Holidays in Tobago

Tobago’s beaches are literally postcard perfect. You’ve got white sand that slopes gently into azure water so clear, you can see the turtles swimming lazily through the reefs. Top beaches in Tobago are Pigeon Point, Store Bay, MT Irvine, Bucco, Grange, Englishman's Bay and Canoe Bay, although there are lots of tiny inlets and coves all around the coast that are just perfect for exploring. Some you can only reach by sea, which is why kayak trips are so popular around the coast. For some serious natural history (and awesome snorkelling), head to Buccoo Reef on the north coast. Glass bottomed boats are the best way to see the reef without impacting on the fragile ecosystem.

Holidays to Tobago aren’t just for star-crossed lovers looking for a tropical paradise getaway. They’re perfect for a real treat of a family holiday too. With great value resorts and plenty of activities to keep the little darlings happy (like those beaches aren’t enough!), family holidays in Tobago give you the chance to spend some precious family time together. Here are a few of our favourite Tobago hotels:

• Starfish Tobago Resort – this friendly, modest resort is tucked away on its very own beach on Courland Bay. The Starfish Tobago Resort is a family orientated resort, offering the Caribbean experience at excellent value for money.
• Tropikist Beach Hotel – nestled away in 5 acres of manicured gardens, the Tropikist Beach hotel has all the amenities for the perfect family getaway. With their own kids pool to swim and splash about in, you can enjoy the breathtaking views on a sun lounger with a cocktail or two. If your little ones prefer the sea to the pool, Store Bay is just a short stroll away.

For years, holidays to the Caribbean were seen as a privilege for the rich and famous, who often ended up buying an island or two as a souvenir. Tobago all-inclusive holidays take care of your flights, accommodation, food and drink for the duration of your stay. Meaning all you need to do is sit back and relax.

• Coco Reef Resort and Spa – let’s up the ante a bit and go for some seriously luxurious all-inclusive, shall we? If you really want to push the boat out (perhaps treat your partner to the honeymoon of a lifetime or even get married in Tobago), the Coco Reef has you covered. Champagne bar? Of course! Water sports and spa treatments? It would be rude not to! Private beach with white sand and palm trees? Naturally! The Coco Reef offers top quality dining, superb facilities, and a flawless attention to detail as standard.
• Blue Haven Hotel – on the southern coast, a 5-minute drive from the main town of Scarborough, the Blue Haven Hotel is situated on a small peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides and opens onto a palm-fringed, romantic, crescent shaped beach. Resort amenities include the colonial Shutters on the Bay Restaurant and No Problem Beach Bar, which is renowned for its fantastic location on Bacolet Bay, where Robinson Crusoe was supposedly washed ashore.

One word. Rum. You cannot come to Tobago and not try the local grog. This stuff is unlike anything you’ve ever tried at home. It’s also incredibly strong (no, really. Sit down when you drink proper Caribbean rum), so don’t make any plans for afterwards if you’re going on a full-on ‘let’s try one from each of the top shelf’ session.

Food-wise, you’re in the heart of Creole country, and a popular favourite is Creole fish stew, served in a tomato and onion-based sauce with plenty of hot peppers (and we mean hot). Other specialities of the island include curried crab and dumplin’, which is a delicious coconut and crab curry served with dumplings. It has to be tasted to be believed. You’ll never eat a sad-looking soggy crab sandwich ever again after you’ve gobbled down a few plates of this tantalising taste bomb.

Tobago holidays are a chance to explore some of the island’s historic sights, and take part in some unusual festivals (if you’re here during Easter):

• Fort King George - the imposing Fort King George is a reminder of the island’s importance during the colonial fights between the UK, France and other countries during the 18th century. Built by the French in 1781, it’s a massive fort with some awesome views, as well as plenty of battlements for the kids to clamber over.
• Caroni Bird Sanctuary – keep your eyes peeled for the stunning white tailed Sabrewing, or the Mot Mot, which is prolific around Tobago, and dozens of other native and incredibly colourful birds at this popular sanctuary. Wear thick clothing because the mosquitoes here are weaponised and possessed of a particularly belligerent temperament!
• Goat races – yes, you read that right. Easter Tuesday sees the uniquely Tobagonian spectacle of goat racing. Don’t laugh, these guys are serious and some big bets are placed on the 3:30 race…
• Beautiful scenery – enjoy the stunning Flora & Fauna of Tobago by visiting the Oldest protected Rain forest in the western hemisphere, The Main Ridge Rain forest.

• Tobago Heritage Festival – July/August – a two-week extravaganza of the island’s culture, history, music, and stories that proves this island is much more than just a holiday resort.
• TTPBA Great Race – August – powerboat racing is big in the Caribbean and this race is one of the biggest. Catch all the action as they travel around the northwest peninsula of the island at bone-shaking speeds.
• Blue Food Festival – October/November – where a variety of cakes, drinks and liquors are enjoyed, made from the ground provision Dasheen. A true celebration of this unique root vegetable.

You’re in the tropics, so expect tropical temperatures all year round. Tobago is slightly cooler than Trinidad (by a degree, so you really won’t notice any difference). The average temperatures all year round range between 18-34°C. The dry season runs from January to May, with the rainy season kicking in from June to December. Don’t be put off, though, as any showers you might encounter are usually confined to the evening, they’re short, light, and surprisingly warm! The closer to the beaches you are, the more temperate the climate, making this an ideal destination at any time of the year.

• Island hopping – don’t confine your holidays to Tobago to the one island. Trinidad is just a short hop away and ferries between the two islands run every day. If you want to save time then you can hop onto an inter-island flight, which is a great way to see the islands from above.
• By taxi – the best way to get around. Taxis are plentiful and very cheap. Look for cars with a licence plate that starts with a letter ‘H’. Larger taxis (known as Maxi Taxis or Maxis) are minibuses, so if you’re with a big group of friends they’re a good option for getting around.