Discover a mellow, get-away-from-it-all honeymoon atmosphere in Tobago.
Play Robinson Crusoe on an impressive choice of white-sand beaches, snorkel and scuba dive coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, hike through lush forests then unwind in comfort at an array of elegant hotels that pamper your every need – just perfect for a honeyoon or romantic getaway.
The home of Daniel Defoe's legendary Robinson Crusoe, and of today’s celebrities, tiny Tobago (43km long by 12km wide) was first claimed for Spain by Columbus in 1498, then settled by the English in 1642. It remained a British Crown Colony (together with sister island Trinidad) from 1814 until independence in 1962.
Away from the impressive beaches, Tobago offers hiking trails alongside rivers and through lush forest, coconut and banana plantations filled with rare and exotic tropical birds – ideal for adventurous honeymoon couples.
Take a guided tour through the Tobago Main Ridge Rainforest, the oldest protected preserve in the western hemisphere. Or hire a boat and cross to Little Tobago Island where you can stroll marked hilly trails though a bird sanctuary.
Learn about the island’s colonial past at the Tobago Museum, home to fascinating artefacts and housed inside the 18th century Fort King George, which clings to a 130m-high cliff overlooking the capital, Scarborough.
Visit the ruins of Fort James in Plymouth, which date from 1768. See whimsical sculptures of local Tobagonians at Kimme's Sculpture Museum near Mount Irvine and enjoy a sunset picnic and ocean views from scenic Flagstaff Hill, one of the highest points on Tobago.
At Buccoo Reef, just off Pigeon Point, snorkel and scuba dive coral gardens teeming with tropical fish or dive the underwater canyons and cliffs around St Giles Island on the north-eastern tip of Tobago.
Scuba diving and snorkelling — Snorkel in waist-deep waters above Buccoo Reef (2km off Pigeon Point), home to coral gardens teeming with colourful tropical fish. Scuba dive unspoiled coral reefs, canyons and cliffs in crystal clear water and dive the wreck of the Maverick, sunk in 30m of water near Mount Irvine Bay Hotel on Tobago's southwest coast.
Several dive centres offer dive packages, equipment rentals and PADI open-water certification.
Golf — Tee-off at the 18-hole Tobago Golf Club at the Mount Irvine Estates. Or try the 18-hole, par-72 Tobago Plantations Golf and Country Club, located in a former sugar cane plantation and adjoining the 5-star Hilton Tobago.
Events — Visit Tobago any time from mid-July to early August to witness the lively Tobago Heritage Festival, which celebrates traditions brought by slaves from Africa. Almost every town and village put on a show, most of which are entirely different.
Island hopping — Hop on a ferry or puddle jumper to Tobago's sister island, Trinidad – famous as the birthplace of the steel pan, calypso and limbo dance.
The capital of Trinidad, Port-of-Spain offers lively nightlife and good shopping. Hire a car and explore the lush landscape along the north coast to find a string of beautiful beaches…
Tobago offers a huge choice of gorgeous Caribbean and Atlantic beaches that edge wide bays surrounded by rolling green hills or that lie almost hidden in secluded coves framed by rocky tree-clad promontories.
Note: Topless bathing and public nudity is illegal on Tobago.
The best beaches in Tobago, clockwise from Englishman’s Bay, include …
Unwind on this 800m-long crescent of pristine, pale golden sand that faces the calm waters of a delightful cove framed by rocky headlands, surrounded by a dense forest of palm trees.
This secluded and undeveloped beach, arguably the island’s best beach, offers great swimming and snorkelling any time of year.
From March to June, endangered giant leatherback turtles visit the beach to lay their eggs. The beach has no facilities, so it’s probably best to pack a picnic.
Englishman's Bay is accessed from the North Side Road, on the north coast just east of Castara Bay.
Choose from two gorgeous golden sand beaches that stretch for 2.4km around Castara Bay, which is surrounded by green hills overlooking several hidden coves framed by rocky headlands.
Follow coastal trails to Little Bay or Emerald Bay for secluded sunbathing and great snorkelling, enjoying the stunning sea views along the way.
There are no facilities on the beach, so stock up with refreshments before you go or perhaps plan to have a seafood lunch at one of the small eateries in Castara Village.
Castara Beach is located on the north coast, south of Englishman’s Bay.
Relax on the soft powder-white sand of this secluded beach that faces the calm turquoise waters of a sheltered cove framed by towering bush-clad promontories.
Sunbathe on the beach, unwind beneath shady palm trees or snorkel the rocky promontories and offshore coral gardens.
Arnos Vale Beach is rated as one of the best beaches in Tobago for snorkelling. Access to the beach is through a small wood or via the beachside Arnos Vale Hotel, which supplies a range of facilities.
Arnos Vale is one of several idyllic beaches that lie hidden along this rugged section of coastline. Follow the Mot Mot Trail along the shoreline between Arnos Vale and Culloden to discover several hidden coves and beaches, easily accessed from the trail.
Choose your own spot to sunbathe on this long sweep of golden sand that shelves into calm, gin-clear waters that are perfect for swimming.
A range of facilities and amenities are available from several beachside hotels.
Great Courland Bay is located between Plymouth and Black Rock on the north coast of Tobago.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this 1.6km-long white-sand beach that is especially famous as a nesting site for giant leatherback turtles (between February and June).
A range of facilities is available from the Turtle Beach Hotel.
Turtle Beach is located at the southern end of Great Courland Bay, between Black Rock and Plymouth. Great Courland Bay boasts several beachside hotels and calm, gin-clear waters that are perfect for swimming.
Sunbathe on the soft white sand of this 500m-long secluded beach that shelves into turquoise waters.
The beach is perfect for swimming and snorkelling any time of year and surfing is possible in July and August.
The scenic beach is dotted with rocky outcrops and backed by low bush-clad cliffs, with access down several rough-hewn steps. Facilities include picnic tables and a snack bar for cold drinks.
Back Bay Beach is a short stroll from the Mount Irvine Bay Hotel on Mount Irvine Bay.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe and swim on this 800m-long tree-lined beach that is often split into two sections at high tide.
Facilities include toilets, changing rooms, picnic tables and a snack bar for refreshments.
The beachside Mount Irvine Bay Hotel and Golf Club offers a range of amenities including umbrellas and sun loungers for hire to non-guests. The property also hosts one of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean.
Swim and snorkel any time of year, surf during July and August and go windsurfing in January and April.
(Northwest Coast) – Unwind on this gorgeous white-sand beach that edges a palm-fringed peninsula surrounded by calm waters perfect for swimming.
The beach is owned by the Pigeon Point Heritage Club, which charges a small entrance fee of approximately TTD10 (AUD1.80) for the use of the facilities, including umbrellas and sun loungers, toilets, changing rooms and picnic tables. Food kiosks offer a choice of cold drinks and snacks.
There is also a dive concession and some craft shops. Pigeon Point is the jumping-off point for snorkelling excursions to Buccoo Reef.
Pigeon Point is on the northwest coast near Bon Accord Lagoon, an important habitat for many species of bird, close to the Coco Reef Resort and Spa.
Relax on the soft white sand of this 200m-long beach that lies framed between two rocky headlands facing a sheltered cove, offering calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming.
Facilities include umbrellas and sun loungers for hire, changing rooms, toilets and a lifeguard.
Several food stands and nearby restaurants offer a choice of refreshments and several hotels are just a short stroll away.
Store Bay Beach is located on the western point of Tobago, close to Crown Point Airport.
Unwind on this narrow but relatively quiet white-sand beach fringed by palms and sea grapes. A range of facilities and amenities are provided by a choice of beachfront hotels.
Sandy Point is located on the western point of Tobago, close to the Crown Point Airport.
This long, pale, golden-sand beach is probably best for beachcombing, walking and jogging.
Go swimming at the reef-protected eastern side or windsurfing on the windy western side. The VHL Tobago hotel offers a range of facilities.
Little Rockly Bay is located on the southwest side of Tobago to the southeast of Scarborough, around 9km from Crown Point.
Unwind on the golden sands of this wide but only 150m-long beach that was used as the setting for the movies Swiss Family Robinson and Heaven Knows, Mr Allison.
The restored 1940s-era Blue Haven Hotel at the southern end of the beach offers a range of facilities including a beach bar, umbrellas, sun loungers, changing rooms, toilets and children’s playground, for guests only. The rolling Atlantic waves are good for body boarding.
Bacolet Beach is located on the southern coast, east of Scarborough.
Sunbathe and swim on this crescent-shaped 800m-long beach that faces the sheltered waters of a horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by towering tree-clad hills.
Framed by shady palm trees, this friendly beach offers excellent swimming and facilities including cabanas, toilets, showers and lifeguards.
King's Bay Beach is located on the northeast coast, south of Speyside and near Delaford.
Pick your own spot to sunbathe on the golden sands of this 1.6km-long palm-fringed beach that stretches around the wide Man O’War Bay.
The bay also features several other small hidden coves edged by idyllic white-sand beaches. Man O’War Beach offers excellent swimming in crystal clear waters, with facilities that include toilets, changing rooms and lifeguards.
There are refreshment kiosks around Cambleton, otherwise packing a picnic is recommended.
Man O’War Bay is located on the northeast coast near the small fishing village of Charlotteville.
Discover one of Mon O’War Bay’s most secluded beaches – a palm-fringed, pink-hued sand beach that offers excellent swimming and snorkelling in the tranquil waters of an idyllic cove.
Lovers Beach is accessed only by boat from Charlotteville; expect to pay around AUD20 (or less, depending on your haggling skills) for the return trip.
Unwind on the golden sands of this half-moon shaped beach that shelves into the calm waters of an attractive bay framed by green hills.
Sunbathe on the beach and swim in the clear turquoise waters. A charming fishing village sits on the beachfront and offers fresh seafood and cold drinks.
While Tobago offers a choice of accommodation options to suit most honeymoon budgets, the island is becoming better known for hosting stylish boutique hotels and luxurious 5-star resorts, such as the Vanguard Hotel Limited Tobago Golf and Spa Resort and Le Grand Courlan Resort and Spa.
The best time to visit Tobago is from January to April, during the cooler, winter dry season, when the average temperature sits around 27°C (80°F).
Tobago is considered a year-round holiday destination and sits just outside the hurricane belt.
Trinidad and Tobago experience a hot and humid year-round tropical climate with a slightly cooler season from December to February; a dry season from February to April; and a hot and wet season from June to December.
For more climate info: Tobago Weather Guide…
Tobago – the smaller of the two islands that are officially known as the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – is located 34km (21mi) northeast of Trinidad, 130km (81mi) south of Grenada and 160km (99mi) off the coast of northeast Venezuela.
The most convenient route to Tobago is by air to A. N. R. Robinson International Airport (TAB), formerly Crown Point International Airport, which is located near the town of Canaan, around 11km (6.8mi) from the capital, Scarborough.
It is one of two international airports serving the twin-island nation. The other larger airport, Piarco International Airport (POS), is located on the island of Trinidad, about 30km (19mi) east of the capital, Port of Spain, and is a major transit hub for the Southern Caribbean.
Most international flights to Tobago first arrive at Piarco International Airport (POS), followed by a connecting flight to Tobago's smaller A. N. R. Robinson International Airport.
Find out how to get to Tobago…
Latest update: Tobago: 10 July, 2022
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