Evoke the beach, chasing waterfalls, road trips and nights out, because the new year has ushered in the dry season and Tobago is calling all lovers of the great outdoors to its shores!
Truth be told, there is no “wrong” time to visit this southern Caribbean gem. However, in these early calendar months, the island’s greens look greener, the blues bluer, the water looks cleaner, the air feels rarer, and nature in general seems to be showing up… just a little. So why not take advantage?
Whether you’re a seeker of off-the-grid tranquility, or happy with the predictability of the beaten path, here are some stops to consider adding to your Tobago itinerary.
The beaches
Off the grid
Waveless bays and trackless sand go hand in hand here. But accessing many of these idyllic stretches of coastline often requires a little extra effort.
The meandering North Coast Road presents two particularly attractive opportunities for lost experiences. Accessible by boat, Moriah’s The cotton boll they are all calm, clear emerald waters that often remain undisturbed; while a moderate walk (at low tide) will take you to Castara’s Measure Baya peaceful harbor that rarely welcomes any visitors.
On the other side of the island, the Windward Road serves up two slightly less hidden but equally fascinating options of its own. Speyside’s Indian Gulfwith its black sands and pristine scenery, as well as the ever-popular but never-crowded Charlotteville Pirate’s Bay. Both guarantee wonderful scenery and favorable water conditions.
The beaten path
Conversely, those who consider beach bars and water sports (and other human beings) essential to a successful beach day are also spoiled for choice. The southwest tip of the island offers a variety of options that are overflowing with high traffic volumes and even higher energy activities.
Be it world-famous kite-surfing Pigeon Point Heritage Park; glass bottom kayaking in Swallows Bay; scuba diving in Shop bay; surfing on Mount Irvine Bayor riding a horse in Buccoo Bayyou’re sure to find a stretch of coastline where the drinks flow, the vibes are pleasant and the water is idyllic.
Waterfalls
Off the grid
The deeper you go into Tobago’s lush forests, the more majestic its cascading waterfalls become. Trips to these watering holes are certainly not for the faint of heart (or low energy). But for those who are up for the challenge, the reward is worth it.
If the height impresses you, take a walk of approximately 45 minutes Highland Waterfall at Moriah – the highest single-drop waterfall on the island. Or, if a pool alone isn’t enough, head to Pembroke Village and follow the riverside for Twin River Falls with its three impressive levels, the third of which promises a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the lower levels and the surrounding vegetation – with a soul in sight.
The beaten path
Ease of access is a big part of the appeal for some of the island’s most popular waterfalls, but that doesn’t make them any less worthy of attention. Marked trails and flat terrain make these ideal choices for those who prefer gentler forest explorations, as well as children and families.
Whether it’s a 10-minute walk to its modest but magnificent single pool Kastara waterfall; a three-minute walk on two levels to Parlatuvier Falls; or the 20-minute drive to Tobago’s crown jewel, Argyle Fallsyou will be more than satisfied with the scenery.
Just be prepared to share the moment with others who are also seeking this particular brand of water therapy.
view
Off the grid
You’ll find an abundance of stunning views of nature’s rich colors along Tobago’s scenic coastal roads. Fortunately, many remain relatively undisturbed, inconspicuously isolated from the island’s main arteries.
In the northeast, Mount Dillon presents an uninterrupted view that stretches for several miles to the fishing boats dotting the waters of Kastara, while the famous, unnamed bend on the outskirts of the village overlooks a spectacular view of the emerald green coast of English Bay.
Alternatively, a southeast route gives deck in the Indian Gulf, and the viewpoint at the entrance to the Blue Waters Inn, with their contrasting views of the Atlantic Ocean and tranquil Batteaux Bay. Drive just a few minutes further into Charlotteville and you’ll be treated to the stunning view of Man-o-War’s near-perfect, heart-shaped bay from Flagstaff Hill.
The beaten path
Some scenes are so stunning that they are worth seeing even if you have to share the moment with virtual strangers.
For example, a visit to Tobago is not complete without a stop at Fort King George to soak up the sweeping 180-degree view, from the old coconut plantations to the island’s capital, Scarborough.
Similarly, a drive northwest isn’t worth it unless you stop to take a mental picture (and some real ones) of Parlatuvier Bay from the top deck of the simple Glasgow Bar, perched on the edge of the cliff just off the road.
Night life
Off the grid
The term “night life” takes on a whole new meaning for those seeking solitude in Tobago after the sun goes down. Just be prepared to get wet.
from night dive with one of the local dive shops, for it glow in the dark kayakto stand-up paddle bioluminescence TOURNAMENTSTobago’s waters do not close after dark.
However, for those who prefer to spend their nights on dry land, Castara’s weekly beach bonfire it’s a great alternative next to the water.
The beaten path
Tobago may not be a clubbing destination, but it has its own brand of working hours for those ready to turn it on as soon as the sun goes down. The strip of Milford Road in Crown Point has developed a well-earned reputation as the island’s entertainment hub.
A collection of dine-in and take-out restaurants, along with street vendors and bars create an infectious energy that wakes up the otherwise sleepy community in the evening and keeps the proverbial party going until the early hours of the morning.
