Explore the untouched island of Tobago
Indulge in a truly authentic Caribbean escape where the wild and untamed beauty of nature is rivalled only by the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people.
If you fly to the end of the chain of islands in the Caribbean, you’ll find the beautiful country of Trinidad and Tobago. While the more southern Trinidad is the larger and more populous of the two islands, Tobago is an unspoiled trove of idyllic beaches, scenic activities and tantalising food. For the newlywed couple who wants an out-of-the-ordinary Caribbean honeymoon, Tobago should be at the top of their list—because whether you’re looking for adventure or you simply want to sit back and enjoy the views, it has something for every kind of traveller. From where to stay to what to do, there’s an itinerary for the perfect Tobago getaway for everyone.
Getting there
There are Virgin Atlantic flights out of London Heathrow via Antigua to Tobago; so a nice little stay-over is possible before travelling to Tobago. BA fly direct and indirect from London Gatwick via Trinidad to Tobago. It’s just a very short flight of just 25 minutes connecting the two islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
Stay in Charming, Perfect-For-You Accommodations
Before exploring everything the island has to offer, you’ll need to figure out where to stay. Tobago has a variety of resorts and hotels specifically designed for different types of travellers. If you’re a couple who wants an elegant resort where you can stroll through the gorgeous grounds, golf and relax poolside, Mount Irvine Bay Resort is your top pick. For newlyweds who want an experience with wellness-focused activities and meals made with sustainably grown ingredients, Kariwak Village, located near the airport, is ideal. There are also plenty of options for those who want to be on the ocean.
Get Close to Nature and Wildlife
More than 230 species of birds can be found in Tobago, so it’s no wonder that avid birdwatchers make up a big percentage of the island’s tourists. If you’ve never experienced birdwatching, snag this opportunity to get up-close and personal with hummingbirds, motmots, blue-grey tanagers and more at Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve. Take a leisurely walk along the property’s handful of trails to see its flora and fauna, and then sit awhile on the viewing deck to watch the birds as they come to feed.
Turtle Watching
Tobago’s immaculate coastlines set the scene for one of nature’s most remarkable rituals as giant leatherback turtles come ashore to nest each year. Witness this rare and moving sight between the months of March and September, when these magnificent creatures emerge from the water under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs at common nesting sites, namely Turtle Beach, Grafton Bay and Stone Haven Bay.
Lounge on the island’s incredible beaches
Tobago’s plethora of beaches make it easy to enjoy all that beach life has to offer, from soaking up some sun to swimming in clear blue waters. And there’s a place on every part of the island to take in stunning views of Tobago’s coastline. Couples who want a more secluded spot will love Englishman’s Bay, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, shaped in a traditional crescent and framed by an abundance of palm trees. If a bustling hotspot is more your vibe, the government-owned Pigeon Point Heritage Park is popular with tourists and locals alike. There you’ll find white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the iconic Insta-worthy pier with a thatched roof, restaurants, and souvenir and water-sport shops.
Indulge in romantic activities and water adventures
Taking a dip in the waters of Tobago goes beyond its beautiful beaches. One of the most romantic spots in Tobago is Nylon Pool, a metre-deep lagoon created by a shallow coral sandbar out in the sea off Pigeon Point. Named by Princess Margaret, who likened the crystal-clear water to the transparency of nylon, this natural pool is a popular spot for island boat tours. You’ll want to share a newlywed kiss while you’re there, as it’s said that if a couple kisses in Nylon Pool, their love will last a lifetime. Afterwards, head over to No Man’s Island, an uninhabited stretch of sand that’s the perfect spot for couples to picnic and lounge in the sun. To explore even more of the island’s waters and aquatic life, snorkelling is a must. Catch a glimpse of coral reefs and tropical fish off the shores of Castara. Or book a tour of the coastline with Tobago Waterholics, which offers the opportunity to snorkel and see the beautiful reefs at Buccoo and Arnos Vale.
Back on the island, there’s lots more to explore. A short 10-minute hike into Tobago’s rainforest in Parlatuvier will lead you to Parlatuvier Falls, a waterfall with a shallow basin you can bathe in, and one of the most beautiful, tranquil spots on the island. Because it’s nestled in the rainforest (a sight unto itself, with towering bamboo trees), the waterfall is a popular spot for relaxing and hanging out on a warm afternoon. If you’re looking for a romantic activity that could be equally relaxing, take a horseback ride on the beach with Being With Horses.
Experience the island’s tantalising dishes
Foodies will find no shortage of local plates to delight the senses. Bursting with flavour and heart, we highly recommend experiencing Tobago’s signature dish, curried crab and dumplings, from Miss Trim’s, a busy kiosk at the Store Bay Beach Facility in Crown Point, at the southwestern tip of the island. Coconut milk, curry, ginger and other spices are added to lime-marinated soft shell crab and cooked to perfection, before being ladled atop flat dumplings and served with provisions (root vegetables).
If you’re in Speyside, at the other end of the island, you have to stop at Jemma’s Tree House for lunch. Lobster and fish dishes are especially delectable, and the scrumptious breadfruit pie is a must. With authentic food and beautiful ocean views, this is one spot that shouldn’t be missed. When it comes to dinner, opt for the best Italian food on the island at La Tartaruga, a gem of a restaurant helmed by Chef Gabriele De Gaetano, whose passion for food shines in his dishes.