Just a few miles northeast from its bigger sister Trinidad and southeast of Grenada we can find Tobago Island. Just like Trinidad, Tobago was discovered by Christopher Columbus during his 1498 voyage. It’s also widely accepted that the word for tobacco comes from the name of this island.
In this article, we’re going to discuss all you need to know to decide whether you want to visit this island or not. Thus, you’ll find info about Trinidad and Tobago travel, accommodation, beaches, dining, and how you can spend your free time on this island.
Traveling to Tobago Island
You can find direct flights to the Robinson International Airport on Tobago island from several large cities in the U.S. If you didn’t book a transfer service, you can also take a cab or rent a car from nearby the airport.
Accommodation on Tobago Island
Unlike most islands of the Caribbean, Tobago is rather large. This means you have a wider array of hotels to choose from. But it also means you have lower chances of finding a beach hotel, which will also be significantly more expensive. If you don’t mind spending some time and money to get to the beach every day, you can go for a cheaper inland hotel.
But if beach proximity is the most important aspect for you, here are the best beach hotels on Tobago island:
Coco Reef Tobago
Located on the southeastern coast of Tobago in Crown Point, Coco Reef is only 5 minutes away from the international airport by car.
The hotel has 100 superior/deluxe rooms, a few garden villa suites, regular suites, plus junior and royal suites. Every room has a direct dial phone, AC, satellite TV, alarm clock, mini bar, natural personal hygiene products, towels, and a hairdryer. Extra amenities like maid service and laundry service are also available.
Magdalena Grand Resort
Magdalena Resort has 200 exquisite rooms and suites, all with impressive panoramas and the most luxurious amenities you could think of. Private tubs, spacious terraces and balconies, exquisite toiletries, and so on. Every room has a TV, wi-fi, safe, telephone, hair dryer, coffee maker, AC, fridge, and complimentary goodies.
This resort is ideal for families, young couples, and larger parties that want to enjoy the Caribbean vibe. In addition, you will find the best bars and restaurants in and around this resort, so you can be sure you’ll enjoy your time here.
Tropikist Hotel & Resort
Tropikist Resort is the third most luxurious and popular beach hotel on the island of Tobago. The hotel has 3 main types of rooms: standard, superior, and deluxe. No matter the type you choose, you will be able to admire the refreshing view over the Caribbean Sea from your window, balcony, or terrace. This resort also has a restaurant and a private beach for you and your party to lounge on.
Beaches of Tobago Island
Pidgeon Point
This white sand beach is where you want to spend your lazy mornings and afternoons. Pidgeon Point beach is guarded by palm trees on one side and by clear turquoise waters on the other. In addition, you can also stroll among the coconut trees to reach another beach facility with calm waters, plenty of bars, and restaurants.
Campbleton Bay
If you want to visit a truly secluded place, Campbleton Bay is the one for you. Don’t bother looking it up on Google Maps – this place is so secluded, it isn’t even listed there or on most of the existing maps, for that matter.
To get here, you will need to hike down what might look like some overgrown vegetation at first sight. After about 10 minutes in which you’ll enjoy the unique tropical fauna and flora, you’ll get to the little piece of heaven that is Campbleton Bay. Although not as large as Pidgeon Point, you have little chances of bumping into another tourist (or local, for that matter) in this area.
Dining on Tobago Island
Just like any other Caribbean territory, the island of Tobago pampers its visitors with world-famous, delicious dishes. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Mesoreen Cafe Bistro.
- The Fish Pot.
- The Seahorse Inn.
- Jemma’s Seaview Kitchen.
- Ciao Pizza.
- La Cantina.
- Makara Restaurant.
What Else to Do on Tobago Island
Visit the Oldest Protected Rainforest of the Western World
The Main Ridge Reserve became a reserve protected by the Crown in 1776. Here, you can observe an impressive biodiversity in the most natural habitat of the western hemisphere.
Plus, it’s one of the most accessible rainforests in the world since it’s relatively small and stands on an island with an international airport. You can choose a knowledgeable guide which will make your trip more informative. And since most of them know a few tips and tricks like imitating a bird’s call to make it come closer, this could very well be the highlight of your trip.
Even on a bad day, you’ll still have a good chance of seeing a rare bird or animal like the blue-backed dancing manakin, exotic butterflies, frogs, or mammals. And if you visit the island between April and July, you’ll get to see the leatherback turtles coming to shore on their nesting beaches on Tobago island.
Hiking
Unlike most islands of the Caribbean which are flat as a pancake, Tobago has hills and rocks you can climb on. In addition, the island has a few freshwater springs, some of them forming waterfalls which then settle into secluded and refreshing natural pools.
Watersports
Water skiing, kayaking, scuba diving, or windsurfing are just a few of the activities you could immerse yourself in while on the island of Tobago. You can find equipment at one of the equipment rental centers on beaches, or even at some of the hotels there.
Depending on when you visit Tobago Island, you might also get a chance to involve yourself in a series of other fun activities. If you visit around Easter, for example, you can go goat racing or turtle watching. And no matter what time you choose for your Tobago trip, you will find plenty of other fun activities to do here.
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