Things to do in Tobago

SHOPPING AND DINING

Shopping in Tobago is limited, however local arts and crafts are abundant enough, Tobago has a few markets if that’s your thing, the sheer spectacle of the array of produce at Scarborough Market is a photo opportunity for sure!

‘Doubles’, a signature handheld Trinbago food, is made of two fried split-pea roti (flatbread) with a channa and potato curry sandwiched between. Just add your chosen sauce – pepper, tangy cilantro or tamarind, and grated coconut or cucumber and you are good to go!

Perched on the hills overlooking Kings Bay, the aptly named Kingsbay café really is a café with a view. It also serves the best burgers you’ll get on the island of Tobago. Choose from a freshly grilled tuna burger or traditional beef with homemade chips and slaw.

Caribbean Kitchen at Castara Retreats, voted one of the top five restaurants in Tobago on Trip Advisor, serves a fusion of Tobago/Italian and Venezuelan cuisine including handmade pastas, fresh local fish and traditional Tobago fayre such as goat curry. Superb panoramic views towards the beach and impeccable standards of service.

CULTURE AND HISTORY

Tobago comprises a unique mix of races and cultures that can be traced back to Africa, India, Europe, the Middle East and China. Influences of native American Indians are also prominent features of local culture. It is home to a numerous festivals celebrating its rich, diverse cultural history

Music is integral to life on the island, which is home to several indigenous musical forms such as soca, calypso, chutney, parang and of course, the steel pan, made from discarded steel drums. Rhythm and percussion are the beating heart behind Trinidad’s famous carnival in February.

Explore Tobago’s historical past and its colonial history, the names Les Coteaux and Fort King George will give you clues! Arnos Vale’s waterwheel is a remnant of bleaker times and a reminder of the struggles this and other Caribbean Islands went through.

Tobago’s heritage festival is a chance for Tobagonians to showcase the culture of which they are very proud. Villagers dress up in costumes depicting bygone days and perform folk songs and dance and feasting.

Each village has its own festival throughout the year, one of the most “interesting” is the “Goat Race Festival” at Buccoo, it is a serious matter with serious betting on a winner.

WATER AND SPORTS

Take a day trip to Charlottesville in the northeast on a beautiful horseshoe bay with lovely short walks to Pirate’s Bay and Man O’War Bay, or take a more adventurous walk through the forest to Campbellton Bay.

Divers travel from all over the world to swim in the waters of Tobago and there are dive sites to suit all levels of diver. Wreck diving is popular; Maverick Wreck, a 185 ft ferry, was deliberately sunk in 1996 to create an artificial reef for wreck divers.

Try some windsurfing at Pigeon Point in Tobago. You can also try kitesurfing, wake-boarding, water skiing, sport fishing and diving. Enquire at the Hilton for more information.

You have to pay to get onto the beach at pigeon point but it is worth it, from here take a trip to the Nylon Pool.

NATURE AND WILDLIFE

Watch the leatherback turtles nest from March to September on Turtle Beach, Stonehaven Bay, Bloody Bay and Parlatuvier.

Tobago’s lush hills are home to more than 200 species of birds. You can join a guided hike and an early morning birdwatching tour in the forest with Harris Jungle Tours. Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve a UNESCO World Heritage Site offers excellent hiking and bird-watching, or stroll around the Grafton Caledonia Bird Sanctuary, a former cocoa farm, to see some of the world’s most spectacular birds.

Take a trip to the Castara Bay, stop at the sign declaring “this is one of the best views in the world”, then take a look at the view and pinch yourself, it’s real!