Trinidad and Tobago, and more specifically Tobago, is home to the third-largest nesting population of leatherback turles in the world. These turtles are the most numerous turtle species nesting on the island, travelling from distant locations such as Africa and Canada to lay their eggs on the Caribbean shores. The water reptiles can be spotted on the coast in March and September when they come out of the ocean to nest in well-known locations such as Turtle Beach, Stone Haven Bay, and Back Bay.
Beyond turtle watching, Tobago offers much to tourists and locals alike. It is a beloved vacation destination, perfect for relaxation and escape from daily life. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, amazing beaches, and lush nature, Tobago has something for everyone. While the island has too much to offer to be fully captured in one piece, there are a few must-experience activities for newcomers. This is a brief overview of some essentials for anyone who hasn’t set foot there before.
1. Feed hummingbirds off your hand + Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve (UNESCO)
Perhaps one of the most fascinating experiences while visiting Tobago is going to one of the hummingbird sanctuaries and actually feeding the hummingbirds. Being the smallest mature birds (7-13cm), they are not very easy to spot, given their speed. Their wings beat extremely fast, which is 75 beats per second in normal conditions. It is a rather incomparable feeling when they come close enough to feed off your hand.
Then there’s the opportunity to actually hear their wings hum and observe them move. Interestingly, because of their high speed, their wings seem almost invisible. Several locations across the island provide opportunities to witness these vibrant creatures up close, including Hummingbird Paradise and Shurland James Hummingbird Nature Park near Bloody Bay.
Hummingbirds are just one of the examples of Tobago’s rich biodiversity, much of which is protected by the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. This reserve, which spans approximately two-thirds of the island, is the world’s oldest legally protected forest reserve established specifically for conservation purposes, dating back to 13 April 1776. It was designated to maintain rainfall, essential for the region’s fertility. The forest is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including 12 to 16 mammal species, out of nearly 90 in the Caribbean and over 200 species of birds, such as the White-tailed Sabrewing Hummingbird (Campylopterus ensipennis). Recognized by UNESCO’s World Heritage tentative list, the reserve is an important natural habitat for the conservation of biodiversity.
2. Take a Tobago Buccoo Reef glass bottom boat Tour to No Mans land
Among the highlights of Tobago is taking a glass bottom boat tour to No Man’s Land, which is part of the main island that stretches out into the Bon Accord Lagoon. Accessible only by boat, this location offers an appealing escape for those seeking an alternative to the busy beach experience.
Along the way, the tour stops at Nylon Pool, a shallow, crystal-clear sandbank behind the Buccoo Reef. This natural pool was named by Princess Margaret during her visit in 1962. It is famous for its soft, white sand and waist-deep waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming. This is also what inspired her to give it the name. Just imagine being in the middle of the ocean and being able to dip in the water without worrying about depth.
Buccoo Reef in itself is one of the multiple Tobagonian coral reef ecosystems. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting snorkelling and marine lovers from across the globe. According to the TT Guardian, it is estimated that more than 90% of people visiting the island also go to the reef. Moreover, it spans 7 km2 and has five reef flats that can reach up to 25 metres in depth.
3. Visit the most famous beaches – Pigeon Point and Store Bay
A trip to Tobago would be incomplete without spending time at its most popular beaches, namely Pigeon Point and Store Bay. These shores offer an escape, where visitors can bask in the sun, take a dip in the clear waters, or simply unwind with the soothing sound of the waves.
Pigeon Point is a designated national heritage park, most famous for its thatched-roof jetty, being a popular Instagram location. The beach is also a hotspot for water sports, with options for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Marine enthusiasts can also go on a diving adventure as Pigeon Point provides access to some of Tobago’s best dive sites.
Similarly, Store Bay is a lively beach known not only for its beautiful coastline but also for its craft and souvenir shops, allowing visitors to purchase local handmade souvenirs and trinkets, not diverging too much from their planned beach day. It is also the best place to try one of Tobago’s signature dishes—curried crab and dumplings.
4. Go unwind at Blue Waters Inn and see Goat Island
Last but not least is Blue Waters Inn, located at Batteaux Bay, Speyside. This is a beach resort where people can go to and just relax for a while, have a nice meal and marvel at the beautiful ocean view.
There is more to this though. While dining there, visitors can look across the water to an island, called Goat Island. Looking carefully, it is rather easy to spot a house there. Rumour has it that this island was a retreat of Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond series. In 2006, Forbes released an article supporting these rumours, stating “a spectacular coral reef lies just off the island, and Fleming is said to have gone diving for an hour each morning when he was in residence.” Fleming’s biographer Andrew Lycett is reported to have however stated that “Fleming did not have a house —let alone own an island—in Tobago.” Currently, there is no clear data on whether Ian Fleming stayed there or not. Despite the mystery, Goat Island remains a fascinating sight, adding to the allure of Tobago’s northern coast.
