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Tobago top 10

Our Tobago Top Ten is a roundup of our favourite things to see and do on the island - though it was difficult to narrow it down to just ten! Water features highly, with glass bottom boats and catamaran trips, snorkelling and diving all high up the list. Nature and wildlife includes colourful, tropical birds, sea turtles and the biodiversity of the forest reserve - with history, culture, food and festivals rounding off the list nicely.

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Tobago Top 10

1. Ship ahoy

Be a pirate of the Caribbean! Sail along Tobago’s enchanting cove-littered coast on a catamaran, or cruise out to one of the even tinier islands on a glass-bottom boat, watching the vivid marine world ripple beneath you as you go.

Read more about watersports in Tobago

Our Tobago Holidays

2. Dive in

Widely regarded as one of the best diving locations in the southern Caribbean, Tobago has not only the marine life to draw scuba divers to its warm, clear waters, but also highly experienced instructors and specialist equipment. Start from scratch with a resort dive, or join the pros in the wilder waters.

Read more about diving in Tobago

3. Watch a turtle lay her eggs

Hawksbill and giant leatherback turtles drag their heavy bodies ashore each year to lay their eggs on Tobago’s starlit beaches. This spectacle is one of nature’s most moving – closely followed by the emergence of adorably tiny hatchlings a couple of months later, who won’t return to shore for years.

Read more about turtle watching in Tobago

4. Birding for all

With around 220 species, Tobago has one of the highest densities of birds in the world. Even non-birders will be impressed as many are vividly coloured and iridescent – from tiny, buzzing hummingbirds to the distinctive blue-crowned motmot. South American species can be found here as well as North American migrants – your checklist will be ticked off fast.

Read more about bird watching in Tobago

5. Roam the rainforest

Tobago was a conservation pioneer as long ago as 1776, when the Main Ridge Forest Reserve was gazetted to protect the island’s trees and most important source of freshwater. Almost 10,000 acres remain untouched by man, making it a haven for armadillos, hummingbirds, peccaries, iguanas – and of course, nature fans from across the world.

Read more about rainforests in Tobago

6. Tuck in!

Tobago’s cuisine has two distinctive qualities – the abundant, fresh local ingredients (seafood, fruit, root vegetables) and the spectacular splicing of Indian, Creole, indigenous and European flavours. From crab to callaloo via coconut bake, this is one Caribbean island where you really can’t worry about maintaining your “beach body”.

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Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Tobago or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

7. Be a beach bum with a difference

You’re in the Caribbean; beach time is a must! Tobago’s bays veer from well-trodden to wild, yet pretty much all are idyllic, lapped by warm waves and framed by tropical vegetation. Sprawl for the day with a good book and a picnic, or keep active by kayaking and snorkelling – and helping local fishermen haul in their catch.

Read more about beaches in Tobago

8. Step back in time

Tobago’s wild history has left an indelible imprint on its present. From the forts to the mystery tombstone, there are stories to be told around every corner. And who better to tell those stories than the Tobagonians themselves: the owner of a cocoa estate, the family owners of a guesthouse, or the naturalist who spent his childhood on abandoned Little Tobago.

Read more about history & heritage in Tobago

9. Get festive

Tobago has several homegrown festivals each month, and these are a jolly good way to get under the island’s joyful skin. Heritage events showcase conch blowing and cacao dances, while calypso, steelpan and soca provide the rhythms to which the island walks. The annual Jazz Festival has drawn big names from across the globe.

Read more about culture and music in Tobago

10. Wander to a waterfall

Paradise wouldn’t be paradise without a waterfall – or six – to splash around in! From the popular three tiers of Argyle Waterfall, bordered by cocoa trees and sugarcane, to the hidden Twin Rivers Falls, reached via a rocky riverbed – just be sure to bring a picnic and a bathing suit.

Read more about land activities in Tobago

Responsible Travel would like to thank Visit Tobago for their sponsorship of this guide.

More about Tobago

Best time to visit Tobago

January to March are often considered the best times to visit Tobago - they are drier and slightly cooler than the summer months.

Tobago travel guide

As our Tobago travel guide reveals, this is the Caribbean as it once was, with a focus on nature, culture and relaxation, and a model for the future.

Where to go in Tobago

Our interactive map shows you where to go in Tobago - though as the island is so compact, you won't have to make too many tough choices.

Things to do in Tobago

There is no shortage of things to do in Tobago whether you're after an active holiday, a relaxing tropical beach stay, or to explore its wildlife.

Travelling in Tobago with kids

Travelling in Tobago with kids is an absolute delight, with friendly guesthouses and a wide range of fun family-friendly activities.

Beaches in Tobago

Tobago's coastline may not be huge, but travelling along it is like working your way through an encyclopaedia of beaches.

Birdwatching in Tobago

Bird watching in Tobago is a treat with superb guides taking you to the rainforests and offshore islands to find upwards some 220 species.

Nature & wildlife in Tobago

As you would expect form an island that has protected its forest since 1776, nature and wildlife in Tobago is highly treasured.

Culture & music in Tobago

Culture and music in Tobago takes centre stage - think calypso, steelpan and limbo - or limin' - simply chilling out.

Discover the true heart Tobago, beyond its beaches

The coastline may be gorgeous, but read on to discover that the true heart of this island lies well beyond Tobago's beaches.

Watersports in Tobago

Watersports in Tobago can be as active or relaxing as you wish, whether on a glass bottomed boat or getting closer to marine life by scuba diving.

Land activities in Tobago

Tobago may be in the Caribbean but there is much to do beyond the beaches, from walking trails to mountain biking and yoga retreats.

Events in Tobago

There's a good chance your holiday will coincide with one of the many festivals and events in Tobago.

Food & Markets in Tobago

The food in Tobago is a mouthwatering medley of Caribbean, Latin American and African ingredients and recipes.

History & heritage in Tobago

Tobago's history and heritage is everywhere, with forts, cannon and monuments memorialising battles that played out on this island over centuries.

Tobago conservation & social projects

Clean, green and serene, Tobago benefits from respectful tourism - conservation and social projects in Tobago help keep paradise, paradise.

Tobago accommodation

Our guide to Tobago accommodation reveals a world detached from the traditional Caribbean concept of gated off luxury and all inclusive resorts.

Tobago travel advice

We visited Tobago to meet hotel and guesthouse owners, and sea turtle conservationists to ask them for their top Tobago travel advice.

British Airways flights to Tobago

Flying to Tobago with British Airways is convenient with weekly direct flights departing from Gatwick, and more frequent flights to Trinidad.

Responsible tourism in Tobago

The Tobago Tourism Board share their thoughts on responsible tourism in Tobago and how it creates a unique experience for travellers.

More relevant guides

Written by Vicki Brown

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: Feroze Omardeen] [1. Ship ahoy: Christian Lendl] [4. Birding for all: Tobago Tourism Agency] [7. Be a beach bum with a difference: Tobago Tourism Agency] [10. Wander to a waterfall: Tobago Tourism Agency]

Tobago top 10