Tobago Travel Tips: 10 reasons why Tobago belongs on your bucket list

10 reasons why Tobago belongs on your bucket list / Tobago Travel Tips

Countless picture-book beaches, lush jungle landscapes, unique underwater worlds and a diverse range of animals make Tobago an absolute must on every bucket list. Here are 10 of the many reasons why a vacation to this Caribbean getaway is worth it.

1. Dream beaches as far as the eye can see

Nowhere is sunbathing more fun than on a palm-fringed powdered-sugar beach overlooking the turquoise sea. The Caribbean island offers a lot of that! Tobago’s undisputed flagship beach is Pigeon Point Beach in the heritage park of the same name on the western tip of the island. It can be reached quickly and easily by rental car from the capital, Scarborough. Picture-postcard scenery awaits you on the beach, complete with various amenities and activities, as well as a thatched-roof jetty. The latter has become a popular motif in various tourism campaigns in the country. The entrance fee is 20 TT$ (3$) and gives you access to this wonderful idyll.

Those looking for an alternative beach experience should take the boat to No Man’s Land in the far south. The pristine, brilliant white coral sand beach near Bon Accord Lagoon is surrounded by mangrove wetlands that have become an important habitat for a variety of bird species. On the other hand, Englishman’s Bay is an excellent choice for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility: Here, the lush green of the rainforest seems to blend wonderfully with the deep blue of the ocean, inviting you to spend a relaxing day at the beach with plenty of shade and privacy.

2. The perfect place for a romantic honeymoon

With its white beaches, crystal clear water and green jungle landscape, Tobago offers the perfect backdrop for romantic moments. Many couples even decide to tie the knot in Tobago in a bay overlooking the sea or even on the popular Pigeon Point Beach and start their journey together in a paradise environment.

Take a boat out from Man O’ War Bay in Charlotteville to secluded Lover’s Bay for a beachside picnic for the two of you. Alternatively, there is a yoga class for couples or a horseback ride on the beach. Afterwards, end your day together on a romantic sunset cruise or spend the night in the wilderness with glamping, which combines hotel comfort with the romance of nature.

3. Fascinating underwater world / Tobago Travel Tips

Tobago offers an abundance of diving and snorkeling spots to venture beneath the dazzling sea surface and discover the most colorful underwater treasures. One of the most famous coral reefs in the South Antilles, Buccoo Reef is over 26 football fields in size. It has been a nature reserve since 1973 and invites you to spend a very special day snorkeling. Alternatively, swim over a coral and sponge-filled reef off Speyside in the Japanese Gardens, or explore what might be the world’s largest brain coral at Kelleston Drain. With a bit of luck you might even spot turtles, stingrays, nurse and reef sharks, lobsters and seahorses.

Another highlight for qualified divers is the wreck of the MV Maverick in the southwest of the island, which is often visited by large schools of fish. The former ferry was purposely sunk in 1997 to create an artificial reef that is now inhabited by rainbow runners, kingfish and barracuda, among others.

4. First class bird watching

A shimmering in the air here, a sparkling play of colors there: Tobago lives up to its reputation as the “land of the hummingbirds”. The island is home to more than 260 bird species, making Tobago a true bird watcher’s paradise. Visit the uninhabited island of Little Tobago, nicknamed “Bird of Paradise” Island, and look out for exotic seabirds or nesting colonies of red-billed, tropicbird, red-footed and brown boobies. Also take a hike through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve

Particularly keen bird watchers will be at home at Adventure Eco Villas on the west coast in Arnos Vale, where up to 48 species of birds can be spotted on their 12 hectare property, including parrots, flycatchers and tanagers.

5. Unique eco-adventures

In addition to the numerous bird watching opportunities on the green Caribbean island, many other adventures off the beaten track await you on Tobago. And real adventures! Because Tobago is not like other Caribbean destinations. It is largely untouched and the sense of adventure genuine. Embark on a jungle or natural history tour, or explore the island by mountain bike. Alternatively, you can hike through pristine rainforest along winding trails, discover hidden waterfalls and enjoy breathtaking coastal and jungle views. The Gilpin Trail and the short hike to the 50m high Argyle Falls are particularly popular

Adventure is also very important in the sea. A nature experience no Tobago vacationer should be without is one of the popular nighttime bioluminescence tours at Pigeon Point Beach with Radical Sports Tobago. This is a kayak or stand-up-paddle excursion through bodies of water illuminated by microscopic organisms. These are activated by a touch and then light up blue. A truly magical experience!

6. Liming or “Advanced Relaxation”

Do you want to reconnect with your inner self, feel drained and stressed? High time for a reset! Join a private yoga session in the middle of the jungle or horseback ride across Bucco Bay into the sunset. How about a makeover too? The waters of the popular Nylon Pool, where you can stand in the middle of the ocean, are said to have mystical powers that are said to make visitors 10 years younger!

On the paradisiacal Caribbean island, relaxation is very important and chilling is considered a national sport. It even has its own name: Liming. In Tobago, liming means enjoying the moment, letting your soul dangle and turning your back on all the hustle and bustle. So get in the hammock and get into liming mode!

7. Summer, sun, Tobago! / Tobago Travel Tips

If you want to turn your back on the bad German weather, you can get a good portion of vitamin D in Tobago. Tobago attracts with a pleasant tropical climate and year-round temperatures between 23 and 32 °C. There are no classic seasons in Tobago, the only difference is between the rainy season (June to December) and the dry season (January to May).

Due to its southern location, Tobago falls just below the hurricane belt, so the risk of hurricanes is considered extremely low.

8. Colorful festivals

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in Tobago’s culture than to attend one of the island’s colorful festivals. In January/February on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the annual Trinidad & Tobago National Carnival starts, which is known for the colorful costumes of the participants and the exuberant celebrations. The Tobago Carnival in September/October is similarly colourful, with the focus on the uniqueness of Tobago. It is a liberating celebration of cultural expressions with a very special meaning and is meant to pay homage to the cultural heritage of the island.

At the Tobago Heritage Festival in August, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and colorful history of this unique Caribbean pearl and learn more about the lifestyle, dance, music and food of its inhabitants. For the foodies and gourmets among you, on the other hand, you can fill your stomachs at the Tobago Blue Food Festival – a top gastronomic event that CNN has dubbed “the world’s best food festival for serious food fanatics”.

9. Culinary variety and top restaurants

The culinary offerings of Tobago are as multifaceted as the culture itself. Traditional Tobago cuisine is a delicious mix of African, Indian, Chinese, European and Latin American flavours. Don’t go home without trying what is probably the country’s most typical dish: Crab ‘n’ Dumpling (curried crabs with dumplings) – a combination that only exists in Tobago! The crabs come fresh from the mangrove swamps and are cooked in a rich, creamy and flavorful sauce. On top there are the delicious dumplings.

For somewhere special to dine with breathtaking views, head to the Castara Retreats eco-resort, where the Caribbean Kitchen restaurant serves local delicacies high in the trees on a wooden deck overlooking the bay. Try the freshly grilled catch of the day, curried lamb or blackened jerk chicken and end the day with a rum cocktail or two.

10. Accessible paradise

Last but not least: getting to Tobago is easier and faster than you might think. The airline Condor offers direct flights from Frankfurt Airport to A.N.R. Robinson International Airport in Crown Point once a week (Sunday) from just €299! Only ten flight hours separate you from the dreamlike island in the Caribbean! So what are you waiting for? Here’s a little foretaste: