A premiere eco-tourism destination
Tobago has won several prestigious eco awards including the World Travel Awards “Best Eco Destination in the World” and the Caribbean Travel Awards Committee “#1 Eco-Destination in the Caribbean”.
Bird watching
Tobago has over 200 bird species on just 116 square miles of land. The island has several great vantage points for bird watching including the Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and Little Tobago Island, a small offshore island located just off the village of Speyside.
Biodiversity
Tobago is home to over 6000 species of plants and animals, including one of the highest densities of bird species in the world, on just 116 square miles of land.
Carnival in September or Tobago Fest
A recent addition to Tobago’s social calendar, Tobago Fest is a Carnival style celebration featuring many of the elements of the Trinidad and Tobago’s world famous Carnival.
Dive
Tobago is surrounded by rich and colorful reefs with 300 species of South Atlantic coral and more than 600 species of fish. The island is also internationally recognized for its drift dives. Tobago is also home to the Nylon Pool, a warm shallow area in the middle of the Buccoo Reef.
Villas
Tobago boasts a great variety of luxury rental villas to suit every taste and budget.
From traditional Caribbean gingerbread homes with delicate fretwork, to new properties built to provide every comfort and luxury, Tobago’s holiday rental villas are available on every point of the island.
Golf
Tobago’s two championship 18 hole golf courses are scenic beauties that can captivate with their views while challenging your golfing ability. The Mount Irvine Golf Course has long fairways lined with coconut trees and provides glimpses of an azure sea. The Tobago Plantations Golf Course combines lakes, trees and beaches to provide golf in a setting of tranquil natural beauty. Both clubs rent equipment and offer professional coaching.
Fascinating Culture
Tobago’s rich culture is as diverse as the many countries that fought to control the island. The heritage of the enslaved Africans has also heavily influenced the island’s culture. Many of the folktales, superstitions, art, music and traditional dances reflect the island’s European and African roots. These are celebrated annually during the Tobago Heritage Festival, which runs from early July to August. Fishing, the mainstay of many of the island’s inhabitants, is celebrated with parties, sports and other events on St Peter’s Day.
Goat and crab racing
The village of Buccoo, Tobago, can be described as the goat and crab racing capital of the world. During the Easter holidays this little village draws crowds of curious onlookers as specially trained goats sprint towards the finish line followed by jockeys clutching long ropes. In the crab race, jockeys have no easier task as they attempt to prod the stubborn crustaceans towards the finish line. But there is no glory for the winning crabs, just a place in a pot of spicy curry sauce.
Rich History
Fought over by the Spanish, British, Dutch, Courlanders, French and even the Americans, Tobago boasts a rich and varied history. The various forts and historical sites that dot the island are testament to the island’s former colonial masters and diverse history.
The oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere
Protected by law since 1776, Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve is spread over the island’s mountainous spine. Nature trails will allow you to explore the forest’s diverse flora and fauna.
Unspoiled and secluded beaches
Tobago has many beautiful beaches; some are very secluded others are equipped with life guards, concessionaires and modern facilities. Some beaches boast white sands, shallow bays and calm blue waters, others have shallow reefs for snorkelling and some are more exposed to ocean swells.