Travel Guide: Tobago
We just brought in the New Year in Trinidad & Tobago. I must say, it was the perfect way to start the decade, especially if your resolution is to visit much more underrated paradises, like Tobago.
This was my second time to Trinidad but first time in Tobago, so I’m dedicating this guide to Tobago. You can always read my Travel Guide to Trinidad if you want to go to there too.
Anyway, the reason I say Tobago is underrated is because there wasn’t many people on this island and it’s a gem. Tobago has gorgeous untouched rainforests, two waterfalls, windy roads along the coastlines, and stunning coral reefs. I could say it’s very quiet, but you will find locals blasting Soca music here and there- Which I enjoyed.
Without further ado, here is all you need to know when traveling to Tobago….
Getting There
There’s only one air port in Tobago Insert the name. The only airlines to fly in are Caribbean (most frequent,) Virgin, British Airways, & Congo. We flew 25 mins from Trinidad via Caribbean airways. Which cost like 50$ each. Ironically each time we took an earlier flight as they aren’t full flights. Made it a breeze to go through the airport. You could take a boat from elsewhere but that’s hours long and the flight was so inexpensive.
Getting Around
For sure get a car so that you can explore the island. There certainly aren’t any Ubers on this island. The only times we had a driver was the ones our Airbnb host arranged for us from the airport and for a boat day excursion. The roads are pretty bad- I basically had whip lash because Tobago is very mountainous.
Car rentals are available at the airport, but again I would ask those from where you are staying their advice on rentals. Our Airbnb Host had a driver pick us up then the car was there at the house upon our arrival. It made everything very smooth.
My boyfriends Trini mom warned us many times about recent crime in Tobago, so I wouldn’t just walk around any neighborhood. This made me very wry when arriving but as we adventured around the island we met some of the kindest people. But like anywhere else you do need to keep your wits about you and know your surroundings. Make sure to lock your doors and not these things visible. Many kind locals made us aware whenever we didn’t.
Where to Stay
There are many resorts on Tobago that were highly recommended to us. While I love cleaning services and resorts, I knew we weren’t going to be staying in one spot so checked Airbnb too. I found that I could get something a bit nicer and quieter than at an expensive hotels. We end up staying at Birdie’s Nest Airbnb in Black Rock, Tobago approx. 20 mins from the Airport. I loved the location as it was close proximity to many different beaches we wanted to adventure off too.
Other local family members recommended staying close to the airport at resorts such as Coco Reef hotel in Crown Point and The Grafton Hotel in Mount St Irvine . As we drove around the island, we saw them and they looked nice but I was happy to have our privacy and be in a similar area.
Up north, is also an area called Castara that was also recommended by other when on the Pop’s Tour. Apparently it is extremely safe, has great local food (Castara Treehouse was mentioned) and even have bon fires on the beach twice a week.
What to do in Tobago
Tobago by Boat
Pops Tour Guide, taking us along the west coast of the island for some snorkeling, dolphin spotting, fishing, island history and heritage as well as food and drink all included! It was fabulous and cost $170 for the two people for the day.
Some of the places we visited were:
- Colon bay- looks like Hawaii, rough waters many eco hotels. There is a ritual called “Wash Away Women’s Bride” that takes places there where the bride-to-be washes away her sins the night before wedding.
- Nylon pool & Buccoo Reef- where princess Margret went on her honey moon before going to mystique. They say there is a hole one the water that makes women 10 years younger and where men find their secrets.
- No Mans Land & Sherbets point the lagoon of fresh water and salt water meet.
Spend the day at Pigeon Point
This probably where I saw the most tourism in Tobago. Although still not overly crowded its a great day to enjoy the beaches and luxuries of beach bars and restaurants. Along the pristine beaches you have plenty of water sports activities available such as : Wind surfing, jet-skiing snorkeling and of course sunbathing.
Argyle Waterfall
Located on the east coast of Tobago. We drove an hour from the west coast on a very scenic windy road. Once we arrived we hiked 15 minutes from the parking lot through a beautiful bamboo rainforest.
We actually bought handmade bamboo art from the men along the way.
The Argyle is a 3 tiered water fall in the rainforest. You can hike up to each level and hop in the fresh water beneath. The hike isn’t the hardest but there is rope and a path to follow.. I probably should have worn flip flops, but they were good for the rocks when walking in the water.
We had our drone and were able to get beautiful shots of the waterfall…
You can spend as much time as possible there. Conveniently, they have bathrooms and a little market near the parking lot for waters and food if you need. One thing I was told was to not enter when there are flash flood warnings. I’d hope that goes with out saying!
Pirate Bay Beach for the Day
I wish we had more time to spend here! Its a large beach not very crowded, mostly because it’s difficult to get there. We found it while going up a very narrow dirt road, then had to walk down many stairs before reaching paradise. It was like finding the best kept secret.
Once on the beach, you will be SonSon who actually provides boat rides from Charlottesville to Pirate Bay Beach. Although the beach is very low key it has a great vibe thanks to the locals. SonSon has a tiki bar/restaurant where he fed us rum punch and cooked us up some great king fish. I was impressed to see them using a solar powered generator for the kitchen!
Although there weren’t many people on this beach, they have beach chairs & tire swings. Making it easier to relax and more intsagramable 😉
Eating in Tobago
So beware, places close when they run out of food for the day, not based on their hours. We had a few hangry moments, which is why I am writing a full section on food! You certainly should call to make reservations for food. Also- we shot for 8:30 pm dinners and found that some dishes were sold out. They seem to have limited amounts so that’s something to keep in mind.
There were many spots we were recommended to that were phenomenal and other local spots we found our selves strolling in to. We also picked up some goodies from local farmers markets and the Penny savors. There are plenty little place. If you find yourself in a buckle, you can go down to crown point to try and find so fast food .
My Boyfriends question always is “Where can we get doubles!” So I will tell you it can be hard! But the Young Boss Creation Farm Stand on Melford Rd in Crown Point will make them for you along with roti etc. You just have to give them a day or two notice. Ask for Russel 868-302-3375 via what’s app them. It’s close to the Airport so probably a good move to get them ASAP you land 😉
The Tartaruga – Surprisingly delicious Authentic Italian food! It was recommended by family members and locals. They owner, Chef Gabriel, is from Italy, and it shows in his homemade pastas!
The Seahorse Restuarnt– A seafood restaurant located in Black Rock. Very Romantic and well lit, with a lot many little books to drink and also eat. There is a large outdoor dinning space pictured below, that I took from our seat upstairs. The food was fresh and delicious. The Rum Raisin Bread and Butter Pudding dessert was redic!!
Waves (across from Seahorse)- Great spot for food and drinks on the beach, especially for sunset.
Places we were told were good… but didn’t have a chance to go.
Additional Tips
- Currency: TT Dollars. Confusing to me at first be they use the $ sign. Essentially it is 7 TT to the USD.
- TNT is very aware of the effects of pollution and plastic. They have many recycling bins, and signs promoting the movement. Saw this Fish full of water bottles at Pigeon Point.
- Local Foods to try: Doubles (must get them early am), Roti, Aloe Pie, Pastels.
- A lot of sweet stray animals that are very friendly.
- Weed has just become legalized. There aren’t any dispensaries, but just ask and someone will get it for you. It’s good stuff as they are just miles away from South America.
