Undiscovered Caribbean: 7 reasons to visit Tobago

1. For the wildlife

Tobago’s lack of development has given nature the room to thrive, while its proximity to the South American mainland means, for the Caribbean, it has an unusually deep breadth of species. One of its greatest triumphs lies skywards, with Tobago home to more than 260 species of birds. You can spy the country’s national bird, the rufous-vented chachalaca, among the greenery of Main Ridge Forest Reserve, along with agoutis, armadillos and more. In the island’s south, Corbin Local Wildlife Park is not just alive with the chirps of motmots and jacamars but also caiman basking beside lily ponds and golden tegu lizards skipping across pathways. For a truly special encounter, you can spy female green, leatherback and hawksbill turtles pulling themselves up Tobago’s sandy fringes to nest between March and August each year – aptly, Turtle Beach on the south-west coast is one of their favourite nesting spots.

2. For the hiking

Tobago’s tiny size makes it ideal for exploring on foot and nowhere is that better than the UNESCO listed, emerald-coated Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which covers much of the island’s spine.

Established by the British in 1776, it’s the oldest protected forest reserve in the western hemisphere and so a tread here immerses you in its wild mix of lush jungle, cascades and razor-like peaks that have been left to blossom nearly 250 years.

Walking trails vein the reserve but the two-hour Gilpin Trail track is its landmark walk, weaving through virgin rainforest among lizards and birds like the white-tailed sabrewing – so rare it was deemed extinct until 1974. A local guide can unlock some of Tobago’s best – and most secret – hikes, from summiting Pigeon Peak for island-wide panoramas to a wander through thick jungle to Tobago’s tallest single-drop cascade, Highland Waterfall.

3. For the diving

For the full complement of Tobago’s natural bounty, you have to dip under the surface of its surrounding waters. Wherever you wade offshore you’ll likely be gliding among rainbow-hued reefs, such is the proliferation of snorkelling and diving opportunities here – no matter your ability. Mount Irvine on the south-west coast is the best example of this with its pair of dives. Beginners can explore the Wall’s shallows alongside crabs and lobsters, while the deeper waters of the Extension offer epic encounters with hawksbill turtles. The gentle drifts of Flying Reef are ideal for novices to come nose-to-fin with turtles, stingrays and nurse sharks, while the 30 or so dive sites off the coast of Speyside include the brain coral of Kelleston Drain. For something completely off the chart, dive Kariwak Reef after dark to spy amber-tinted fire coral.

4. For the outdoor adventures

A canvas for high-octane experiences, Tobago’s wildness practically begs you to treat it as your own playground. You can whizz across the island on two wheels, either pedalling the bird-rich wetlands of Bon Accord Lagoon or biking the jade-hued contours that connect Arnos Vale with Golden Lane.

The UNESCO listed Main Ridge Forest Reserve is another wilderness laced with mountain biking trails, while the cascade-fed pools of Argyle Waterfall are soothing spots for aching muscles. Parlatuvier Falls is another, with a plunge pool at both its top and tail to swim in.

Tobago’s adventure continues to know no bounds, whether it’s exploring the glassy waters of Buccoo Bay on horseback or in a glass-bottomed kayak, joining local fishermen on a deep-sea fishing trip or being in awe of Bon Accord Lagoon’s bioluminescent neon streaks from a stand-up paddleboard.

5. To meet the people

As is customary in the Caribbean, Tobagonians welcome visitors to their island with warm smiles and infectious vibes. But being pint-sized, local life in Tobago is easy to become immersed in straight away, whether it’s helping fishermen in coastal villages haul in their morning catch (known as ‘pulling seine’) or wandering the artisanal craft stalls at markets in places like Store Bay. As well as the here and now, a local guide can paint the island’s past with a guided tour of its crumbling forts or by wandering the Tobago Cocoa Estate (locals are huge sweet tooths). They love celebrations, too, with none more quintessentially Tobagonian than the Creole-inspired weekly harvest festivals or Castara’s legendary bonfire, where you’ll feast on fresh fish to the sound of steel pan music.

6. To sample the food

In Tobago, you will discover a melting pot of flavours influenced by the island's past heritage. These flavours are distilled in the island’s signature dish of curried crab and dumplings, best ordered from the beach shacks of Store Bay.

Tobago’s Creole cuisine is best explored at the town’s roadside stalls where you can sample street food favourites like corn soup, while restaurant menus regularly feature national Creole stew callaloo.

With its island status, seafood is prominent in Tobago and Castara’s beach bonfire is the place for freshly cooked catch like king prawns and battered fish fillets. The fishing village is also home to one of the few community dirt ovens left on the island, meaning its sands are transformed bi-weekly into a bake sale of coconut tarts, pumpkin loaves and more.

7. For the unspoilt, relaxing beaches

All that adventure, eating and local culture means you’ll deserve some downtime in Tobago. The good news is there are plenty of idyllic beaches to kick back on – this is the Caribbean, after all. Pearl-white Pigeon Point often steals the limelight but Tobago has quieter corners oozing with Bounty bar advert vibes. The butterscotch curve of Englishman’s Bay feels so castaway you’d fancy your chances of bumping into Robinson Crusoe, especially when you consider Pirate’s Bay was used as the set for the eponymous 1952 film classic. The sunsets here must have stopped filming in its tracks, as would the dusk displays in Buccoo Bay, whose millpond-calm waters invite you in for a relaxing paddle. Castara Bay’s sands are so sweeping that there’s ample room for serene yoga sessions far away from the fish barbecues and bake sales.