2024. For more information or to book your adventure, reach out via call/ WhatsApp  at +1 868 790 2353 or email  [email protected] .

6. Main Ridge Forest Reserve Tobago

The Main Ridge Forest Reserve should be high on your Tobago bucket list . Why is exploring the Main Ridge Forest one of the best things to do in Tobago , do you ask?

Firstly, this mountainous rainforest has many endemic species that originated in mainland South America . Maybe you don’t know, but Tobago has South America’s rainforest biodiversity because it was once attached to Latin America . The island migrated north over millions of years and now shares some species with Northern Venezuela that don’t exist in Trinidad. That’s why the Main Ridge Forest Reserve has an abundant diversity of life , like red squirrels, agoutis and armadillos. It’s also home to the island’s highest point.

Secondly, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a result of the 18th century conservation . Did you know the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest legally protected forest in the world? Its creation took 11 years. It saved the rainforest from deforestation by early colonial plantation owners. Today, this mountainous volcanic spine of Tobago has lower temperatures and winds and is full of incredible wildlife. 210 bird species call this protected forest home. Look out for the rare white-tailed sabre wing hummingbird , which is endemic to the island. You can also spot 16 species of mammals , 24 varieties of snakes and 16 types of lizards when exploring a network of hiking trails. 

Guided tours provide a great way to experience the Main Ridge Forest Reserve with local knowledge. The guide can help you explore untouched corners on the foot. Don’t forget to bring a raincoat, carry binoculars and waterproof shoes.

DID YOU KNOW?

Tobago is also home to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve s ince 2020. This tiny island, with barely 300 sq km in size, has 1,774 species, 19 habitat types and 83 Red list species. It also has 41 endemic species and 15 communities with a unique cultural heritage.

If you don’t have enough time for hiking, you can also drive through the reserve. A peaceful drive through the reserve is a perfect way to see the rainforest.

7. Fort King George and the Tobago Museum

If you want to learn more about the island’s rich past , don’t miss Fort King George and the Tobago Museum in Scarborough. Why, do you ask? It’s simple: 18th-century Fort King George offers a perfect blend of history , breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere that’s hard to beat. And the Tobago Museum? This museum within a fortress is like stepping into a treasure trove of Tobagonian heritage. You can spot a fascinating collection of antique maps, paintings and artefacts in this informative museum.

Now onto Fort King George , this recently reconstructed fortress isn’t just a relic of the island’s past. This pretty fort dates back to the turbulent period. It is a time machine that catapults you back to the days when the island was a hot potato, passed around like a prized possession by warring nations.

And here is a fun fact:

Over the years, the English, French, and also Dutch fought over the island. Tobago changed hands an amazing 30 times , but eventually, the island ended up in the British hands.

But fear not! Today, Fort King George offers gorgeous views of Scarborough Bay and provides a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle. This military fort has beautifully restored colonial buildings , the officer’s quarters, a prison, kitchens, plus a parade ground. It even has several original cannons positioned just as they were hundreds of years ago. That’s why Fort King George and the Tobago Museum are top Tobago attractions for exploring the island’s heritage , covering its British and French colonial periods.

The Tobago Museum is open between 9 am to 4.30 pm between Monday and Friday. The admission fee to the museum is $TT 10 for an adult. The visit to the fort is free of charge.

8. Responsible turtle watching

Only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood . Once out of the nest, the hatchlings face many predators, including dogs, fish and ghost crabs.

Did you know something cool? Every year, the huge leatherback turtles visit this island  for a very special reason. It’s all about their ancient egg-laying tradition. For thousands of years, these beautiful creatures have dragged themselves onto the island to bury their precious eggs on the sandy beaches. Tobago is a crucial nesting site for the most giant turtles on earth .  

Female leatherback turtles don’t begin nesting until they are around 25 years old. Then, every two years, they make their way back to the same beach where they first entered the world to lay their eggs.

The hundreds o f  nesting turtles  come to Tobago’s northern beaches to lay their eggs between March and September . Turtle Beach , Mr Irvine and also Grafton Beach are the main hotspots for sea turtles during the nesting season. Many resorts organise a turtle watch and notify the guests when they spot these giants. They also often notify their guests when they release baby turtles into the sea.

Things to remember:

• Do not drive on nesting beaches  as the weight of the vehicle can crush eggs buried in the sand.
• Also,  do not touch  or  disturb  nesting turtles or hatchlings.
• Keep a distance  from the laying turtle.
• Try to  be quiet at nesting beaches, do not use a flashlight or flash photography as it can disorient both turtles and hatchlings.

9. Sunday School Tobago

Did you know that the steel drums are the national instrument originating from Trinidad and Tobago ?

Wondering what to do on a Sunday night ? Everyone flocks to Buccoo Village for the legendary street party . Sunday School isn’t your typical Sunday gathering or a celebration; it’s practically a Tobagonian institution. This weekly street party with steel drum music is more about moving your hip to infectious beats. Imagine streets pulsating with the hypnotic sounds of soca, calypso and reggae. But what, there is more!

Sunday School isn’t just about dancing till dawn; it is a culinary adventure too! Try delicious delicacies from sizzling street food stalls – you are in for a flavoured-packed feast. This cultural melting pot is a famous outdoor fiesta where locals and visitors come together to party like there is no tomorrow.

So, why is Sunday School one of the best Tobago attractions ? Because it’s not just a party; it’s an experience that will leave you craving more of Tobago’s irresistible charm and rhythm!

10. Mangrove Boardwalk

The Tobago Plantations Boardwalk in Lowlands is one of Tobago’s hidden gems . When we visited it, we had all the place to ourselves.

Looking for a more adventurous activity? Step beyond the ordinary and explore the magical mangrove forest of Petit Trou Lagoon . The Mangrove Boardwalk is one of Tobago’s best-kept secrets – unspoiled and undiscovered by many. Here, you’re likely to meet more snails and birds than fellow tourists.

The Mangrove Boardwalk has towering root s and winding wooden pathways leading to different locations. It’s a haven for birdwatchers – you will spot all sorts of feathered friends flying around. The green mangroves surround this boardwalk, and their cracking branches add mystery to this quiet place. Keep your eyes peeled for tiny fish swimming in the clear waters below and crabs popping in and out of holes. It’s a nature lover’s dream come true!

Visiting the Mangrove Boardwalk is one of the best things to do in Tobago for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers . It’s also perfect for someone looking for a peaceful escape . And the best of all? It’s free to visit.

11. Castara Bay

Ever heard about Castara ? This charming fishing village on the island’s northwestern side boasts remarkable diversity – and we’re not talking only about the marine life. Wondering why you should visit?

Castara Bay stands out because it offers not one , but two beaches . Little Bay is smaller and more secluded, with a reef close to the shore . Dive into the crystal-clear waters and snorkel – you can meet up angelfish and even turtles. Bigger Bay , the bustling heart of Castara , is where fishermen continue their timeless trade. And while you’re there, don’t miss the traditional sea fishing , a scene preserved unchanged for generations.

Castara Bay has an ideal opportunity for swimming and snorkelling on the smaller northern beach (Little Bay). 

• Castara is famous for its Thursday night beach bonfires , a popular celebration among the locals.
• Also, don’t forget to explore Castara Waterfall – it’s just a short walk from the beach.

12. Englishman’s Bay

Englishman’s Bay is the kind of a place that would make Robinson Crusoe say “ Now that’s what I call paradise! “

If you’re craving an adventure far from the tourist trail , then Englishman’s Bay is your golden ticket. But why is visiting Englishman’s Bay one of the best things to do in Tobago , you ask? Englishman’s Bay is one of the prettiest bays and one of Tobago’s gems . Plus, Englishman’s Bay is a nesting ground for the largest of all living turtles, the leatherback turtle .

But wait, there’s more! Well, for starters, this gorgeous horseshoe of yellow sands isn’t just your average beach . There is a tropical rainforest teeming with birdlife like wild parrots and Motmot birds behind the beach. And those crystal-clear waters ? They’re practically begging you to dive in and leave your worries behind. Just remember, Englishman’s Bay has strong currents and doesn’t have a lifeguard on duty . So, if you are not a strong swimmer, stay closer to the shores unless you want an unexpected workout. Always swim with somebody and keep an eye on each other. 

• Englishman’s Bay lies on the island’s northeastern coast, tucked away between the two sleeping villages: Castara and Parlatuvier. You can easily access it from the south of the island, just follow the Northside Road . Pay attention to a blue and white sign which indicates a left turn to the beach. After that, follow an unpaved road which will take you to a small car park near the beach.
• Englishman’s Bay lacks facilities like toilets, supermarkets, bars and shops. When we visited it, we found only one local restaurant Eula’s , which served specialities such as roti or shrimp. There was also a small gift shop with souvenirs. Eula’s restaurant also rents beach chairs .
• We recommend you bring a picnic and refreshments if you plan to spend a few hours here.

13. Parlatuvier Bay

Come to laid-back Parlatuvier Bay between breakfast and lunch, and you will see the locals proudly returning home with their catches. 

Further north, just a 10-minute drive from Englishman’s Bay, lies Parlatuvier Bay . This partially sheltered horseshoe-shaped beach with white sands is one of the less visited beaches in Tobago . Why do you ask? The currents are usually stronger here , the water is deeper , and there is no lifeguard . So, bring your trusty floaties, or stick to sunbathing on the beach if you are not a strong swimmer. 

But here’s the kicker – Parlatuvier Bay is not just any beach . It comes with a surprise: it’s a beach with a river ! Yes, you read this right. Here, the river meets the sea and creates a spot where the locals splash.

• Head up to Glasgow Bar on the hill above the village. This little bar has top deck views, which offer stunning vistas of the beach. Who knows, you might even spot parrots flying overhead. 
• If you are not in a hurry, find Parlatuvier Waterfall . While not Niagara Falls, this pretty waterfall requires only a short 3-minute stroll from the beach. Can’t find it? It is opposite the Parlatuvier Pier but above the road. And the best part? It won’t cost you a penny to explore.

14. Pirate’s Bay

Let us tell you why Pirate’s Bay holds a special place in our hearts. This hidden cove near the town of Charlotteville isn’t just a pretty beach – it’s also an oasis. Pirate’s Bay is not a tourist hotspot – you’re more likely to meet a curious crab running across the sand than a noisy tourist. 

 This quiet beach, nestled between the thick rainforest and the Caribbean Sea, is one of the best Tobago attractions . It takes a little effort to get here, but it is well worth a visit. 

Now let’s break it down why visiting Pirate’s Bay is one of the best things to do in Tobago . Pirate’s Bay has calm waters and offers some of the best snorkelling opportunities on the island. Did you know a healthy reef extends from Charlotteville to Pirate’s Bay ? Critically endangered coral formations such as sponges, soft corals and sea fans are relatively close to the shores . When you’re ready to take the plunge, dive into the crystal-clear waters and meet up with green turtles and schools of fish. 

Use only biodegradable sunscreen when snorkelling, and avoid stepping on corals. These slow-growing animals are very sensitive and can easily break underfoot.

Did you know every grain of sand in Pirate’s Bay holds secrets of the high sea? According to the local legend , the pirates buried their treasures in Pirate’s Bay centuries ago. If you’re lucky, you might even uncover a piece of history or two – after all, pirates weren’t just fairy tales!

• Due to its remote location, Pirate’s Bay doesn’t receive many tourists . Pirate’s Bay is free to visit, but you will not find an official water taxi with a set schedule . Also, there is no set rate – you need to strike a deal with a fisherman . 
• Expect to pay around $TT 40 (USD 6) as of February 2024 for a short boat ride from Charlotteville. Don’t forget to tell a fisherman when to pick you up. Alternatively, drive up the narrow dirt track and take a short hike with steps from Charlotteville.
• Pirate’s Bay doesn’t have any facilities like shops, restaurants or toilets. You can usually rent out a few chairs from a local for $TT 20 , or about USD 3 as of February 2024. Also, don’t forget to bring some refreshments for you.
• Afterwards, have lunch or dinner in one of the local restaurants in Charlottesville. We had lunch at the local Suckhole restaurant , and we cannot recommend it enough. This small beachfront restaurant serves delicious local chicken and seafood dishes.

15. Hike from Charlotteville to Pirate’s Bay

Stairway to paradise from Charlotteville.

Hike from the sleepy Charlotteville to Pirate’s Bay and spend a day on one of the finest beaches on the island. Sure, it might take a bit of legwork, but trust us, it’s worth every step.

Now, how to reach this slice of heaven? Take a dirt road from the village – it leads to the lookout point. Just be cautious of oncoming cars – safety first! Once you’ve parked in a tiny turn-around area, follow the steps down to the beach. 

As you descend the 150 steps to Pirate’s Bay , you will realize that paradise isn’t found; it’s earned!

16. Lovers’ Bay Tobago

Looking for an even more secluded escape? Then ask a local fisherman to take you to Lovers’ Bay . Why, do you ask? This remote secret beach , located a couple of kilometres west of Charlotteville, is an intimate retreat for romance. What sets Lovers’ Bay apart? Lovers’ Bay stands out because it is the island’s only pink sand beach . Yes, you heard it right, this small cove has crushed-shell sands which sparkle on sunny days. But what, there is more!

Did you know Lovers’ Bay is one of the best Tobago attractions because it offers exceptional snorkelling opportunities? And here is a fantastic part: just steps away from the shore lie large, healthy corals, including magnificent brain corals. The water here is calm and crystal-clear, ideal for underwater exploration.

Lovers’ Bay lies nearby the remnant of Fort Campbellton , opposite Booby Island . Getting here might require a bit of negotiation skills with the local fishermen in Charlotteville. Strike a deal, set a pick-up time, and you are on the way to paradise. But remember, when the tide’s high, the beach shrinks faster than your phone battery. So plan accordingly!

Pack some snacks and water, and remember to take your trash with you when you leave.

17. Cool off in one of the waterfalls

Did you know Tobago has over 14 waterfalls? Some require a lengthy hike, while others are just a short stroll away. The tallest and the most impressive is the Argyle Waterfall , featuring three pools. It lies just outside Roxborough and requires an easy 15-minute trek. The entry fee for the most publicized waterfall is $TT 60 , which is approximately USD 8 as of February 2024.

For those seeking alternatives, find the Highland Waterfall – it’s the tallest single-drop waterfall on the island . Remember, it is difficult to locate it without a guide. We recommend you visit it only on a sunny day due to accessibility issues after rain. Alternatively, Rainbow Waterfall is a perfect option requiring a 20-minute walk. Other accessible falls include Castara Waterfall and Parlatuvier Waterfall , but they are not as impressive as others.

18. Watch the seine net fishing.

Experience the traditional seine fishing action at Turtle Beach.

Forget about renting a boat for sport fishing. Instead, add a dash of excitement to your morning by witnessing the age-old tradition of seine net fishing on one of Tobago’s breathtaking beaches. Arrive early in the morning and step into a time machine that’s been running for 150 years . Whether it’s Mont’ Irvine Bay , Black Rock , Turtle Beach , Castara, or another sandy spot, you are in for a genuine treat.

19. Try a local cuisine

After a refreshing snorkelling session in the Caribbean waters, why not delight your taste buds with Tobagonian flavours at a local restaurant? Try classic dishes like crab and dumplings or t he fresh seafood specials . Tobagonian cuisine expertly blends Creole, Indian, African and Caribbean influences. It promises a culinary adventure like no other.

If you prefer an authentic dining experience, we recommend you head to The Suckhole in Charlotteville . This charming beachfront restaurant will make you fall in love with the local food, leaving you craving more.

The Suckhole is a popular dining spot in Charlotteville, so be prepared to wait at least an hour for your meal.

20. Little Tobago Island

If you have time to see one more gem, consider taking a captivating glass-bottom tour of Little Tobago on the island’s east side. This remote island is renowned for its spectacular seabird colonies, earning it the local nickname Bird of Paradise Island . Wander along several kilometres of well-marked trails and enjoy the melodious songs of native birds like the Red-footed Booby or Brown Booby .

You can arrange a day excursion to Little Tobago from Speyside Village at the Blue Water Inn.

2 bonus points:

21. speyside’s coral reef.

Did you know that some of the most sought-after diving and snorkelling sites lie on the island’s east side near Speyside? Dive into the stunning Angel Reef and the Kelleston Drain site , both boasting diverse marine life, offering you a chance to meet up with exotic fish. Keep an eye on one of the largest brain corals in the world , measuring 4 metres (13ft) in height and 6 metres (20ft) in width. You can find the world’s largest brain coral just south of Little Tobago at the Kelleston Drain site.

22. Buccoo Bay

Looking for an adventure with a twist? Then head to the coastal village of Buccoo , where you can swim with horses . These majestic creatures aren’t just for riding; they are ready to take a dip with you. And here is a juicy part: they are not just any horses – they are former racehorses from Trinidad , saved by Veronika. This herd roams freely 16 hours a day and swims without the restriction of saddle or bridle.

Book your 2-hour experience with Being with Horses by emailing [email protected] or sending a message or WhatsApp to +1 868 3073425 . The weight limit is 190 pounds or 86 kg. The swim and trail combination at Bucco Bay costs USD 100 per person.

Tobago loves its traditions. If you visit the island  during Easter , head to Bucco Beach for the annual Easter goat race . Yes, you read this right, this unusual tradition started in 1925. Since then, goat racing has occurred on the Tuesday after Easter Monday . It’s an unofficial public holiday on the island, dedicated to the racing of the goats for entertainment .

 Now you know what are the best things to do in Tobago!

Don’t forget:.

To make the most of Tobago ,  go on the island guided tour  or  rent a car . Tobago is a small island, and you can  easily explore it in one day . You can easily explore the island in 2 days and cover most of the sights. Wind down your windows, put on your favourite tunes and get ready for your next adventure.

T hank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, please save it also to Pinterest 🙂

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5 thoughts on “TOBAGO BUCKET LIST: 22 of the best things to do in Tobago”

Great list! I definitely have to visit Tobago when next I’m in the twin island republic. 🙂

Will definitely put this on my list..beautiful photos

You are very wellcome! Must admit, Tobago is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. And the best of all, it is still undiscovered by tourists.

O no, I’m sorry to hear that. A trip to Barbados and Dominica pretty much sounds like a dream trip. We didn’t have big travel plans for this year, but either way, everything is cancelled now and we are only hoping that a full on lockdown won’t happen in Ireland. Greetings from Ireland ❤️❤️❤️ Aiva

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Trinidad & Tobago   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Timothy Corbin | Getty Images

Why Go To Trinidad & Tobago

The southern Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago are a lesson in contrast. Trinidad, the larger of the two, is bustling with commerce and diversity. A cosmopolitan oasis of Creole culture and the birthplace of the steel drum and the limbo, Trinidad brims with natural resources like gas and oil. Its cultural eclecticism and, in some places, astonishing wealth, is all but unparalleled throughout the Caribbean. And then there's the sleepy island of Tobago. Just northeast, this island is rich in natural wonders and immaculate white-sand beaches, but it lacks the urban-sophisticate personality of its other half.

Trinidad has several beaches, but it's Tobago's shores that are more renowned for their variety and beauty. Its pristine beaches line almost every side of the island and they range from crowded to desolate and festive to romantic. Trinidad's main draw is its lush flora and fauna, particularly its scarlet ibises — the blood orange flamingos that call the island's jungles home. But starting in late February, the island does a 180 when it pours on the glitter and turns up the volume for one of the best Carnival parties in all the Caribbean .

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

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• # 3 in Best Cheap Caribbean Vacations
• # 8 in Best Places to Visit in February 2024

Best of Trinidad & Tobago

Best hotels in trinidad & tobago.

• # 1 in Hyatt Regency Trinidad
• # 2 in Coco Reef Resort
• # 3 in Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre

Best Things to Do in Trinidad & Tobago

• # 1 in Fort George (Trinidad)
• # 2 in Store Bay (Tobago)
• # 3 in Fort King George (Tobago)

Popular Tours

Tobago Buccoo Reef Glass Bottom Boat Tour

(56 reviews)

from $ 76.00

Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tour

(13 reviews)

from $ 60.00

Trinidad Highlights Tour from Port of Spain

(41 reviews)

from $ 80.00

Trinidad & Tobago Travel Tips

Best months 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.

Weather in Trinidad & Tobago

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Tip as the locals do Gratuity is usually included in your bill, around 10 to 15 percent. If you'd like to tip extra for exceptional service, it's considered polite to place the tip in the waiter's hand, not on the table, and never add it to the credit card balance.

Watch your wallet Pickpockets are common among the crowds at Trinidad's Carnival, so keep your wallet in your front pocket and leave your passport and expensive jewelry locked up in the hotel safe.

Bring your bug spray Trinidad and Tobago are home to lots of mosquitoes and pesky no-see-ums — very tiny gnats — so packing a strong bug repellant is a must.

How to Save Money in Trinidad & Tobago

Pick your beaches Some beaches charge an entry fee but places like Store Bay on Tobago are free of charge.

Take a chance on the late rainy season From September to December, hotel and airfare rates will dip to lure travelers. Just remember to pack your rain gear for the afternoon showers.

Don't exchange your money on the street Less than reputable money changers will hang out in front of the banks offering to exchange money, but you'll get a much better rate inside.

Culture & Customs

Trinidad and Tobago was nicknamed "The Rainbow Country" by Bishop Desmond Tutu for its abundance of flowers and the diversity of its population. Many Trinbagonians can trace their history to African, Indian, European, Chinese and Middle Eastern ancestry. Though the official language is English, it is spoken with many different accents or in the local dialect of Trinibagianese.

The value of the Trinidad and Tobago dollar compared to U.S. currency fluctuates slightly, though $1 USD is approximately $6 TTD. U.S. cash is readily accepted, but some travel experts suggest you exchange money upon arrival in the airport. Don't panic though — traveler's checks and major credit cards are widely accepted, and traveler's checks can be cashed at most large hotels.

What to Eat

With such a mashup of cultures present on the T&T islands, visitors will find food choices that range from Creole to Chinese, West Indian to European, African to Indian. Dining options on Tobago are more affordable, but travel experts recommend the restaurants on Trinidad, especially around Port of Spain, for good food.

You'll find crab and dumpling on many menus, but some writers suggest you try some roti (flat bread stuffed with chicken, fish, goat or curry) instead. Wash it down with a planter's punch, a popular local drink made with fruit juices, grenadine, Angostura bitters, curaçao and rum.

Experienced travelers stress using common sense when participating in Trinidad's Carnival: Don't carry around valuables or wear expensive jewelry, and if at all possible, leave your wallet or purse at home in favor of carrying your identification in a front pants pocket. This will help prevent getting pickpocketed, which is a common occurrence during this time of year because of the close proximity of partygoers during day and evening festivities.

Carnival takes place during the dry season in Trinidad and Tobago, which makes it that much easier to get dehydrated while enjoying the festivities. Several tourist sites recommend drinking plenty of fluids, applying sunscreen at regular intervals, and wearing comfortable shoes and light clothing to prevent getting dehydrated.  

Getting Around Trinidad & Tobago

The best way to get around Trinidad and Tobago is by car, which you can rent at either Trinidad's Piarco International Airport (POS) or Tobago's Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport (TAB). If you don't plan to explore much, you can get by just fine with the cheap taxis. Buses are also available but are rather unreliable. When you're ready to switch islands, head down to the docks at Port of Spain or Scarborough and board one of the private ferries.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A U.S. passport valid for six months or the duration of stay at the time of entry is required. Upon arrival, you must show proof of return travel. All visitors 5 years of age and older should also expect to pay a departure tax of $17 USD. Visit the U.S. State Department's  website for more information on entry and exit requirements.

Make your way down to one of Tobago's beaches for a stunning sunset view.

Explore More of Trinidad & Tobago

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago are an exercise in beautiful contradiction. In Trinidad, pristine mangrove swamps and rainforested hills sit side by side with smoke-belching oil refineries and unpretty industrial estates. Tobago has everything you’d expect from a Caribbean island, with palm trees and white sand aplenty, yet it’s relatively unchanged by the tourist industry. Combined, this twin-island republic offers unparalleled birdwatching; first-class diving; and luxuriant rainforests perfect for hiking and waterfall swimming. Then there's the electric nightlife and a fabulous Carnival, easily the biggest and best of the region’s annual blowouts. And thanks to the legacy of TnT's melting-pot population, the cuisine is a foodie dream, from sensational curries to the freshest of fish.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Asa Wright Nature Centre

A former cocoa and coffee plantation transformed into an 600-hectare nature reserve, this place blows the minds of birdwatchers. Even if you can’t tell a…

About 25km southwest of San Fernando, and just south of the small town of La Brea, this slowly bubbling black 'lake' is perhaps Trinidad’s greatest oddity…

Pirate’s Bay

Past Charlotteville's pier, a dirt track winds up and around the cliff to concrete steps that descend to Pirate’s Bay, which offers excellent snorkeling…

Corbin Local Wildlife Park

Established by hunter turned conservationist Roy Corbin in Tobago's forest-covered interior, just inland of the windward coast's Hope Bay, this nonprofit…

Queen’s Park Savannah

Port of Spain

Once part of a sugar plantation, formerly home to a racecourse and now the epicenter of the annual Carnival, this public park is encircled by a 3.7km…

Fort George

Get a truly spectacular bird's-eye view of the Port of Spain cityscape and the Gulf of Paria from this colonial-era fort, with stone-built defensive walls…

Fort King George

Atop a hill at the end of Fort St, this sizable fort was built by the British between 1777 and 1779, and is worth a visit to see its restored colonial-era…

National Museum & Art Gallery

Housed in a classic colonial building, the rather dry historical exhibits range from the oil industry to Amerindian settlers, the colonial era and…

Latest stories from Trinidad & Tobago

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Apr 30, 2018 • 4 min read

For food, fun and festivals, Port of Spain, the capital city of Trinidad and Tobago, is your ideal Caribbean location. The country's complicated history…

Trinidad & Tobago and beyond

Welcome to myTobago

The definitive visitor guide to Tobago

Tobago is a jewel in the Caribbean crown. This beautiful laid-back island lies just north of the South American coast and is best known for its wide sandy beaches and remarkable tropical rainforest.

This website is our tribute to Tobago. Written by visitors, for visitors, our goal is to tell you what the island has to offer, through the eyes and from the perspective of visitors. Devoid of marketing hype, myTobago offers nothing but frank and honest down-to-earth information and opinion. Our site offers detailed information on Tobago resorts, hotels, guest houses, self-catering apartments, rental villas, restaurants, car hire, sightseeing and activity providers and other tourism-related information.

Our Reader Satisfaction Ratings (RSR) icons offer a simple visual guide to every business and feature associated with vacations on the island. Our Tobago visitor forum enables holidaymakers to ask question, express opinion and join debate. Our overall aim is to steer you to the best of Tobago. We applaud those that provide good service and condemn those that don't. The reasoning is simple: if our site helps to enhances your vacation on Tobago, you are more likely to return and are more likely to recommend the island to others.

If you are considering a holiday in Tobago or intrigued by the island's ability to create Tobago fanatics like ourselves, then this website is a must for you.

Tobago Weather

See current Tobago weather conditions and view the forecasts for the coming week

Currency Exchange

Check the current exchange rates for the TTD$ against major international currencies

Location Maps

Identify the exact location of Tobago hotels, restaurants and all major feature

Discussion Forum

Exchange opinion and ask questions in the myTobago community forum

Tobago Holiday Accommodation

Looking for comfortable vacation accommodation in Castara? Perhaps you would prefer to stay in another rainforest-backed Caribbean fishing village? Or, is the more populated region of Tobago more to your taste? No worries, we have you covered.

Our site boasts the most complete listing of Tobago holiday accommodation available, with review and opinion of more than 400 resorts, hotels, inns, guesthouses, cottages and rental villas.

Tell Me More

Latest Reviews

Myself and a friend had an amazing time staying at Shirmas apartments for our medical elective. She made the day to day aspect so easy - with lifts to the hospital and supermarket, as well as helping to arrange more touristy things such as tours to the reef and car hire for a weekend to explore the north of the island - whatever you want to do...

Rob from U.K. stayed at Shirma's Apartment in May 2024 and rated the experience  

Thank you Liz for exceptional service from inception, throughout our stay and beyond!Blue Marlin was our HOME away from HOME.A most luxurious and comfortable getaway on the beach.

Sue from Trinidad stayed at Blue Marlin Suite in June 2024 and rated the experience  

We stayed here for a family reunion. As we arrived my niece got cut by the pool. There was blood everywhere. It was hanging by the skin. Had to be xray-Ed to ensure it wasn't severed off. Negligent owners. Advertising a pool unfit for use. We will never return to this place.

R. from U.S.A. stayed at Villa Sans Souci in October 2023

This accommodation made my medical elective an absolute dream. Shirma organises so much for you (taxi to the hospital every weekday morning, weekly food shops, contacting tour guides at your request) and she and her family are so warm and welcoming. As the majority of her customers are medical students, the social aspect is sorted for you, offering...

Maddy from U.K. stayed at Shirma's Apartment in May 2024 and rated the experience  

Black Rock Dreams is just that - a dreamy property set right on the shores of the beautiful Black Rock beach. My husband and I had the pleasure of staying here on two occasions and it is honestly difficult to imagine staying anywhere else. Our last stay was at the gorgeous and vibrant Chaconia Suite which was clean, spacious, impeccably designed,...

Raece from Trinidad stayed at Chaconia Suite in May 2024 and rated the experience  

I stayed with Shirma for 4 weeks of my medical elective. I would really recommend staying with Shirma to any medical students on elective in Tobago! The apartments are very well equipped and spacious, and everything was organised for us by Shirma (transport to the hospital in the morning, weekly food shops, excursions and tours). The neighbourhood...

Hana from U.K. stayed at Shirma's Apartment in May 2024 and rated the experience  

I had a brilliant stay at Shirma’s. The apartments are very spacious and have everything you need, and Shirma, Clifford and the whole family made me feel very welcome. They drive you to the hospital every morning and to the shops once per week. Shirma can also organise booking tours etc which is very helpful. Bacolet beach club is a 15 minute...

Ella from U.K. stayed at Shirma's Apartment in April 2024 and rated the experience  

The apartment was cosy, relaxing and peaceful. The people in the community were friendly and Chino's wife was an absolute gem.

The Simon Family from Trinidad stayed at Coffee House Apartments in April 2024 and rated the experience  

3 friends and myself lived here for the duration of our medical elective at Scarborough General Hospital.We can highly recommend this accomodation! Shirma and her family go above and beyond to ensure your stay on Tobago will be amazing and that you stay safe.Shirma organizes your rides to the hospital in the morning and supports you in whatever...

Leon from Germany stayed at Shirma's Apartment in March 2024 and rated the experience  

I was lucky to live in the house of Shirma and her husband Clifford for four weeks and can warmly recommend it to anyone doing a clinical traineeship in Tobago. Clifford drives you to the hospital every morning, you get to know lots of other students at Shirma's and you are involved from day 1. There is a very friendly atmosphere and it feels...

Philipp from Germany stayed at Shirma's Apartment in March 2024 and rated the experience  

Tobago Travel Guide

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An elongated oval just 41km by 14km, Tobago manages a surprising diversity within her craggy coastal fringes. Rich in natural allure, from deserted palm-lined beaches and lively coral reefs to a wealth of lush rainforest, and with plenty of tourist infrastructure in its southwest corner, the island offers something for every taste. Tobago’s greatest appeal, however, is its relatively unspoilt feel. Although tourism has definitely taken root here, development has so far been fairly low-key when compared with many other Caribbean islands. There are few all-inclusive resorts and none of the high-rise hotels that have blighted many other tropical paradises – and the hustler mentality that exists on more touristy islands is less intense here.

Charlotteville

Crime and safety in tobago, getting around, organized tours, scuba diving, tobago festivals.

A place where locals and tourists tend to co-exist in an easy equilibrium, with everyone frequenting the same beaches, bars and nightclubs, Tobago’s overall vibe is overwhelmingly laidback and relaxing. Moreover, celebrations such as the Easter goat races are attended by more Tobagonians than tourists, and local culture is honoured at the annual Heritage Festival each August. The uniquely friendly mentality here is best expressed at the year-round Harvest Festivals, where entire villages open their doors to passing revellers.

Tobago is breathtakingly beautiful; heavy industry is confined to Trinidad, so the beaches here are clean and the landscape left largely to its own devices. The flat coral and limestone plateau of the southwest tip is the island’s most heavily developed region, with the majority of hotels, bars and restaurants as well as the best – albeit most commercialized – beaches such as Pigeon Point and Store Bay . There are also quieter stretches of sand along the area’s smart hotel coast, where glass-bottom boats head for Buccoo Reef , palms sway over the Mount Irvine golf course, and hotels around Plymouth run night excursions to watch giant turtles laying eggs on the beach. Strong currents in this area provide some excellent surfing possibilities, with the rough seas between November and February (the height of the tourist season) producing big breakers at Mount Irvine Beach.

But Tobago isn’t just sun, sand, surf and the tourist dollar. The commercial clamour of the southwest tip is kept in check by the capital, Scarborough , a lively, picturesque port town tumbling down a fort-topped hillside. Pummelled by the dark-green, wave-whipped Atlantic, the island’s rugged windward (south) coast is lined with appealing fishing villages; Speyside and Charlotteville in the remote eastern reaches have coral reefs as ornate as you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean and scuba diving is a burgeoning industry. Tobago is an excellent and inexpensive place to learn to dive, and there’s plenty of challenging drift diving for the more experienced, while the many fringing reefs within swimming distance of the beaches make for fantastic snorkelling. Coral sands and glassy Caribbean waters along the leeward (north) coast provide some of Tobago’s finest beaches; some, like Englishman’s Bay , are regularly deserted, while at Parlatuvier and Bloody Bay , you’ll share the sand with local fishermen. Castara , meanwhile, holds the only real tourist infrastructure along Tobago’s Caribbean coast, with a host of guesthouses and places to enjoy the excellent fresh fish meals.

The landscape of the eastern interior rises steeply into the hillocks and rolling bluffs which make up the central Main Ridge. These mountains shelter the Forest Reserve – the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere – an abundant tangle of mist-shrouded greenery dripping down to fabulous coastlines, often with neither building nor road to interrupt the flow. Ornithologists and naturalists flock in for the bird – and animal life that flourishes here; David Attenborough filmed parts of his celebrated Trials of Life series at Little Tobago, a solitary sea-bird sanctuary off the coast of Speyside. For slightly less committed nature-lovers, the island’s forested interior offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching or a splash in the icy waterfalls.

Brief history

Tobago has long been a hotly contested property. The original Carib population fiercely defended the paradisiacal island that they called Tavaco (the name is derived from the Indian word for tobacco) against other Amerindian tribes, and thwarted European colonization throughout the late 1500s and early 1600s. English sailors staked Britain’s claim in 1580, tacking a flag to a tree trunk during a water stop en route to Brazil; and in 1641, England’s King Charles I presented Tobago to his godson James, the Duke of Courland (in modern Latvia). A group of Latvians arrived a year later, but their settlement at Plymouth suffered constant attacks from the Caribs, and in 1658 was taken by the Dutch, who called it Nieuw Vlissingen. Twenty years later, the Courlanders left for good, and in the following years, the Amerindian population slowly petered out. Meanwhile, the belligerent shenanigans of the Dutch, English and French turned the coasts of Tobago into a war zone , with the island changing hands 31 times before 1814.

Pirates and plantations

During the eighteenth century, forts sprang up at every vantage point, and Tobago descended into turmoil, plundered by pirates and officially declared a no-man’s-land in 1702. In 1762, however, the British took decisive action and sent a powerful fleet to Tobago, taking possession of the island with swift precision. Sustained by the promise of stability that came with firm British control, plantation culture began in earnest, with the island transformed into a highly efficient sugar, cotton and indigo factory. Africans were shipped in to work as slaves , with around 3000 toiling on the plantations by 1772, under the control of less than three hundred Europeans. The economy flourished and, by 1777, the island’s eighty or so estates had exported 1.5 million pounds of cotton, as well as vast quantities of rum, indigo and sugar. The numerical might of the slave population led to many bloody uprisings , with planters doling out amputations and death by burning and hanging to the rebels.

Emancipation and beyond

Once the Act of Emancipation was passed in 1834, most of Tobago’s African population took to the interior to plant small-scale farms, and also established coastal fishing communities. Some continued to work the estates as free men and women, but when Britain removed its protective tariffs on sugar sales, Tobago’s unmechanized industry was unable to compete with other, more efficient producers. A severe hurricane in 1847, along with the collapse of the West India Bank (which underwrote the plantations), marked the beginning of the end for the island’s sugar estates.

In the aftermath of the Belmanna Riots , Tobago’s Legislative Council relinquished its tenuous rule, and the island became a Crown Colony in 1879. Having reaped all it could from the island and its sugar industry, England had little further need for this troublesome, ailing dependency. In 1899, Tobago was made a ward of Trinidad, effectively becoming the bigger island’s poor relation with little control over her own destiny. With the collapse of the sugar industry , the islanders fell back upon other crops, planting the acres of limes, coconuts and cocoa that still remain in patches today. Boosted by the arrival of free Africans in the mid-1800s, the black population clubbed together to farm the land, tending their food crops in the efficient “ Len-Hand ” system of shared labour that is still celebrated during Harvest Festivals. By the early 1900s Tobago was exporting fruit and vegetables to Trinidad, and was granted a single seat on the legislative council in 1927.

Tobago today

In 1963, Hurricane Flora razed whole villages and laid waste to most of the island’s crops; the ensuing restructuring programme saw the first tentative steps towards developing a tourist industry. By 1980, the island had her sovereignty partially restored when the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was reconvened, but it had authority only over the island’s more mundane affairs while the main decisions were still made in Trinidad. Although Tobago now has a stronger profile in the republic’s affairs, the island is still perceived to be looked down on by bigger Trinidad, much to the resentment of the local populace.

In terms of economy, tourism remains the island’s main earner, and development projects abound, many slated for some of the island’s most pristine and lovely stretches of coast. It remains to be seen whether all this construction will erode the very things that attract tourists to Tobago in the first place.

Tumbling willy-nilly down a hillside to a horseshoe bay of calm Caribbean waters, where frigate birds swoop over the fishing boats, the absurdly pretty CHARLOTTEVILLE looks its very best as you approach the village on the Windward Road. Snugly situated under the protective cover of Man O’ War Bay , Charlotteville is one of Tobago’s foremost fishing communities – more than sixty percent of the island’s total catch is brought in by local fishermen. Bordered on each side by steep forested hills, the village has an isolated feel, although this is in fact one of Tobago’s biggest communities with around 5000 inhabitants. It is also one of its oldest, first settled by Caribs and then by the Dutch in 1633 – for many years the bay was known as Jan De Moor Bay after an early Frisian occupant. During the plantation era, the area was divided into two successful estates, Pirate’s Bay and Charlotteville; sugar shipments made regular departures from the bay, and the village prospered. In 1865, both estates were purchased by the Turpin family, who still own much of the surrounding land. Today, tourism plays its part – albeit as second fiddle to fishing – in sustaining the local economy, and the village is increasingly popular with independent types who come for the quiet beaches and laidback charm. If you’re seeking peace, quiet and great beaches, it’s hard not to become utterly besotted with Charlotteville.

The hole-in-the-wall shops and sprinkling of restaurants that make up Charlotteville’s centre line the road along the beach, while the streets that stretch inland and uphill, spreading back from a central playing field, are mostly residential. Slap in the centre of the village is the Fishermen’s Co-Operative , where the day’s catch is weighed, scaled and sold (and in the midst of an upgrade at the time of writing); adjacent to it is the proposed site for the controversial new Charlotteville Beachfront Mall . Beyond the site, the bay view opens up, the sea wall dotted with benches and the beach mostly taken up with fishing boats and nets drying on the sand. The long concrete pier offers a lovely perspective back over the village, and is a great spot from which to watch the sun set.

Bustin’ the bamboo

In Charlotteville and other rural Tobago communities, music at open-air celebrations and Christmas/Old Year’s festivities is often given an ear-splitting percussive accompaniment. Loved by small boys for the incredibly loud, cannon-like explosion that’s produced, the tradition of “ bustin’ the bamboo ” remains a popular – if rather dangerous – sport. To achieve the desired earth-shaking report, the prospective buster must have the know-how to first select a piece of bamboo of the correct age and durability with at least four or five internal joints, and then cut the section so that joints seal each end. A hole is pierced at one end, and the bamboo is filled with pitch oil (kerosene) from a slit at the opposite end. The fuel is lit and fanned until it heats up sufficiently to blow out the remaining joints, which creates the resounding boom and often results in the loss of eyelashes and moustaches.

Pirate’s Bay

Charlotteville’s main street veers away from the coast at the eastern end of the village, but a dirt track continues along the shoreline to the town’s – and, for many, Tobago’s – most attractive beach, Pirate’s Bay . After walking for about fifteen minutes along the steep track you’ll come to a long concrete stairway, at the bottom of which you’re rewarded with a stunning horseshoe of calm emerald-green water and fine yellow sand, with a backdrop of trees, ferns and foliage. A tumbledown fisherman’s hut is the only building in sight, and there’s even a freshwater rinse, courtesy of a stream trickling down from the hills. The bay’s translucent waters offer fantastic snorkelling , especially on the left-hand side. The seventeenth-century buccaneers after whom it was named may have gone, but the bay still has its freebooters, a large colony of frigate birds , which feed by snatching recently caught fish from the beaks of smaller sea birds. These, and other birds such as terns and pelicans can be found at St Giles Island a few kilometres to the north, but strong currents make it difficult for small boats – and thus birdwatchers – to get there. If the walk (or the stairs) are too much for you, you can usually arrange for one of the village’s fishermen to drop you at the beach and pick you up. Though the track is partially driveable, it’s best to leave your car in town – the only place to park is also the only turning spot, so leaving your vehicle there means anyone else will have to reverse back down the hill.

There was a time when crime of any sort was virtually unheard of in Tobago, but several high-profile robberies and attacks in recent years have tarnished the island’s reputation as a safe haven in the Caribbean. Most of the victims have been expat residents rather than people on holiday, and many put these crimes down to disputes and simmering tensions between the newcomers and their local neighbours rather than opportunism. Nonetheless, it has to be said that crime statistics have risen here in recent years, and while some Tobagonians still leave their front doors unlocked and their parked cars open, visitors are well advised to take the common-sense precautions to avoid potential problems.

Another main concern of late has been break-ins at villas , whose often-idyllic locations – in the middle of nowhere with only the birds for company – are irresistible to tourists and criminals alike. If you do stay in a villa, bear in mind that those clustered together in a resort-style complex, complete with gates and security guards, are obviously the safest choice. Always ask about security measures such as outside lighting and window locks or grilles before renting, and make sure that you lock doors and windows securely before going out and when retiring for the night. Should the worst happen, don’t offer any kind of resistance to thieves; and call the police on t 999 as soon as possible; in addition, there are police stations at Scarborough ( t 639 2512), Crown Point ( t 639 0042 or t 639 9872), Old Grange ( t 639 8888), Moriah ( t 660 0029 or t 660 0100), Roxborough ( t 660 4333) and Charlotteville ( t 660 4388).

Given Tobago’s small size, public transport can be a useful option for short journeys, particularly in the southwest, with plenty of route taxis, maxis (with blue bands in Tobago) and buses plying the main roads. In remote corners of Tobago, and on Sundays throughout the island, waiting times can be long. All public transport to outlying spots such as Castara, Charlotteville or Speyside departs from Scarborough; bear in mind that it’s best to get an early start, since many of the services to outlying towns and villages leave early in the morning, with a significant lull during the middle part of the day. Renting a car is by far the easiest way to explore the island, even if you just rent one for a day for a round-Tobago whirlwind trip.

Easter weekend is to Tobago what Carnival is to Trinidad: an unofficial national holiday when hotels are filled to the brim and the island erupts with festivities. A succession of huge open-air parties and well-attended harvest feasts culminate on Easter Tuesday at the Buccoo goat races , a tradition since 1925. Though attempting to race one of the world’s most belligerent animals may seem a little ridiculous to the uninitiated, these tournaments are taken very seriously by aficionados, who study the form (and character) of the sleekly groomed animals and place bets on their favourites. Raised separately from the run-of-the-mill roadside grazer, racing goats undergo a rigorous training routine and return to the tracks year after year. Prize specimens live out their days as stud goats to breed more potential champions.

The preliminary round at the Mount Pleasant Family Fun Day on Easter Monday gives everyone a chance to see which goat is running best, but the main event is at Buccoo on the Tuesday. Food vendors and craft stalls line the streets and a carnival atmosphere builds as fast as the crowds, who are kept entertained by dancing and drumming in between stakes. Smartly attired in white shorts and coloured vests, the jockeys limber up by the side of the tracks, a necessary exercise, as their ability to keep up with their goat (and keep hold of it) over the 150m race has more influence on their success or failure than the capabilities of the goat itself: animals are raced at the end of a rope, and kept on course via taps from a long switch. Once the jockeys manage to manoeuvre their malignant charges into starting position, the actual races are a joy to watch. With wild-eyed stares, the goats tear haphazardly down the track, often taking a diagonal course that trips up competitors and runners alike, to the delight of the spectators. The best of the bunch battle for supremacy in the final “Champ of Champs” race, while “Champion Jockey”, “Champion Trainer” and “Most Outstanding Goat” prizes are also presented.

Once all the races are over on Tuesday, the final all-night party swings into action, and the dancing continues until dawn.

Tobago has a bewildering number of tour companies and guides , with options ranging from the highly qualified and experienced to the downright charlatan (note that certified guides have an ID badge issued by the Tobago House of Assembly). It’s worth spending time considering the options before parting with your cash. Several established companies offer standard island tours covering Tobago’s main sights, which are great if you want a hassle-free overview of the island. A boat ride is one of the best ways to appreciate Tobago’s gorgeous coastline and get some excellent snorkelling. Several operators work the waters, and trips usually include lunch, snorkelling at Englishman’s Bay or other similarly deserted coves, and an open bar; half-day, or sunset and moonlight dinner trips are also on the roster of most operators.

Full-day tours (land or sea) of eight hours or so almost always include lunch and cost US$70–90 per person; half-day tours hover at around US$50 for four to five hours. Most people book through reps who visit the main hotels or trawl the beaches, but you can sign up independently as well. Note that the prices given here are for adults; all companies offer reduced rates for children.

There are also several guides who specialize in the Forest Reserve , and who are usually to be found at the main entrance, Gilpin Trace. Glass-bottom boats to Buccoo Reef are one of the most popular tour options on Tobago; all leave from Store Bay. Other more active tour options include fishing , mountain biking , golf , horseriding and scuba diving .

Tobago is one of the best scuba-diving spots in the southeastern Caribbean, yet it has relatively few divers visiting its dazzling coral reefs, volcanic formations and marine wrecks. The island is internationally recognized for the exciting and challenging drift dives caused by the Guyana current, which results from the confluence of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The seas around Tobago are home to 300 species of South Atlantic coral and a variety of spectacular multicoloured fish , not to mention larger species such as stingrays, manta rays, sharks, dolphins, turtles and squid . Rarer species such as toadfish and shortnose batfish are also occasionally spotted. Adding a touch of history to underwater encounters are the sunken ships that litter the sea floor.

There are many dive shops in Crown Point thanks to the sheer volume of visitors in the southwest, but Speyside is the island’s premier diving destination, with a variety of spectacular sites surrounding the offshore islands: Goat Island is popular for drift dives; St Giles for its rocky pinnacles and underwater canyon; and there’s a reasonable chance of seeing manta rays on dives around Little Tobago. Popular dive sites in the area include London Bridge, Bookends, Angel Reef, The Cathedral and Kelliston Drain – the site of the single largest brain coral in the Caribbean, and possibly the largest in the world. For more advanced divers, Sisters Rocks, offshore of Bloody Bay – with the sea shelf falling to 667m – is especially popular for larger species of fish including hammerhead sharks.

Tobago’s diving industry was only established in the 1980s but since then scuba-diving operations have multiplied with many hotels, beaches and guesthouses sporting their own centres. Prices vary slightly between operators; in general one to three dives cost about US$50 each, half-day resort courses US$65, five-day PADI open water certification courses US$480 and advanced open water from US$385. When deciding who to dive with it’s worth contacting the Association of Tobago Dive Operators ( t 660 5445, w tobagoscubadiving.com ); they can provide a list of certified scuba-diving operators. Always check for the prominent display of a dive affiliation, such as NAUI, PADI, SSI or BSAC. A good operator will always ask you to fill in paperwork and present a diving certification card. The rental equipment should be well rinsed; if you see sand or salt crystals this may indicate careless equipment care. Inspect all equipment thoroughly, check hoses for wear, see that mouthpieces are secure and ensure they give you a depth gauge and air-pressure gauge. Listen for air leaks when you gear up and smell the air, which should be odourless. If you smell oil or anything else, search for a different operator. In case of accidents, Tobago has a recompression chamber in Roxborough ( t 660 4000).

Though Carnival in Trinidad tends to take precedence in the T&T festival calendar, Tobago more than holds its own in terms of celebrations, and even if your visit doesn’t coincide with some of the bigger events, there’s almost always a beach party or fete to liven things up. Of the annual festivals, August means Great Race , when a flotilla of high-powered speedboats compete to be the first to cross the waters between the two islands. This being T&T, there’s more concentration on partying than maritime action: the whole shebang kicks off with the massive Great Fete outdoor party and stageshow at Pigeon Point, and on race day itself, huge crowds gather at the Store Bay finish line, all the while entertained by blaring soca, rhythm sections, pan bands and copious quantities of rum and beer. A similar scene unravels at the annual round of fishermen’s festivals , which celebrate patron of the trade St Peter by way of friendly beach parties at Castara and Charlotteville: vats of pacro water (shellfish soup) simmer and stacks of speakers get everyone in the mood for dancing. For something gentler, you might check out the Harvest Festivals held in the island’s villages throughout the year, which feature folk singing and dancing, heaps of “blue food” such as dasheen and tannia, and a friendly, community vibe. But the most hyped event on the island these days is the Tobago Jazz Festival , held between April and June by the sea at Plymouth and featuring international acts alongside the best of local talent – past performers include Diana Ross, Elton John, Sting, Emile Sandé, Erykah Badu, John Legend and, of course, T&T’s own Machel Montano.

Discover more places in Trinidad and Tobago

• Crown Point and around
• The leeward coast
• The northwest coast
• Scarborough
• The windward coast

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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The natural wonders of Tobago

The island is the perfect destination for 'discerning nature lovers'

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The island of Tobago – located 30 miles northeast of Trinidad, with which it forms a dual nation – offers a taste of "the unspoilt Caribbean", said Lyn Hughes in Wanderlust . The island has only a handful of large coastal resorts, which are confined to its flat southwest side. The rest of its coastline strikes a nice balance between "local life and low-key tourism".

Moreover, around two-thirds of Tobago's interior is covered with rainforest – making it an anomaly in the Caribbean, most of which has retained little of its original forest cover.

A "strange quirk" of Tobago's history helps explain why it has avoided the "overdevelopment of other Caribbean islands". In 1776, during a spell under British rule (Tobago regularly changed hands in the 18th century between the British, French and Dutch, before finally being ceded to Britain in 1814), the "world's first legally protected forest reserve" was created along the ridge that forms its mountainous spine. The purpose of Main Ridge, as the reserve was named, was to encourage precipitation; this, the British reasoned, would make Tobago's slave plantations more productive. Despite its original motivations, the reserve has since become part of the island's identity, and has helped inculcate a "green spirit", making Tobago the perfect destination for "discerning nature lovers".

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It's best to visit during the dry season, from January to June. A guided walk through Main Ridge will yield encounters with many bird species; you can even stay on the edge of the reserve, at the spectacular Cuffie River Nature Retreat. The island's rich marine life is also well worth exploring, via snorkelling, diving or glass-bottomed boat.

You can "swim" in the ocean on horseback, or take a night-time bioluminescence tour; and, if possible, arrange a trip to Little Tobago, the neighbouring island, which is an important breeding ground for sea birds. 

British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Tobago twice a week via St Lucia. Flights cost around £497 return and take 11 hours.

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A Complete Travel Guide for Tobago, the Jewel of the Caribbean

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Welcome to my Tobago travel guide!  In this article, you will find all the information you’ll need if you are planning a trip to this beautiful Caribbean island.

In this article

First Thoughts

Tobago is the smaller and less populous of the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.  Whilst it is considered to be one country, there are so many differences between the two islands that I feel Tobago merits a travel guide of its own.  I have already published an article as to why the island should be considered as a whole different country. 

Before I get into the detail of my Tobago travel guide, I should declare a certain bias.  Mark and I have spent a total of almost a year on the island so far!  We rarely return to a destination a second time, but Tobago just got under our skin!  We were there for four months during the winter of 2017/2018 and returned in November 2019 to stay for six months.  We now think of the island, especially Castara , as our second home and have many friends there.

In this guide, I want to show you all why Tobago should be on your ‘must-visit’ list.  Yes, there are picture-perfect white sandy beaches lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, but the island has so much more to offer!  There are verdant rainforests to explore, countless colourful birds to observe, delicious foods to savour, fascinating historical facts to learn about, unique coral reefs to snorkel over or dive to, glasses of rum punch to enjoy as the sun sets, rhythmic music to dance to, and, most important of all, friendly local people to engage with.

The Tobago Tourism Agency is very active in promoting the island to overseas visitors.  They have two main slogans which also act as hashtags across their social media channels – ‘Tobago Beyond’ and ‘101 Reasons Tobago’.  If you still need convincing, read on! 😊

Essential Information About Tobago

• Area – 300.4 square kilometres
• Population – c 63,000
• Language – English
• Capital – Scarborough
• Currency – Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
• Time zone – GMT -4
• Telephone – the country code for Trinidad is 868 .
• Electrical socket – standard voltage of 115V with type A and B sockets (two flat pins or two flat pins with a third round earth pin).  If you are travelling from the US, you won’t need an adaptor, but if you’re coming from the UK or elsewhere, you will.  Why not take  a universal travel adapter  with you.
• Visas – visitors from most countries, including the UK and USA, do  NOT need a visa to visit Tobago.  Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry to the country.  You will be given the right to remain for ninety days.  You may be asked to show your return air ticket and proof of sufficient funds to pay for your stay.  If you wish to stay beyond three months, it’s possible to apply for an extension for a further 90 days if you can prove that you have somewhere to stay and enough money to cover your expenses.  You can only extend once in any 12-month period.

Drug traffickers face severe penalties.  Marijuana has recently been legalised for personal use, but if you’re caught selling it, you’ll be in serious trouble!

Same-sex relationships are still illegal in Tobago.  Legislation exists that bars LGBT people from entering the country.  In reality, this is rarely enforced and there is growing local support for LGBT rights, but it’s still best to avoid public displays of affection.

It is an offence for anyone, including children, to wear or carry camouflage clothing.

Health and Safety in Tobago

My Tobago travel guide continues with some thoughts about health and safety to bear in mind if you are visiting the island.

It’s important to check the latest health advice issued by your government before you travel.  In the UK, this is available from  the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) .

In some areas of Tobago, medical facilities may be limited.  The main hospital in Scarborough is able to treat most problems, but medical evacuation to Port of Spain, Trinidad or even to the USA may be necessary in more serious cases.  Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance.  For UK nationals, the Caribbean is excluded from most general policies, so you need to buy extra cover.

There is a risk of Zika virus transmission in Tobago.  Also, mosquito-borne dengue fever is endemic.  The best line of defence is not to get bitten!

• Use  a DEET based insect repellent
• Wear  mosquito repellent bracelets
• Burn  mosquito coils
• Cover up, especially at dawn and dusk
• Eat Marmite!  This is Mark’s preferred method!

If you need medical assistance whilst in Tobago, dial 990 .

The vast majority of tourist visits to Tobago are incident-free.  Statistically, it is much safer than Trinidad.  However, it is sensible to consider the following:

Opportunist theft, especially during festivals and carnival season, is common.  Take the same precautions as you would take anywhere:

• Don’t carry large amounts of cash
• Don’t wear ostentatious jewellery
• Use a hotel safe where possible to store valuables and passports
• Wear  a money belt
• Don’t walk in deserted areas, even during daylight
• Take care when withdrawing cash from an ATM

If you need the police, dial 999.   There are police stations in Scarborough, Crown Point, Old Grange, Moriah, Roxborough, and Charlotteville.

Hiring a car is the best way to get around Tobago.  The roads are generally in a better state than those in Trinidad, but there are unexpected potholes along the way so be careful.   Driving practices may be more erratic than you’re used to! 

Emergency numbers

• Fire and ambulance – 990
• Police – 999

A Brief History of Tobago

Originally called Tavaco by the indigenous Carib population, the tiny island of Tobago has been fought over for centuries.  Britain first claimed it in 1580 when sailors stopped at the island for water on their way to Brazil.  In 1641, King Charles I gifted Tobago to his godson James who was the Duke of Courland in Latvia.  A group of Latvians arrived the following year, but their settlement at Plymouth was constantly attacked by the Caribs.  In 1658, the Dutch took over and during subsequent years the Amerindian population gradually died out.

Between then and the end of the 18th century, Tobago was fought over by the Dutch, the British, and the French.  It changed hands an incredible 31 times!

In 1762, the British took control of the island and plantations flourished.  Tobago was transformed into a highly efficient sugar, cotton and indigo factory manned by around 3000 slaves who had been shipped from Africa and controlled by fewer than 300 Europeans.

When slavery was abolished on Tobago in 1834, most of the island’s Africans either moved to the interior to plant small-scale farms or to the coast where they established fishing communities. 

Following the complete collapse of Tobago’s sugar industry later in the century, Britain had no further use for the island.  In 1899, Tobago was made a ward of Trinidad, effectively becoming the larger island’s poor relation with little control over its own affairs. 

Through hard work and cooperation, the descendants of Tobago’s slaves succeeded in cultivating many food crops.  Within a few years, they were exporting fruit and vegetables to Trinidad and, in 1927, the island was granted a single seat on the country’s legislative council.

After Hurricane Flora laid waste to most of Tobago’s crops in 1963, the island began to develop a tourist industry.  Today, tourism remains the island’s main earner.

Festivals and Celebrations in Tobago

Public holidays.

Tobago’s 17 annual public holidays reflect Trinidad’s ethnic and cultural diversity with Christian, Hindu and Muslim celebrations included.  Whilst Tobago has fewer minorities, the holidays are still celebrated!  Banks and workplaces close, concerts are organised, shops have sales, and families get together to eat, drink and socialise.

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• March 30 – Shouter Baptist Liberation Day – a relatively new public holiday in recognition of the African-based religion that suffered persecution in colonial Trinidad.
• February/March – Monday, Tuesday and Ash Wednesday before Lent – Carnival.  This is Tobago’s most famous festival with fetes, pan and calypso competitions and costumed street processions around Scarborough.
• March/April – Good Friday and Easter Monday.
• May 30 – Indian Arrival Day – commemorating the arrival in 1845 of the first indentured Indian labourers to Trinidad.
• June 10 – Corpus Christi – a Catholic holiday marked by processions in many island villages.
• June 19 – Labour Day – a public holiday in recognition of trade unions and workers.  It is most publicly celebrated in Fyzabad, southern Trinidad, where the powerful Oil Workers’ Union was established.
• August 1 – Emancipation Day – commemorating the abolition of slavery in 1834.  
• August 31 – Independence Day – celebrating the 1962 independence from the UK.
• August/September – Eid-ul Fitr
• September 24 – Republic Day
• September/October – Divali -a festival honouring Mother Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of light.
• December 25 – Christmas Day
• December 26 – Boxing Day

Other Celebrations in Tobago

• Harvest Festivals – these happen all year round in different villages on the island.  For example, Buccoo holds its annual festival in February and Castara celebrates in July.  Traditionally, the entire village opens its doors to passing revellers, offering them home-cooked food and alcoholic beverages.
• Goat Races – these take place in several locations over Easter.  See below for further details.
• Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament – every March large boats come from all over the Caribbean and beyond to take part in this competition in Charlotteville.
• Turtle Season – the leatherback laying season officially opens on March 1st with guided viewing sessions to Turtle Beach run from hotels in Plymouth.
• Tobago Jazz Experience – international and local artists perform at several venues across Tobago every Apri.  Past festivals have featured performances from John Legend, Randy Crawford, Emeli Sandé, Chaka Khan, and George Benson,
• St. Peter’s Day (June 29th) – celebrated in fishing communities throughout Tobago with huge fêtes on the beaches and pots of fish broth keeping the partygoers fed all night.  The wildest celebration is the Fishermen’s Fête at Man O’War Bay in Charlotteville.
• Tobago Heritage Festival – held all over the island during the last two weeks of July.  Festivities include a traditional calypso competition, a traditional Tobago wedding ceremony, and sports events.
• Great Fête – in August, there are huge beach parties and concerts at Pigeon Point and other venues around the island.
• Great Race – every August, speedboats navigate the dangerous currents of the Dragon’s Mouth in a race from Chaguaramas, Trinidad to Store Bay, Tobago.
• Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival – held over two weeks in September with films from all over the Caribbean, plus arthouse cinema from around the world, screened at Movietown, Scarborough.
• Blue Food Festival – held in Bloody Bay every October, this is a celebration of yams and eddoes, the starchy vegetables which feature so heavily in Tobagonian cuisine.
• Parang Season – taking place in December, this is a tradition of nativity songs sung in Spanish with a mixture of French patois dating from colonial days.  Parang groups perform in bars, clubs and door-to-door.

How to Get to Tobago

There are direct flights to ANR Robinson International Airport, Tobago from Frankfurt, London, Toronto, and New York in high season.  There is also a regular inter-island service between Trinidad and Tobago with a flight time of just 25 minutes.  A one-way ticket costs US$24. 

From the airport, most of the popular tourist hotels around Crown Point are within walking distance, although, if you have luggage, you may prefer to take a taxi.

If you are staying away from the main tourist hub – in Castara, for example, a taxi from the airport will take around an hour and will cost you TT$300.

There is a twice-daily passenger ferry which runs from Port of Spain, Trinidad to Scarborough, Tobago.  It takes hours, though, and is not much cheaper than a flight.  I would advise that you only take the ferry if you’re driving!

Best Time to Go to Tobago

Tobago is a year-round destination with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees centigrade every day.  In this tropical climate, rain is possible at any time, although the wet season is generally thought to run from the end of May to November.

Most visitors go to the island between December and April because this is when there are regular direct flights.  At other times, you may have to change planes in Trinidad.  During these months, the magic of carnival is everywhere, the trees are in full bloom and the weather is at its most forgiving with long hours of sunshine, very little rain and cool nights.

Accommodation and flight prices are pretty consistent throughout the year, though there is an inevitable price hike during Carnival week.

What to Pack for Tobago

With its tropical climate and consistently warm temperatures, unless you are someone who particularly feels the cold, you are unlikely to need jumpers and jackets when visiting Tobago.  You’ll definitely need sunglasses and a sunhat.  Life on the island is very casual.  Shorts and T-shirts or sundresses are the order of the day.  The best policy is to pack light.  Don’t forget your umbrella, though!

Where to Stay in Tobago

Tobago has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses and self-catering apartments to suit all pockets. 

As I mentioned above, most tourists stay close to the airport, around Crown Point.  There are some nice beaches, plenty of bars and restaurants, and opportunities to take boat trips and tours to explore the rest of the island.  A very good 3-star hotel with newly-refurbished apartments is the Crown Point Beach Hotel .  We spent the weekend there recently.  You can read my full review of our experience here .

Sadly, many visitors who choose to stay at this end of the island simply stay there and don’t venture very far from their base.  For a truly authentic Tobagonian experience, my advice would be to base yourself in the fishing village of Castara on the leeward coast of the island.  There are plenty of places to stay there.  My recommendation is the Boatview Apartments , spacious accommodation with huge decks overlooking the bay.  At just US$70 per night, they are very affordable.

If you prefer to get back to nature, why not book a room at Concordia Estate in the centre of Tobago?  This new eco-resort is just establishing itself on the island’s tourist map.  Read my full review .

What to Eat in Tobago

In the next section of my Tobago travel guide, I want to talk about the food you will find on the island.

Tobago’s cuisine is a unique blend of African, Indian, Chinese, European, and Latin American influences, overlaid with tones of countries as diverse as Syria, Lebanon, and Italy.  The result is food which is much tastier and far more varied than you find on other Caribbean islands.

Many Tobagonian restaurants offer similar menus.  You will choose your protein (fish, seafood, chicken, goat, beef, pork, or lamb) and this will be served with a set vegetable plate made up of a selection of dishes.  These might include callaloo, macaroni pie, curried channa, flavoured rice, sweet potato mash, breadfruit cheese, bodi (long green beans), battered aubergine, coleslaw, pumpkin curry, and many others.  This is great for vegetarians – just order the sides!

READ MY GUIDE TO THE BEST FOOD TO EAT IN TOBAGO

What to Drink in Tobago

Tobagonians are big beer drinkers.  Two local brews are the most popular – Carib , a light, golden lager, and Stag , a stronger, darker beer marketed as ‘a man’s beer’!  Guinness and Mackeson stouts are also widely drunk.

As you would expect, rum is sold everywhere in Tobago!  The most popular brands are the clear White Oak and the dark variety Black Label .  These are 43% abv and are usually drunk with a mixer or as an ingredient in a cocktail.

At 75% proof, the wickedly strong  Forres Park puncheon rum  is drunk neat by the locals but is probably best avoided by tourists unless it’s in a rum punch!  This cocktail is a delicious blend of rum, blended fruits, nutmeg and a dash of Angostura bitters, the locally produced medicinal tonic which is a staple in drinks and in cooking.

Soft Drinks

Most soft drinks in Tobago are high in sugar with diet options rarely on offer.  LLB, a local mix of lemon, lime and Angostura bitters, is widely available and makes a refreshing drink in hot weather.  Carib shandy in sorrel, ginger, or lime varieties is another popular option.  The best thing for the heat, though, has to be fresh coconut water, sold fresh from the nut or bottled.

Chocolate Tea

This is usually served with breakfast and is sweetened cocoa spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Best Things to Do in Tobago

This part of my Tobago travel guide describes the best things to do on the island.  If you think I’ve missed anything out, please let me know in the comments below.

Enjoy the Laid-Back Vibe

Tobago is an extremely relaxed island!  Tobagonians like nothing more than ‘liming’, chilling with their friends, sharing some food and a few drinks, perhaps creating, or simply listening to, some music.  It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be invited to join in at some point during your stay on the island.  My advice would be to go with it!  You’ll have a really good time!!

Unlike other holiday destinations (including most other Caribbean islands), tourism development in Tobago has generally been very low-key.  There are no high rises and only a couple of all-inclusive resorts.  Sandals  was recently thwarted in its efforts to build on the island.  Tourist-only hotspots don’t really exist in Tobago.  Locals and visitors co-exist.  They use the same beaches, bars, and restaurants.  It’s one of the things we love – you are much more likely to make friends with local people here than elsewhere.

This video demonstrates what I’m talking about.  A guy came into the bar to ask the owner if he could entertain the customers with his steel pan.  He was asked to show what he could do.  Brenton, the bar owner, joined in.  Customers stopped to listen.  Others danced to the music.  Before we realised what was happening, we were all liming together.  That’s Tobago life!

Hire a Car to Explore the Island

Most of the international car rental firms, as well as local operators with just one or two vehicles for hire, are clustered around the airport.  Expect to pay around US$70 per day.  You will probably get it cheaper with a local company, but you might not get the same level of insurance and you certainly won’t get roadside assistance.  Having said that, if you do take this option and the worst did happen, you wouldn’t be stranded for long.  Someone would soon stop and offer to help.  It’s the Tobagonian way!

If you’re basing yourself in Castara, be sure to use Taylors or The Naturalist for your car rental.  Ask your hotel or guesthouse owner to organise this for you.  They can arrange to have a car waiting for you when you arrive at the airport.

You can easily drive around Tobago in a day, though you might want to take longer and make stops along the way.

A good route is to take the Claude Noel Highway north from Scarborough and follow the windward coast all the way to the northern tip of the island.  Return along the leeward coast road and take in the beautiful beaches at Parlutuvier and Bloody Bay.  Read my detailed account of this drive here .

Spend time in Castara

As I’ve already mentioned, Castara is our ‘home away from home’.  We have now spent almost a year in this fishing village on the leeward side of Tobago.  If you choose to visit, you too will be drawn into village life and may find yourselves returning again and again.  Many people do!

There are many places to stay in Castara, mostly self-catering apartments, many of which have amazing views over the beautiful bay.  If you don’t want to cook for yourself, there are several excellent bars and restaurants which offer both Tobagonian and international cuisine.  Don’t miss the Boathouse Restaurant in Little Bay.  There is no better place on Tobago to enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down.  If you’re in town on a Wednesday evening, make sure you book a table for the best night out – a delicious dinner followed by African drumming and limbo dancing.

Read this article for all the reasons we love Castara!

Snorkel Over Unspoiled Coral Reefs

The coral reefs found just off the coast at Speyside, Charlotteville, and Castara are as good as you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean.  You don’t have to venture very far offshore before you see massive manta rays, colourful parrot, angel, damsel, and butterfly fish, majestic sharks, and even the odd turtle.  Spend hours exploring this spectacular underwater world.

Go Hiking in the Rainforest

There is a road which connects the leeward and windward coasts of Tobago.  It runs right through the middle of the island, bisecting the Tobago Forest Reserve and the central mountain range.  The route attracts very little traffic so you can proceed slowly to admire the pioneer ferns and parrot-apple trees.  Whilst you can get a sense of the majesty of the rainforest from a vehicle, it is far better to get out and explore on foot.

The reserve is the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere.  14,000 acres were designated a protected Crown Reserve by the British in 1776.  This was thanks to scientist Stephen Hales who feared that plantation owners were encroaching into the forest and endangering the entire eco-system of the island.

The main point of access to the Forest Reserve is the Gilpin Trace, marked by a painted sign 3km along the road from Roxborough towards Parlatuvier.  There is a 5km trail into the forest which takes around 2½ hours to complete at a leisurely pace.  It is well marked and maintained, but is often muddy due to the high level of rainfall in the reserve (3.8 metres annually!).  To get the most out of your visit, it’s best to hire a guide rather than go independently.  He or she will make sure you stay safe and will point out all the insects, birds, and plants that you might miss if you were alone. 

Registered guides (recognisable by their official ID badge) wait at the entrance to Gilpin Trace.  Expect to pay around TT$300 for 2½ hours.

Attend Sunday School

No, it’s not what you think!  Sunday School is a Tobago institution.  It’s an all-night outdoor party which takes place in Buccoo village every Sunday evening.  Revellers come from all over the island to enjoy the music, the rum, and the street food.  

Food vendors and craft stalls set up from around 8pm, but the party doesn’t really get started until after 10pm.  There is sometimes live music in the form of steel pan bands, but most of the entertainment comes from a sound system on the beach.  Soca, hip-hop, reggae, and R&B tunes are played at full volume and everyone joins in with the dancing.  It’s not just for the young.  People of all ages throw themselves into the action.  So, don’t be embarrassed!  Let your hair down and have a good time!  Keep your valuables safe, though – the event is a pickpocketer’s dream!

This video shows the Buccooneers Steel Orchestra performing at Sunday School.

Get the Perfect Instagram Shot at Pigeon Point

Pigeon Point, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, is the most photographed spot in Tobago.  The powdery white sandy beach and the calm turquoise water with a backdrop of palm trees swaying in the breeze draw crowds of locals and tourists alike. 

The beach is open from 8am to 5pm every day.  There is a charge of TT$30 per person to enter and you will pay extra if you want to hire a sunbed.  There are several places where you can buy a drink, an ice-cream, or some fast food, but be prepared to queue – they are usually extremely busy!  You’ll pay more than you will elsewhere, too!  

In my opinion, there are several better beaches on Tobago than Pigeon Point, but it’s one of those places that you have to go to!  The wooden jetty with the thatched shelter at the end is the place on the island that features in more Instagram posts than any other.  You just have to go with the flow!

Learn to Dive

Tobago is a safe, inexpensive place to learn to dive.  It has relatively few divers visiting its dazzling coral reefs, volcanic formations and marine wrecks.  The seas around Tobago are home to more than 300 species of South Atlantic coral and a variety of vibrant colourful fish.  The island has plenty of challenging drift diving for the more experienced.

There are a number of courses on offer, suitable for all levels of competence from novice to expert.  Check out the Association of Tobago Dive Operators for a full list of certified scuba-diving operators.

If you are in Castara, I can recommend PADI instructor, Richie Louis of the Wild Turtle Scuba Club.  See his website for details.  (Yes, that is him strutting his stuff in the video of the jamming session at the Boathouse! 😊)

Take a Trip to Little Tobago

Little Tobago, aka ‘Bird of Paradise Island’, is a 2km² rocky outcrop off eastern coast of Tobago.  It has long been a bird-watchers dream.  David Attenborough no less, filmed parts of his ‘Trials of Life’ series here.  Even if you’re not a twitcher, though, the island is still worth a visit.

You can join a glass-bottomed boat tour from Blue Waters Inn.  It includes a guided walk of Little Tobago and a snorkelling stop or two on the way there and back.

Read my article for much more detail about Little Tobago.

Learn about Hummingbirds

Like Trinidad, Tobago is one of the best places to observe hummingbirds. Most rental apartments and guesthouses set up special feeders on their decks and balconies so that guests can enjoy watching these fascinating creatures. 

Hummingbirds are valued by the locals, not least because the Amerindians, the original inhabitants of the islands, believed that hummingbirds contained the souls of their ancestors.  Hummingbirds are the major pollinators in Trinidad and Tobago, pollinating over 8000 species of flowering plants.  The hummingbird is on the national coat of arms, the currency, and the passport.  It is the symbol of Caribbean Airlines and the country’s post office.

Check out my article to learn all about hummingbird s. 

Watch this video I took on the deck of one of the Boatview Apartments.  Spot the feeders Mark made from soft drink bottles!

Go Horse-Riding in Buccoo Bay

If you like horse-riding, a highlight of any trip to Tobago will be getting up close and personal with the animals at Being with Horses .  This amazing small business takes great care of its horses and gives tourists the unique opportunity to ride (bare-back if you wish) along the beach and through the waves.

See this video for a taste of what to expect:

Surf at Mount Irvine Beach

From November to February, the big breakers at Mount Irvine Beach make it the perfect spot for surfing.  Enthusiasts from all over the world are drawn here for the relaxed vibe and challenging conditions.  The water is initially shallow and there is a reef directly offshore.  The skill is not just in catching a wave, but in negotiating your way in so as not to damage your surf fin on the coral.  No protective footwear is allowed.  This is to stop over-eager surfers jumping in and damaging the coral.

For non-surfers, Mount Irvine Beach offers excellent swimming all year round.  There are showers and changing facilities, as well as a bar/restaurant which serves ice-cold drinks and simple lunches.

This video, shot with a drone, shows the size of the waves in Mount Irvine Bay.

Relax on the Beach at Englishman’s Bay

There are so many excellent beaches in Tobago.  Our favourite, though, is Englishman’s Bay!  It’s pretty inaccessible without a car meaning that it’s off the radar for most tourists.  We have been there many times and have never been joined by more than half a dozen others.

The bay offers a perfect crescent of soft yellow sand and deep blue water.  There is hardly any development – just one simple shop/restaurant where you can rent a sunbed, buy some locally-made crafts, or enjoy a lunch of barbecued fish served with chips and salad.  The washing line full of colourful sarongs blowing in the ever-present breeze makes for the perfect photo opportunity!

Cool Off in Argyle Waterfall

Argyle Waterfall is Tobago’s highest waterfall with a drop of 54 metres.  It’s a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. 

There is a small fee to pay to access the site.  Beyond the ticket office, it is a pleasant 15-minute walk to the falls.  An official guide will walk with you (his services are included in the entry price) to point out the flora and fauna on the way.  

Once at the falls, there is an optional climb up a steep path to access a couple of deep swimming pools.  Be very careful – the rocks are very slippy.

Take a Boat Trip to Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool

This is one of my favourite things to do in Tobago!  You will find countless glass-bottomed boats touting for customers around Store Bay, Buccoo, and Pigeon Point.  Ask questions to make sure you know what kind of trip you are getting.  Many of these vessels are ‘party boats’.  You’ll have copious amounts of rum punch and lots of loud soca music, but you might not learn very much about the spectacular reef and the unbelievable pool.  

If you prefer a more personal experience, I can recommend Ali Baba’s Tours operating out of Castara.  A full-day boat trip including several snorkelling stops, a barbecue lunch at No Man’s Land beach, and rum punch in Nylon Pool will set you back US$90 per person.  It’s worth every penny!  You will have an unforgettable day!

Have a Creole Lunch at Store Bay Beach

Store Bay Beach is located just a two-minute walk from the airport.  The gently-shelving soft white sand and crystal-clear warm water make it one of the most popular beaches in Tobago.  Holidaymakers, mainly from Trinidad, keep the numerous local craft stalls and boat operators busy.  There is always a lively atmosphere here with a couple of bars blasting out reggae and soca music all day long.

There is a colourful row of shacks behind the beach which all offer tasty, inexpensive local food.  Choose from Miss Jean’s, Miss Trim’s, Miss Joycie’s, Alma’s, Sylvia’s, or Miss Esmie’s.  All offer similar menus which invariably include Tobago’s national dish, Curry Crab and Dumplin’.  This creole speciality is not to everyone’s taste, but it’s something you must try at least once!

Try Your Hand at Water Sports

Just around the headland at Pigeon Point, the wind often whips across the Bon Accord Lagoon to give very different weather conditions.  It makes a refreshing respite from the steamy heat of the beach and provides the perfect conditions for kiteboarding, windsurfing, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding.  There is an outlet where you can hire all the equipment you’ll need, or, if you’re a novice, book a lesson or two.

Experience Carnival

If you’re lucky enough to be in Tobago during carnival time, you’re in for a treat!!  The focus of the festivities is in Scarborough with the main carnival parades taking place on the Monday and Tuesday before the start of Lent.  The build-up, however, happens for several weeks before with competitions to find the best calypso, soca, and steel pan bands.  The culmination of all of the celebrations is the Carnival Tuesday Parade of the Bands with the full display of elaborate costumes that people have been working on for months.  It surely is a sight to behold!!

A flavour of carnival in Tobago:

If You’re in Tobago at Easter, Don’t Miss the Goat Races!

Local culture is very important to Tobagonians and they are happy to share their stories and traditions with visitors.  Nowhere is this more the case than at the annual goat races.  If you’re on the island at the right time, make sure you go!

Started in 1925, the Buccoo goat races on Easter Tuesday are the culmination of a weekend of open-air parties and harvest feasts.  These tournaments might seem ridiculous to outsiders, but locals take them very seriously.  They study the form and the character of the goats and place bets on those most likely to win.  Racing goats are raised and trained specifically for the competitions.  The event attracts crowds from all over Tobago and a carnival atmosphere prevails.  As well as the races, there are dancers, drummers, food vendors, and craftspeople to provide entertainment and shopping opportunities.  After the final race and prize-giving ceremony, the party continues well into the night.

Watch this video for a better insight into goat racing:

Take a Tour

Whilst it’s perfectly possible to explore Tobago independently, why not join a tour and let someone else sort out the logistics?  It’s a great idea, especially if time is limited.  Whenever we visit a new destination, we book a tour with a local guide.  There’s no better way to get under the skin of a place!  We use Viator  when we want to uncover interesting things to do in a new country.  They’re easy to use and book with, and we’ve had some amazing experiences with them.

Check out these examples:

Read more about Tobago and its birdlife

Try my tobago colouring books and cookbook, if you like what you’ve read, pin it.

If you’re travelling soon, please use these links!

Are you travelling soon?  Use these links when making your bookings.  These are the companies we use.  It won’t cost you any extra, but we will earn a few pennies to help keep Happy Days Travel Blog going.  Thank you!!

• Book your travel insurance with World Nomads (Never leave home without protecting yourself, your trip and your belongings!)
• Book your flight with Skyscanner
• Book your accommodation with Booking.com
• Book a tour with Tour Radar or Intrepid Travel
• Book city tours and activities with Get Your Guide

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The nature looks beautiful and quite unspoiled compared to the rest of Caribbean! Definitely looks like a dream-place to visit in this Covid-lockdown world!

There are worse places to be during lockdown, that’s for sure! 🙂

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Trinidad & Tobago Travel Guide

Trinidad & Tobago is an island nation in the Caribbean just off the coast of Venezuela. It consists of two islands Trinidad and the other Tobago as the name says. Tourism is concentrated on Tobago but do not forget Trinidad as there is a lot to see as well. Getting in is easy as there are various scheduled flights to Trinidad and holiday flights to Tobago. This Trinidad & Tobago travel guide will help you plan a trip to this beautiful island nation in the Caribbean. All the best things to do in Trinidad & Tobago are covered.

The islands are opposites with Trinidad being the economic and business center and Tobago the natural island. It’s a prosperous country due to its oil and gas reserves. It has plenty of history from Spanish rule and later British rule until independence. Due to a lot of immigrants the culture is truly diverse which makes it a special destination.

Check out the below articles in this Trinidad & Tobago travel guide to find out where to stay, what to see and do on both islands.

TRINIDAD – Port of Spain city walk: Top 12 things to see and do

Port of Spain is the capital of Trinidad & Tobago and the economical center of the island state. At first sight you might think there is not much to see and do but that’s certainly not the case. Port of Spain is not just business [read more]

TRINIDAD – Hyatt Regency hotel review: Best luxury place to stay in Port of Spain

My trip to Trinidad & Tobago was the first long haul trip post-pandemic and a logical choice because KLM, my favourite airline, started direct flights from Amsterdam. Trinidad has several luxury hotels but after careful selection Hyatt Regency Port of Spain was my choice. The [read more]

All text, images, photos and videos are copyright © by Chris Travel Blog / CTB Global® 2009-2024, all rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Chris Travel Blog / CTB Global® with clear written note and link to the original content. Read the privacy statement to learn how personal data is collected and stored!

Trawick International Travel Insurance Review

Trawick international plans.

• Trawick Travel Insurance Cost

Filing a Claim with Trawick Travel Insurance

Compare trawick travel insurance.

• Why You Should Trust Us

Trawick International Travel Insurance FAQs

Trawick travel insurance review 2024.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

If you're planning a trip, one of the most important things you can do is ensure you're protected if something goes wrong. That's where travel insurance comes in. Trawick International is among the best travel insurance companies with a variety of plans for different types of travelers, so you can find the coverage that's right for you. 

Here we'll look at the variety of plans Trawick offers, coverage amounts, costs, and how to file a claim. We'll also compare Trawick's most popular policies and other leading travel insurance providers' coverage.

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

• Travel medical insurance
• Trip protection and cancellation
• International student insurance
• Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

Trawick International travel insurance is one of the most popular travel insurance companies on the market, earning spots on our guides on the best cheap travel insurance and the best CFAR travel insurance . 

Trawick offers a wide array of policies, so you're sure to find one that will fit your travel plans. Even if you can't find a plan that is one-to-one with your trip, one of Trawick's stand-out options is its Safe Travel Flex plan, which allows you to build your own insurance plan from scratch. It includes travel cancellation and interruption insurance in addition to travel assistance. Everything else is optional, from medical coverage to baggage delay. 

Trawick has received an average Trustpilot rating of 4.2 across nearly 500 reviews and 4.1 across over 3,100 SquareMouth reviews. Trawick reviews on its headquarters in Alabama are mixed, averaging 3.3 stars across nearly 350 reviews. Negative reviews cited a difficult claims process and unresponsive customer service.

Types of Plans Available

• Safe Travels Trip Protection: With 10 plans under this umbrella, Trawick Trip Protection is highly customizable. You can even build a plan from the ground up with Safe Travels Flex. It covers domestic and international trips for US residents.
• SafeTreker:  Trawick's plan for adventure sports travel, SafeTreker covers sports equipment rental, search and rescue, and non-medical evacuation for over 450 sports.
• Safe Travels USA:  Trawick offers four tiers of insurance for non-US citizens and non-US residents traveling in the USA, offering accident and sickness coverage, emergency medical evacuation, and unexpected recurrence of a pre-existing conditions (limitations apply). 
• Safe Travels International:  Trawick offers two plans for non-US citizens and non-US residents traveling outside the US, covering emergency medical procedures, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. 
• Safe Travels Outbound: This plan offers primary but temporary travel insurance for US citizens and residents traveling outside the US. It includes medical and emergency evacuation coverage, including COVID-related illnesses.
• Safe Travels Annual:  Trawick offers three multi-trip annual travel insurance plans that offers emergency medical, baggage delay, and trip delay coverage for trips up to 30 days long. Trip cancellation coverage spans between $2,500 to $10,000 per year.
• Safe Travels Vacation Rental Protection plan: This plan covers non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotels, vacation rentals, and other pre-paid trip deposits. It's only available for US residents.
• Collegiate Care Essential plan: This plan is designed for students studying abroad for study and research purposes. It offers coverage for up to $300,000 in medical expenses, with a limit of $150,000 per injury or sickness. COVID-19 medical expenses are covered with the plan, as is coverage for sports activities.

Regardless of which policy you choose, it's vital to study each of them closely to see what is and isn't covered in the one you choose.

Key Features and Benefits

Trawick International travel insurance offers several plans for different types of travelers with different needs. The coverage levels and premiums will vary depending on the traveler's age, trip costs, and destination.

Below is a list of six travel insurance plans Trawick offers with its Trip Protection plan:

Additional Coverage Options

Trawick International travel insurance offers additional coverage options on specific plans. Some come with no extra charge. Others cost extra. And only some policies allow for these additional coverage options.

Additional coverage options include:

Rental car damage coverage:  It's possible to add this coverage to certain plans from Trawick, like its Safe Travels First plan. This coverage will reimburse damage to a rental car up to an allowed amount.

Pre-existing condition coverage:  Pre-existing condition waivers are available if you purchase travel insurance within seven to 21 days of booking your flight, depending on the policy.

CFAR coverage: "Cancel for any reason" coverage can only be added to Trawick's Armor, Journey, Voyager, First Class, Flex, and Rental Plus plans. This add-on allows travelers to cancel their trip, for any reason, up to two days before departure and get 75% of trip costs reimbursed. CFAR coverage is only available for US residents and US citizens.

How Much Does Trawick International Cost?

Getting a quote from Trawick is a straightforward process. You can visit its website or use an insurance comparison site like Squaremouth.

You must provide traveler and trip details like your date of birth, state of residence, destination, and trip costs. With this information, you should be able to get quotes for the different plans available almost instantly.

Below are a few real-world examples of coverage options and costs from Trawick as of April 2024.

For example, let's look at what it would cost to insure a 35-year-old resident of Ohio spending $8,000 on a two-week trip to France. Below are the costs for each of the six different coverage options.

The cost of coverage ranges from the bottom-tier Safe Travels Explorer plan at $257.04 to the top-tier Safe Travels First Class policy for $453.33. That equates to about 3% to 6% of the total trip cost, which is on the lower end when compared to the average cost of travel insurance .

Now let's look at the cost of coverage for a 55-year-old from Colorado traveling to Argentina and spending $6,000 on a three-week trip.

The premiums for this traveler are higher, but that's to be expected given their age. The lowest-cost Safe Travels First Class plan costs $243.23 and the top-tier Safe Travels Voyager costs $574.14. That represents a cost of between 4% and 9.5% of the total trip cost, higher than the previous example but still within industry averages.

Lastly, we'll look at the premium costs for a 45-year-old resident of Texas traveling to Fiji for two weeks and spending $7,000 on the trip.

The lowest cost plan in this scenario is the Safe Travels Explorer plan, which runs $284.28. And the most expensive is the Safe Travels First Class, at $405.54. You're paying between 4% and 5.8% of the total trip cost at these prices. Again, that's right on track with the averages in the travel insurance industry.

Trawick International travel insurance has several different claims departments and forms, so how you file a claim will vary depending on the coverage you purchase.

You can find claims forms and contact information on Trawick's claims forms page. That's where you'll find information regarding where to mail or email your claim form and contact information for the appropriate claims group.

Reviews on SquareMouth and Google say the claims process can take up to several months and require constant hassling. To avoid additional issues with the claims process, be sure to keep thorough documentation of any unexpected costs incurred during travel. Additionally, you should be as specific as possible when filing a claim.

See how Trawick stacks up against the competition. 

Trawick International vs. Allianz Travel Insurance

Allianz and Trawick International travel insurance are similar in offering several different coverage options.

Allianz offers 10 travel insurance plans, including one-off and multi-trip policies. So you'll have options whether you're looking to cover a specific trip or plan to take multiple trips a year. Of course, the different plans offer varying levels of coverage, and the premiums depend on the traveler and trip specifics.

Allianz's most popular single-trip travel insurance option, the OneTrip Prime plan, offers up to $100,000 in trip cancellation coverage, up to $150,000 in trip interruption coverage, $50,000 in emergency medical coverage, up to $1,000 in coverage for baggage loss, theft, or damage, and up to $800 in travel-delay coverage.

Trawick's most comparable plan is its Safe Travels Explorer Plus plan, which offers up to $100,000 in trip cancellation and interruption coverage, $50,000 in emergency medical coverage, up to $750 for personal effects, and trip delay coverage of $500.

The best way to decide which company to go with is to compare quotes using your specific trip details and personal information, as those are the details that will affect the cost the most.

Read our Allianz travel insurance review here.

Trawick International vs. Nationwide Travel Insurance

Nationwide is a household name when it comes to insurance providers and one of the most well-known and recognized insurance firms in the US. By providing just two single-trip options, the Essential and Prime plans, Nationwide travel insurance has made it simple to find coverage. Nationwide also offers yearly trip insurance for those who travel a lot throughout the year, as well as cruise-specific plans and annual trip insurance.

To compare the two companies, we'll put Nationwide's Essential plan beside Trawick International travel insurance's middle-of-the-road Safe Travels Single Trip plan.

Nationwide's Essential Plan provides up to $10,000 in trip cancellation coverage, up to $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation, up to $150 per day ($600 maximum) reimbursement for travel delays of six or more hours, and coverage for delayed or lost baggage.

In comparison, Trawick's Safe Travels Single Trip plan offers 100% of the insured trip (up to two times the trip cost) in trip cancellation coverage, $350,000 in emergency medical evacuation, and up to $200 per day ($600 maximum) for travel delays of 12 or more hours, and lost and delayed baggage coverage.

So, this particular plan from Trawick offers slightly higher coverage limits for most of the coverages compared.

The high-tier Prime Plan from Nationwide offers even more coverage, including up to $30,000 in trip cancellation, up to $1 million in coverage for emergency medical evacuation, up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000) in trip interruption coverage, and $250 per day for trip delays of six or more hours.

To compare, Trawick's highest-tier Safe Travels Voyager plan comes with trip cancellation coverage of up to $100,000, up to $1 million in emergency medical evacuation, up to 150% of the insured trip cost for trip interruption, up to $2,000 maximum reimbursement for travel delays, and coverage for delayed or lost baggage.

Comparing these two policies, you see how it's somewhat of an apples-to-oranges comparison, as some coverage limits are higher or lower. And don't forget that the coverage premiums will vary depending on the traveler and trip specifics.

Read our Nationwide travel insurance review here.

Trawick International vs. Credit Card Travel Insurance Benefits

Be sure to compare the coverage of travel insurance plans with the coverage offered by your rewards credit cards before purchasing a travel insurance policy. Some basic coverage, like rental car insurance, could already be available through one of your existing cards.

If you're on a road trip and all your expenses are refundable, or if your health insurance covers you while abroad and you don't think you'll have many medical bills, the coverage from your credit card may be sufficient.

It's also worth noting that in most cases, credit card travel protection is only supplementary to a travel insurance policy. This implies you'll have to file your claim with the other relevant insurance (such as the airline) before filing a claim with your credit card company.

Read our guide on the best credit cards with travel insurance here.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed Trawick International

We compared Trawick International's travel insurance offerings to those of the best travel insurance companies to help you find the policy that fits your needs. When reviewing a policy, we considered coverage options and limits, what's included in your plan, add-ons available, and costs. The best policy for you is one that offers adequate coverage without breaking the bank.

Choosing the best policy for you and any co-travelers is about selecting a policy with the right type of coverage and adequate coverage limits. Ideally, you should ensure that it works well in your budget and allows you to submit a claim quickly. You can read more about  how we rate travel insurance products  here.

Trawick International travel insurance is a very popular and reputable travel insurance provider. The company has been in business since 1998 and is known for offering solid coverage options at affordable prices.

Trawick's policies included access to 24/7 travel assistance. Travelers can reach a customer service representative by phone, email, and live chat. Representatives can answer questions about the travel insurance and trip cancellation plans available, help purchase the right plan for an upcoming trip or cruise, and assist with changes to already purchased plans. The toll-free number is 888-301-9289. You can reach the company by email at [email protected] . Live chat is available on its website.

CFAR (cancel for any reason) is one of the many coverages buyers can expect in Trawick International plans. Always check individual plans to ensure you get all the coverages you want.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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