Tobago is popular with eco travellers, and for good reason. Lose yourself in the simple, natural beauty of Tobago, from its white coral sand beaches to its ancient unspoilt rainforest. On land and in the sea, there’s a wealth of opportunities to feel close to nature and its timeless beauty. From hiking, horse riding and zip-lining, to diving, golf and ‘pulling-seine’ (that’s catching fish), there’s so much to keep you busy. And when it’s time to eat and drink, Tobago town life offers gourmet dining, street parties and, if you happen to be in Buccoo Village, goat and crab racing, too!
1. Main Ridge Rainforest Reserve
With its verdant ancient canopies and a diverse wildlife (including over 220 species of bird), it’s no surprise that the rainforest that covers the Main Ridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike many of the worlds other rainforests, Tobago’s is intact – just as it was a thousand years ago. See if you can spot a red howler monkey or two, or track down one of the species (like the ocellated gecko) which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
2. Argyle Falls
Cascading down a serious of stepped rocks, Argyle Falls, just outside Roxborough, is the highest waterfall on Tobago. As well as the stunning waters themselves (including cool pools you can bathe in), the lush green forest around the falls is home to beautiful birds and butterflies. The best way to see it is with a paid official guide: be prepared for a bit of a hike, but the views are definitely worth it.
3. Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool
The thriving coral reefs in the waters around Tobago make it a fabulous place for scuba diving. You can go turtle watching at Buccoo Reef, book a trip on a glass-bottomed boat, or choose the calm of Nylon Pool. The shallow basin of white coral sand here is an idyllic spot for swimming and snorkelling.
4. Pigeon Point
Imagine a picture-perfect beach and the thatch-roofed jetty at Pigeon Point is probably what will spring to mind. It’s become an iconic image that epitomises the Caribbean at its most alluring: white sand, blue sea, big skies and that walkway out into the ocean, inviting you to dive in. There are restaurants and bars here, plus water sports and beach beds, yet, despite its popularity, it still feels like the perfect place an idyllic escape.
5. Tobago Heritage Festival
Running from mid-July to the beginning of August, this festival is a chance to celebrate and preserve some of the island’s finest cultural traditions: dancing, music, paying homage to the environment, honouring the language and oral heritage of Tobago, and not forgetting its food! With live performances, processions and parties, this is a very special time of year to visit the island.