travel magazine tobago

Trending Destinations

Trending articles.

10 of the UK’s best stargazing escapes

10 of the best new wildlife trips for 2024

Where is Dune: Part Two filmed?

Destinations.

Sorry but no search results were found, please try again.

The ultimate Tobago travel tick list: 12 of the best things to do

Swimming with turtles? Tick. Trekking in the oldest protected forest reserve? Tick? Dancing at a festival? Tick. Tobago is full of bucket list adventures – so which will you add to your travel wish list?

1. Spot hundreds of birds

With over 260 different species of bird calling Tobago home – one of the highest densities in the world – birdwatchers are in for a real treat. Spy the island’s national bird, the rufous-vented chachalaca, motmots, jacamars and manakins among the canopies of Main Ridge Forest Reserve or head to the Corbin Local Wildlife Park or Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve to see busy-bodied hummingbirds fluttering by. 

2. Hike in the oldest protected forest reserve in the western hemisphere

Established by the British in 1776, Main Ridge Forest Reserve was the first reserve to be given protected status in the western hemisphere. A number of walking routes give you prime access to this wilderness, with the most well-known being the two-hour Gilpin Trace trail. You’ll cut right through the reserve’s thick rainforest, spotting armadillos, agoutis and snakes along the way. Main Ridge is also one of only two places in the world where you can spot the elusive white-tailed sabrewing.

3. See turtles

Once you glide past the rocky outcrops of Mount Irvine Bay you’ll reach what’s known as the Extension, a hot spots for turtles, whose calm nature means you’re afforded the rare opportunity to swim alongside them for epic up-close encounters. 

For a truly special encounter, wait until the turtles surface on land. Between March and August each year, female green, hawksbill and leatherback turtles haul themselves up Tobago’s golden sands to nest before their hatchlings make a mad survival dash to the ocean. The aptly named Turtle Beach is the best place to witness this natural phenomenon, but Stonehaven and Grafton beaches are also great choices to see them.

4. Make chocolate

Want to know what really goes into producing chocolate? Then have a tour of Tobago Cocoa Estate. All of the beans which make the island’s chocolate treats come from here, so where better to explore Tobago’s rich cocoa history? Tours are immersive, taking a deep dive into the island’s cocoa past, as well as getting you involved in different parts of the cocoa bean preparation process, from fermentation to the drying stage. Round off the tour with a taste of the finished chocolate and a shot of rum.

5. Swim with horses

Hop atop a horse in the south-western village of Buccoo to ride through Tobago’s mesmeric landscapes towards the coast.  Now, here comes the really fun bit: plod along golden Buccoo Beach before your horse wades into the gin-clear waters up to its neck for a gentle swim around Buccoo Bay – a feat that not only keeps their coats lustrous but helps forge a unique friendship between the pair of you.

6. Pull seine with the locals

Fishermen in coastal villages like Charlotteville, Castara and Parlatuvier cast their nets (known as seine) offshore early in the morning, before locals head to the beach to help haul in the fish-heavy nets – a communal practice that dates back 150 years. The more hands the merrier, so it’s well worth lending your muscle to this Tobagonian tradition. You’ll usually come away with a fish or two for your trouble, too.

 7. See a giant brain coral 

Kelleston Drain serves up quite the once-in-a-lifetime sight: a 16ft-wide brain coral that has been growing for centuries. You’ll also see ocean triggerfish, stingrays, nurse and reef sharks, and loads of different species of parrotfish will be swimming around you during your visit to the coral. 

8. Join in the fun at the Tobago Jazz experience  

This incredible festival held every April is a lively celebration of jazz music from all over the world. Whether you visit in the day or in the night, we bet you won’t be able to stop your feet from tapping along with the music. It’s not just about the show: you can indulge in tasty food, enjoy a beach side location and soak up incredible sea views – all of your senses will be happy. 

9. Crack the mystery of the Betty Stiven tombstone

One of Tobago’s biggest mysteries is at the 18th-century tombstone of Betty Stiven, where the confusing inscription – it speaks of her as a mother without knowing it and a wife without letting her husband know it – has had baffled visitors to the site guessing her fate for nearly 250 years. Will you be able to crack the riddle? 

10. Stand in the middle of the ocean

Found a mile off the coast of Pigeon Point and reached by glass-bottomed boat, Nylon Pool is one of nature’s oddities. Despite being so far away from land, you’re never more than thigh-deep in water at this coral pool in the middle of the ocean.  Legend has it, a swim in Nylon Pool will shave 10 years off your age.

11. Embark on a fort finding tour 

From glossy cannons to old sugar mills that have been reclaimed by nature, Tobago’s history can be read in the relics that still stand to tell the tale. Fort King George is the most well-preserved, built in the 18th century by the British and named in honour of King George III. Its colonial-era barracks, officers’ mess and cannons are some of the highlights of a walk around the grounds, while its high perch grants fine views over the capital, Scarborough, and beyond. Fort Bennett in Black Rock boasts crumbling battery remains and well-manicured gardens, while the oldest, Fort James in Plymouth, offers misty views across Great Courland Bay.

12. Learn to kite surf 

It’s not all about a peaceful snorkel in bath-still waters you know? Head to the west of the island and you’ll find waves whipped up by the wind. It’s here where you can embark on a thrill of a lifetime. Hire an expert local guide to teach you how to safely control the kite and before you know it you’ll be whizzing across the water by the power of wind. 

Feeling inspired? 

For more information on the best things to do in tobago, head over to   tobagobeyond.com.

How to take care of your teeth while travelling

Catch up on our Oman event

Travel Green List 2024: Sustainable travel destinations in Africa

Explore more.

Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club, full of travel inspiration, quizzes, events and more

Tobago travel guide: beaches, rainforests and feasting

Unwind to the beat of this small island's unique rhythm

• Newsletter sign up Newsletter

Barely a day into my visit to Tobago I found myself on horseback in the shallows of Buccoo Bay. I clung on, knowing my horse may wade in even further to swim, and that I would be expected to simply go with the flow. 

That was just another day in Tobago, a free-spirited Caribbean island with an uncanny habit for drawing you out of your comfort zone and into exhilarating escapades of adventure.

Why you should visit Tobago

There's a realness to Tobago that doesn't always feature in the Caribbean resort fantasy. The coves of pearly white sand, slouching palm trees and irresistible water are all there, but it's less manicured. The more built-up areas, like the capital Scarborough, are boisterous pockets of unfiltered life, while many inland villages are little more than clusters of half-finished buildings where untethered animals roam freely around their keepers. 

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Tobagonians wouldn't have it any other way. They've honed the art of not taking life too seriously, coolly devoting it to family and community, all generously seasoned with a mischievous sense of humour. These are the key ingredients to life here and, just like the local music genre soca, there's an inherently jovial rhythm to it all.

Pigeon Point is one of the island's most picture-perfect spots

What to do in Tobago

Sink into one of Tobago’s fine beaches and be entirely content. Buccoo Bay, Pigeon Point and Castara Bay are just a few of the most photogenic spots, but there are countless hidden gems waiting to be found, many virtually untouched by any flicker of civilisation. Pirate's Bay, on the northeast tip near Charlotteville, is every bit as secluded as it was in its more nefarious past. 

But it would be a crime to limit any experience of Tobago to beaches alone. When it's not submerged between the tides, No Man's Land is an uninhabited peninsula that attracts hordes of visitors twice a day. There are schools of brilliantly coloured parrotfish in the coral reefs that can be snorkelled just a few minutes out from this ribbon of sandy coastline. Somehow the water is knee-deep out by those reefs, so you can experience the phenomenon of standing in the middle of the Caribbean Sea.

Whether you prefer to paddleboard or snorkel, you can explore the coastline above and below water

Inland Tobago engulfs you in exotic plant and animal life, an experience that peaks on the island of Little Tobago . It's reserved exclusively for nature, particularly the many seabirds that flock balletically off its verdant coastline, and none more famously than the elegant red-billed tropicbird. It's a steep, sweaty ascent to the island's observation deck, but if David Attenborough deemed the airborne spectacle that awaits you worthy of his "Trials of Life" BBC series, you might too. 

The main island is just as fertile, with a soaring, rainforest-covered interior that feeds a vibrant ecosystem and climate. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a portal to the oldest protected rainforest on the planet, and home to a thriving colony of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. 

A guided tour is an immersive introduction to the island's ecological lifeblood, especially when you discover the enchanting waterfalls hidden deep in the overgrowth. The water is far from cold at Parlatuvier Falls, but it offers welcome and well-earned refreshment after a day spent navigating the dense and unruly vegetation. 

Discover the island's exotic plant and animal life, such as the Trinidad motmot

Eating and drinking

Tobago's cuisine, with its roots in the Indian subcontinent, is anything but subtle. Flavour, spice, heat – all are cranked up to the max. Take the ubiquitous breakfast street food, doubles. These small flatbreads filled with curried chickpeas may look harmless but deliver a ferociously potent hit of deep, fruity, addictive heat that I'm still reminiscing about. 

Fish is both a staple and delicacy, the warm waters giving the island rich stocks of kingfish, lobster and red snapper. At the rustic Bird Watcher's Restaurant and Bar in Speyside, owner Mr Frank has been serving what many locals consider the island's finest lobster for over 20 years; I would consider it arguably the finest lobster I’ve eaten anywhere. The huge specimens are grilled simply with butter, lemon and garlic and are best eaten by hand in a ritual of shameless, messy silence, lubricated by a cleansing Carib beer. 

Tobago's exotic produce is the foundation of specialties found everywhere, like hearty coconut bake, fragrant crab and dumplings , and comforting breadfruit and stewed dasheen. Fresh coconut water, drank directly from the machete-hacked opening of the fruit, never gets boring. Even the menus of the more refined dining spots, like The Seahorse at Stonehaven Bay or the Brown Cow in Pigeon Point, never stray too far from Tobago's most classic dishes, even if their zingy, rum-spiked cocktails may be a notch more flamboyant.

Tobago's cuisine packs a punch – expect spice, flavour and heat

Where to stay in Tobago

For now, Tobago is one of the few Caribbean islands that isn't overrun by blingy, identikit hotel resorts. Perhaps the nearest things to that aren't hotels at all. 

Ohana Villa is a 12-person rental property of dramatic scale, elevated on the Scarborough coast. The opulent terrace has two infinity pools and the grandest rooms have four-poster beds, with showers inside and out, offering inspiring sea views. 

Sunsets are unrivalled, either from the house or the strip of quasi-private beach it comes with. The building's arrowing silhouette recalls period architecture from the Far East, while the interior has a luxe Polynesian finish. Together it's an extravagant wedding venue, bougie getaway or potential "Love Island" location.

Sunsets at Ohana Villa are 'unrivalled'

Castara Retreats is more like a hotel, just with fewer bad habits. Overlooking the ruggedly beautiful Castara Bay on the Caribbean coast, the complex of eco-lodges unfurls over the abundant hillside rainforest, like ivy over a castle's walls. Some of the self-catering cabins have terraces facing both the sea and the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and, if the weather turns, trust me – it's the kind of rainfall you'll enjoy being woken by.

The hotel's sustainability practices contribute to Tobago's growing reputation as an ecotourism hotspot. It is constantly fine-tuning its approach to hospitality, including its authentic restaurant, but it is already bringing its A-game to the wellness offering. Led by Judha, who conducts welcoming daily yoga classes and personalised massage therapies, it's a key reason why Castara Retreats can legitimately call itself a retreat.

Focus on wellness and relaxation at Castara Retreats

Rates at Ohana Villa start from £1,343 (USD$1,699) per day from May to October, and £1,580 (USD$1,999) during the high season. Rates at Castara Retreats start from £117 (USD$148) for a one-bedroom lodge during the main season, and £130 (USD$164) during high.    

Dominic was invited to visit Tobago by Four PR agency, working on behalf of the Tobago Tourism Agency (TTA). Castara Retreats hosted Dominic on a complimentary basis, while TTA sponsored experiences at Ohana Villa and other selected businesses in Tobago during his stay.

Sign up for The Week’s  Travel newsletter  for destination inspiration and the latest news and trends.  

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox

A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com

Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day

By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published 4 June 24

Speed Read The Big Island volcano is one of the world's most active

By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published 4 June 24

Speed Read Weidong "Bill" Guan stands accused of laundering $67 million

By Peter Weber, The Week US Published 4 June 24

The Week Recommends You don't have to sweat it out to revel in the great outdoors

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 4 June 24

The Week Recommends Lake Como, Tulum and Nantucket await

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 30 May 24

In Depth Dear Life author has died aged 92

By The Week UK Published 25 May 24

In Depth From 'Harriet the Spy' to 'Little Red Riding Hood,' these books have all fallen afoul of censors

By The Week Staff Published 24 May 24

The Week Recommends Your breath will leap right off the edge of those steep, steep cliffs

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 16 May 24

The Week Recommends From Arches to Zion, you should wander them all

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 10 May 24

The Week Recommends Have beach time in the Dominican Republic or a spa day in Saint-Tropez

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 2 May 24

The Week Recommends Go your own way

By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published 30 April 24

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Advertise With Us

The Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Culture News Tourism

Culture Tobago Updates Morning Show

Culture Entertainment Tobago Updates Morning Show

Culture Entertainment News

Culture News

Culture Good Morning Tobago

Culture Fashion News

Tobago Gets Coveted Spot in Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Destination Tobago gets a coveted spot in a Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Tobago, recently awarded the Bronze in the Most Desirable Island – Rest of World category at the 2023 Wanderlust Readers Travel Awards, is now featured in Wanderlust Travel Magazine’s hotlist of dream destinations for 2024. The 11-page feature showcases Tobago’s enchanting forests, nature trails, and beaches, highlighting its unique charm. This media coverage reflects the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited’s efforts to enhance the island’s visibility and appeal in the UK market. Wanderlust Travel Magazine, a leading UK publication, recognizes Tobago’s allure and natural beauty.

Hero’s Welcome for Roxborough Sec

Intermediate Fuel Oil

You may like

T.A.R.I. Coming Soon & Tractor Pool | Natisha Charles Pantin | Host: Shenell Felix |Tobago Updates

UNSDG and THA | Natisha Charles Pantin | Host: Shenell Felix |Tobago Updates

In His Presence 11th Edition | Junah Ross & Vern Joseph | Host: Adanna Combie | Tobago Updates

TPP Internal Elections

Primary Plenary | Sophia Cooper | Host: Adanna Combie | Tobago Updates

Sub-National Voices Left Out

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Unity among SIDS going forward

Dream 11 Tobago T10 Blast 2024

NATIONAL CARNIVAL 2024 – TOBAGO’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Cocaine Drifts Ashore

Tobago Cricket Association Legaue 2024

PUBLIC ADVISORY: Use of the Buccoo Reef Marine protected area during Easter 2024

Prime Minister to Tour Tobago On Sunday

TEMA Update On The Tobago Oil Spill | Allan Stewart

Rum Bum: The Estate 2024 | Quincy Trim | Host: Dwayne Nurse | Tobago Updates

Tobago Goes Green

Consider the Poor in Society

CNG Comes to Tobago

Dignity Kits Distribution

• WordPress.org
• Documentation
• Learn WordPress

Check the PageSpeed score

PageSpeed score is an essential attribute to your website’s performance. It affects both the user experience and SEO rankings.

You can hide this element from the settings

Checking...

We are checking the PageSpeed score of your Tobago in Wanderlust’s Hotlist of Dream Destinations for 2024 page.

Live Streaming

Moms' night out 2024.

© Copyright 2023 103 FM. All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by Efoundry Digital Agencey LTD

Tobago in Wanderlust’s Hotlist of Dream Destinations for 2024

• February 23, 2024
• No Comments

Tobago has copped a coveted spot in the latest issue of Wanderlust Travel Magazine.

The island is included in the magazine’s hotlist of dream destinations for 2024.

Wanderlust is one of the largest travel magazines in the UK, with 1.2 million page views per month from an average of 682,000 unique users.

The news is being welcomed by the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited, which says it is testament to ongoing efforts to raise the island’s profile and appeal in the UK market.

The feature is penned by the magazine’s Founding Editor, Lyn Hughes, and speaks to Tobago’s unspoilt forests, exotic nature trails and secluded beaches, as well as the strong sense of island pride and history of environmental conservation.

The full article will be available online at the end of March 2024.

It comes on the heels of Tobago being bestowed the Bronze Award in the ‘Most Desirable Island – Rest of World’ category at the 2023 Wanderlust Readers Travel Awards.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Recent News

Chris must list to explore legal action against newspaper, india beat ireland by 8 wickets in t20 world cup, belmont man in court for murder, over $17 million in marijuana seized in dow village, efforts needed to address environmental issues, gaza health ministry: at least 35,586 palestinians killed since oct 7, quick links, live streams.

• #54 [Cor] 12th Street & 8th Avenue, Barataria, Trinidad
• (868) 628-9222
• [email protected]

Discover Trinidad & Tobago

Destination Guide | Travel & Vacation Planner

Our 5 (well, more than 5) favourite Tobago beaches for 2023

OK, no matter what else you may have come to Tobago to explore, enjoying its truly stunning beaches is bound to feature high up on your list of things to do! So here are our top five — plus many of our other favourites. One quick tip: the further north you go, the quieter the beaches tend to be. And, of course, if you want the low-down on all Tobago’s beaches, make sure to check out the rest of our Beaches section!

25+ cool & important facts about Trinidad & Tobago

There are many people and things that have landed Trinidad and Tobago in the history books …or which are just plain cool! Here are just some. And if you know more that you think should be here, feel free to give us a shout! We always love to hear from our readers.

Watching out for Trinidad & Tobago’s turtles

Your guide to turtle-watching and turtle conservation in both Trinidad and Tobago

Go hiking: popular Trinidad hikes for your bucket list

Of all the out-doorsy things you can do in Trinidad & Tobago , hiking is one of the best. Much like the country, hikes can accommodate almost everyone, from the gentle soul who’s looking for equally gentle terrain to the most intrepid, bring-it-on types. Here are some of Trinidad’s most popular hikes — from easy waterfall hikes, to caves with over a million bats, and the country’s most gruelling climb

Mishael Morgan: Trinidad-born, Emmy-winning history maker

Trinidad-born Mishael Morgan made history in June as the first woman of colour to win the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. A few weeks after her historic win, Caroline Taylor caught up with her for a wide-ranging chat about her career, living a purpose-driven life — and what’s next for her

Tobago sightseeing — and boons for birders!

Our favourite sightseeing spots, day trips , and birdwatching sites

Becoming a Payge Turner: meet Trinidad’s Paige Roopchan (part 2)

With a wealth of both musical and athletic talent, Trinidad-born Paige “ Payge Turner ” Roopchan’s path, however winding, seems destined for stardom

Tobago achieves two green travel milestones

Northeast Tobago declared a UNESCO Man & Biosphere Reserve, right after three Tobago beaches achieve Blue Flag Pilot status Earlier today, the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited and the Environmental Research Institute, Charlotteville (ERIC) celebrated the island obtaining the UNESCO Man & the Biosphere (MAB) designation, which TTAL described as an opportunity to develop and promote …

Saving Trinidad’s Asa Wright Nature Centre

The treasured eco centre needs to urgently raise capital in order to stay operational Exactly a month ago, on the 24th of September, the Asa Wright Nature Centre ’s Facebook page put out an SOS for help. “Due to COVID-19, we need your help now!” The post read, explaining that donors had the opportunity to double …

Trinidad Tourism begins to prepare for T&T border re-opening

Trinidad’s tourism stakeholders are one step closer to safely re-opening the sector to international travellers. Tourism Trinidad Limited (TTL), in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), hosted a webinar called Train the Trainer: COVID-19 Health Guidelines for Reopening the Tourism Sector & the Tourism Health Information System on 14th October. Over 200 tourism …

Meet the Johnsons | The making of a Trini Payge Turner (part 1)

With roots in a multi-talented and musical Trinidadian family, Paige Roopchan is fruit falling very close to the tree By now, you’ve no doubt seen 28-year-old Payge Turner ‘s stunning performance on the season premiere of The Voice last Monday. If not, you can check it out below. You can also read our full profile on …

Discover more

• Mexican Edition
• German Edition
• Italian Edition
• Turkish Edition
• Portuguese Edition
• Order back issues
• Login / Register

Natural Wonder - a gourmet guide to Tobago - Tobago

• Where to Stay

Travel Information

• Where to Eat

Food Glossary

Where to stay.

Castara Retreats With rainforest above and ocean below, this sustainable star on the island’s unspoilt north-west takes its design cues from Japanese haiku houses. Each of the cedar- and cypress-wood lodges has an indoor- outdoor lounge, ocean panoramas, kitchenette and upcycled rattan furniture. Wellness is another draw to the family-run retreat, from daily drop-in yoga classes to massage treatments. Doubles from £139 (3 nights minimum). North Side Road, Castara, 07908 978 477, castararetreats.com

Half Moon Blue Hotel With a former fashion model at the helm, there are few clues to the 19th-century building’s former life as a donkey stable – these days, the infinity pool, chaises longues and four-poster beds bring an altogether chicer aesthetic. Occupying a serene hillside spot close to Fort King George, this boutique bolthole is home to just eight suites, plus a spectacular penthouse loft. Doubles from £163 including breakfast. 73 Bacolet Street, Scarborough, 00 1 868 639 3551, halfmoonblue.com

Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort Inside the grounds of this coconut plantation turned luxury oceanfront hotel on Tobago’s south-west tip you’ll find an 18-hole golf course, nature trails and mangrove forest as well as eight on-site restaurants. Rooms take traditional island style – all zesty lime and turquoise hues and dark wood – while suites come with private hot tubs. Doubles from £200 including breakfast. Tobago Plantations Estate, Lowlands, 00 1 868 660 8500, magdalenagrand.com

Plantation Beach Villas These spacious candyfloss-coloured villas with shared outdoor pool are just steps away from Stonehaven Bay, one of the south coast’s loveliest beaches and a seasonal turtle nesting site. The veranda views from the three-bedroom pads are hard to beat and hummingbirds frequent the landscaped gardens. Villas from £403 (sleeping 6, 3 nights minimum). Stonehaven Bay Road, Black Rock, 00 1 868 639 9377, plantationbeachvillas.com

Sitting off the coast of Venezuela, the unspoilt island of Tobago – Trinidad’s smaller sister – is the original castaway destination. Currency is the TT (Trinidad and Tobago) dollar and time is four hours behind GMT. Flight time from London to ANR Robinson International Airport, Tobago, is around 10 hours and 20 minutes.

GETTING THERE British Airways offer weekly flights from London Gatwick with one stop in St Lucia. BA also fly from London Gatwick to Trinidad three times a week, from where passengers can take a Caribbean Airlines domestic flight to Tobago. britishairways.com carribbeanairlines.com

RESOURCES Tobago Tourism Agency Limited ( TTAL) is the national tourism board and your official guide to the island. Its website is full of inspiration and information to help you plan your trip. tobagobeyond.com

Where to eat

Prices are per person for a three-course meal, excluding drinks, unless otherwise stated

Anchor Bar & Grill A lively oceanfront spot for casual, toes-in-the-sand dining and rum cocktails. Don’t miss the Monday night Pan and Roast event, which stages a live steel pan band and traditional barbecue stall, cooking breadfruit and catch of the day over hot coals. Mains from £9. Shirvan Road, Mount Irvine, 00 1 868 660 5687

Blue Crab Restaurant Charismatic octogenarian couple Alison and Kenneth provide the warmest hospitality and a menu that deftly updates classic Tobagonian recipes. Crab and dumplings, for instance, is reimagined as delicate pasta parcels filled with crab meat and resting in a silky curried sauce, while breadfruit is made into a remoulade for a lighter side dish. Leave room for the decadent banana-chocolate bread and butter pudding. From £23. 5 Robinson Street, Scarborough, 00 1 868 639 2737, tobagobluecrab.com

Frontline Flavours From cooked breakfasts to hearty curries, soups and stews, expect an epic buffet spread of Creole cuisine at this roadside café. And far from being an afterthought, sides like twice-baked potatoes, macaroni pie and breadfruit salad are something to write home about. Lunch dishes from £7.70. 83 Black Rock Main Road, 00 1 868 784 5557

La Tartaruga Head to the fishing village of Buccoo for classic Italian fare, including freshly made pasta and home-cured fish carpaccio and prosciutto. An impressive wine cellar and effusive Milanese owner make for a memorable evening. From £35. Auchenskeoch Buccoo Main Road, Buccoo, 00 1 868 277 7016, latartarugatobago.com

Miss Trim’s You can’t visit Tobago without sampling crab and dumplings and this hole-in-the-wall kiosk is hailed as the place for one of the island’s tastiest versions. Since the original Miss Trim, 88-year-old Greta, retired, daughter Misha whips up the aromatic, subtly spiced family recipe to a legion of local fans. Curried goat and conch, oxtail stew and roti are also chalked up on the lunch menu. Devour at nearby picnic tables, with plenty of napkins. Crab and dumplings £8.90. Store Bay Beach Facility, Crown Point, Scarborough, 00 1 868 715 6577

Raychard’s A lunchtime takeaway spot for hearty portions of traditional island dishes, like coconut milk stew oil-down, crab and dumplings, callaloo and macaroni pie. Chef Shannon Skeete is keen to celebrate local produce, with trees in the restaurant’s back yard providing breadfruit, mangoes and more. Mains from £12. Golden Groove Road, Golden Groove, Buccoo, 00 1 868 660 5117

The Seahorse Inn With its sweeping terrace, crisp white tablecloths and a soundtrack of lapping waves, this is one of Tobago’s most elegant, atmospheric dining destinations. International fare like lobster thermidor meets island recipes raised to lofty heights – highlights include a velvety emerald-green callaloo soup, Creole crab cakes and blackened swordfish. From £35. Old Grafton Beach Road, Black Rock, 00 1 868 639 0686, seahorserestaurantandbar.godaddysites.com

Z’s Grill Shack Lionfish, lobster, jumbo shrimp, steak – all are served sizzling and well-seasoned, alongside seasonal fruit salsas or garlic butter, colourful salads and fried plantain. The setting is a breezy, bohemian deck hung with local artworks. Mains from £15. Pleasant Prospect, Black Rock, 001 868 371 5646

Zib’s Homemade Ice Cream Seasonal, local fruits make for an unusual line-up of flavours at this seafront ice-cream shop – how about a scoop of guava pine, bay leaf, jackfruit or soursop? The bestseller is red mango, islanders’ favourite childhood snack. Single scoop £1.40. Store Bay Beach Facility, Crown Point, Scarborough, 00 1 868 270 0663

Food and Travel Review

The Caribbean breeze is spice scented. Cloves, ginger and nutmeg combined with caramelised sugar. Drifting from the kitchen of roadside café Frontline Flavours, these aromas immediately stir up associations with Christmas – incongruous as that may seem against the backdrop of palm trees and a blazing sun rapidly melting the ice in your punch.

Chef Danielle Stewart is baking black cake. A wickedly sticky, dense confection of steamed, rum-soaked and macerated fruit, it’s the much-anticipated finale to festive gatherings across Tobago. ‘On this island, people really love to eat, so you can imagine how seriously we take our Christmas food,’ says Danielle. ‘Everyone is very particular about what blend of spices they use, each family with their own recipe going back generations.’ A triumvirate of spiced, seasonal tipples will be free-flowing: tangy, ruby-red sorrel, (made from a red flower – not the green herb common in Britain – and bay); ponche de crème, their rum-spiked spin on eggnog; and fermented ginger beer. And the big day always starts with hops and ham – clove-studded gammons that are traditionally boiled in old biscuit tins, ‘which intensifies the flavour and aroma’, sandwiched into fluffy brioche rolls (lashings of hot pepper sauce: optional). Such dishes are emblematic of Tobago’s broader culinary culture: one that prizes one-pot comfort food, communal cooking and family recipes over haute cuisine or flavour fads, and stars a multicultural mix of spices and ground provisions, borne to these shores on trade winds by Tobago’s varied settlers.

Not far from the coast of Venezuela, Tobago’s often called Trinidad’s ‘little sister’ – resembling an apostrophe to its island- nation sibling when viewed on the map. Yet, despite spanning a mere 116sq km, it’s a produce powerhouse. Bathed in Caribbean sunshine and doused in seasonal rains, practically every inch of the mountainous landscape erupts with lush, green life. Branches hang low with ripe fruit – mango, papaya, breadfruit, five finger (star fruit) and soursop – like baubles dangling from a Christmas tree. Even where jungle gives way to beach, the boughs of sea grape, almond, hog plum and tamarind provide shade over the powdery sand. As local tour guide Phillip Diamond Williams points out, ‘It’s difficult to go hungry in Tobago. At any time, you can just stop in the road and pick some ripe mangoes.’

This abundance goes beyond exotic fruits, though. The unsung island is home to the largest Unesco biosphere reserve in the English-speaking Caribbean, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Here, between tumbling waterfalls and crimson-leaved flamboyant trees, you might spot the iridescent emerald plumage of a white-tailed sabrewing or a blue-grey tanager flashing feathers the colour of the Caribbean Sea. Hummingbirds hover beside hibiscus flowers, dipping their needle-like beaks into the pink petals. On summer nights, 450kg leatherback turtles haul themselves on to these beaches to nest; morning beach strolls on Grafton Bay or Great Courland reveal chevron-shaped flipper marks leading to tell-tale mounds of sand, each holding 100 or so eggs.

For centuries, Tobago’s fecundity was exploited by Europeans, who established indigo, tobacco, cotton and sugar plantations, and the island changed hands more than 30 times in 250 years. The Dutch left crumbling remains of coral-stone windmills and, after emancipation, Indian migrants came here to fill labour shortages, making spice-laden street food such as doubles and roti an integral part of local cuisine. The legacy of French and British rule lingers in canon-studded clifftop forts and place names – you can drive from Bon Accord to Belmont via Goodwood, Windsor and Speyside – and the first peoples called the island Tavaco or Tabaco after the Spanish word for tobacco, likening its shape to the far cigars smoked by indigenous inhabitants. It was also the Spaniards who introduced cacao trees and the celebrated Trinitario variety was created here – a hybrid of the flavourful Criollo and hardy Forastero, both from Venezuela. ‘Workers would walk on the beans with their feet to smooth and polish them,’ explains chocolatier Jean Claude Petit, ‘and, well, if you know anything about the Caribbean, we like music and we like to move, so the ritual became known as “dancing the cocoa”.’

By the 1800s, Trinidad and Tobago had become the world’s third- largest producer of cocoa, sought by Europe’s most prestigious confectioners. ‘Today it’s less than one per cent,’ laments Jean-Paul, ‘since the economy shifted to petroleum in the Fifties, which is tragic because we grow the world’s best cocoa. It’s a very delicately flavoured cocoa with no bitterness.’

Aiming to revive the industry and get more Tobagonians to enjoy their homegrown hybrid, Jean Claude established the island’s first bean-to-bar company, Tobago Chocolate Delights, in 2014. ‘The best chocolate manufacturers in Europe tell you they use Trinitario, but it might make up just one or two per cent of the bar, whereas here we use 100 per cent,’ he points out. At his tiny workshop in Scarborough’s environs, Jean Claude roasts, grinds and ferments the beans in-house, with the whole process taking around 30 hours.

Tempered to a glossy shine and set in moulds, the chocolates lining the counter feature all-natural, seasonal flavours, from guava jelly and rum cream to hot pepper or tonka bean. The most traditional way for islanders to consume their cocoa is in liquid form, though. To sample a cup, we leave Tobago’s more developed south-west corner behind and follow winding lanes inland to reach the village of Les Coteaux, a name that aptly means ‘the hills’.

Coconut-scented woodsmoke beckons the visitor into the front yard of Prince and Monica Williams’ home. Cacoa trees border the cottage, sprouting tiny, white star-shaped flowers. Crack open the pods and you’ll find a mixture of milky pulp and seeds. The latter gets scraped out, roasted, shelled and finally rolled into a palm- sized ball – like the one Monica is grating into a pot of simmering water. She stirs in a handful of crushed bay leaves and lemongrass from the garden, followed by condensed milk. Over another open fire, Prince tends to a classic Caribbean cooked breakfast. Flaked saltfish sizzles in a pan alongside onion, sweet peppers and tomatoes; the crust of coconut bake (flatbread) turns golden brown. Together, these recipes form the perfect combination of sweetness and saltiness with a hint of spice and citrus.

Besides running cookery workshops, the Williams and their 13 children are essentially Tobago’s answer to the von Trapp family, performing together in the island’s annual Heritage Festival (July- August). While visitors slurp down the chocolate tea from enamel camping mugs and scoop up the fish with the bread, Prince settles down with a homemade goatskin tambrin and plays a series of folk songs, pausing to explain how the instrument was invented. ‘Back in the day, slaves saw drumming as a telephone to their ancestors, a way to secretly communicate,’ he says. ‘The masters didn’t like this and tried to put a stop to it, so people cut down the drums and hid them under their clothes.’ Percussion as a form of resistance similarly inspired the island’s iconic steel pan bands, cobbling together drums from scrap metal and oil barrels. It seems that music, like food, can’t be separated from the island’s colourful past.

Many staple Tobagonian dishes arose from the resourcefulness of the population, points out private chef Arthur Patrick. ‘There’s a lot of communal cooking, one-pot dishes and stews. People had to forage to supplement the provisions they were given.’ A case in point would be crab and dumplings, Tobago’s national dish. Freshwater blue crabs were easy to pick from the island’s swamps and simmered in coconut milk alongside wild-growing spices, with cornmeal dumplings to bulk out the dish.

Another foodstuff bound up in this chapter of Tobago’s history is dasheen (taro), a tuber that arrived aboard transatlantic ships and sustained islanders for centuries. Its spinach-like leaves are sautéed to make callaloo, while the root provides a nutrient-rich, starchy staple when boiled. But perhaps nobody has been so inventive with it as Yzanne Williams-Chance, author of a cookbook featuring some 60 dasheen recipes, and owner of Calypso Girl Experience, a company producing dasheen-based wines, condiments and cakes. Travelling to meet the ‘Dasheen Queen’ in the home of blue food (so-called because dasheen takes

on a blueish hue when cooked), L’Anse Fourmi Bloody Bay, on Tobago’s wilder northern shore, means following the coast road – all corkscrew bends and sudden reveals of picture-perfect bays: Castara, Englishman’s, Parlatuvier. On these powdery sands, you’re likely to find a stand selling bags of sweets such as coconut milk fudge, cumin-marinated mango, lime balls and crunchy sesame benesticks, while a handful of fishing boats and intrepid snorkellers bob in the turquoise shallows. It’s easy to see why Tobago was used as the filming location for 1960’s Swiss Family Robinson.

L’Anse Fourmi’s dramatic cliffside location means the village’s outdoor wood-fired oven also comes with sea views. ‘Dasheen is incredibly versatile,’ enthuses Yzanne, as she sifts dasheen flour into a batter for banana muffins. ‘Anything that potato can make, dasheen can do. In baking, it adds a subtly nutty flavour, plus it’s gluten free.’ Were there any dasheen recipe experiments that didn’t work? Yzanne shakes her head, laughing. ‘From cheesecakes to ice cream, you name it, we’ve made it.’ To prove her point, she produces a dish of dasheen-stuffed breaded chicken breasts, a jar of pickled dasheen spiced with amchar masala, even a bracingly strong punch.

Such is enthusiasm for the humble tuber that an entire event is dedicated to it. Running since 1998, October’s Blue Food Festival now attracts a 2,000-strong crowd to nearby Bloody Bay and even has an offshoot in New York. Along with Christmas and the monthly Harvest Festivals, it’s one of the highlights of the island’s culinary calendar – yet another example of Tobagonians’ talent for creativity, cooking up a storm and making merry.

Estella Shardlow and Marina Spironetti travelled courtesy of Tobago Tourism Agency. tobagobeyond.com

Get Premium access to all the latest content online

Subscribe and view full print editions online... Subscribe

Tobago secures Bronze at prestigious Wanderlust Travel Awards

Posted Nov 09, 2023

The unspoilt Caribbean island of Tobago has once again claimed the spotlight on the global stage, emerging triumphant at the prestigious 2023 Wanderlust Readers Travel Awards during WTM London, the world’s most influential travel trade event. The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) proudly accepted the Bronze (third place) award in the Most Desirable Island - Rest of World category, further solidifying Tobago's position as a premier Caribbean destination of global renown.

On Tuesday 7th November, The Honourable Farley Augustine, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, Councillor Tashia Burris, Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation, along with TTAL marketing officials joined hundreds of the world’s foremost travel leaders at the British Museum for the results ceremony of the 22nd Wanderlust Travel Awards.

Wanderlust is the largest travel magazine by circulation in the UK and has been hosting the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards for over two decades. The 22nd edition of the was a record breaker, with more than 91,000 votes received from across the globe.

Wanderlust's reader-voted awards were announced across 20 categories, celebrating the world's best regions, countries, and islands. In the highly coveted Most Desirable Island (World) category, Tobago distinguished itself by clinching the Bronze award, surpassing last year's gold winner Palawan (4th place). This year’s Gold award went to Cuba, while Taiwan secured the Silver.

Ms. Alicia Edwards, Chairman of TTAL, commented on this recent achievement, stating:

"This Wanderlust Readers Travel Award is a testament to Tobago's timeless allure and the tireless efforts of the team here at the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited. We are honoured to be recognized once more as one of the most desirable islands in the world, as this accolade not only elevates Tobago's profile within the publication’s own esteemed travel trade community, but reinforces our island's appeal to discerning travellers worldwide.”

In the wake of this achievement, TTAL looks forward to leveraging this accolade to propel Tobago even further onto the world tourism map, achieving unprecedented success in the pursuit of its strategic objectives.

• Add Your Travel Deal
• FREE Travel Newsletter

A travel guide to the Caribbean island of Trinidad, Trinidad & Tobago

Beaches, bird and boat tours through mangroves, the lush mountainous island of trinidad should be seen..

The day I arrived on the Caribbean island of Trinidad I, along with seemingly all the islanders, went to a cricket match at Queens Park Oval in the capital, Port of Spain. Trinidad’s Knight Riders were playing Guyuna’s Amazon Warriors.

Trinidad’s Knight Riders vs Guyuna’s Amazon Warriers cricket match at the Oval

This was my debut cricket match and any preconceptions of anything genteel were quickly bowled out. The party atmosphere was pumped with Soca music, acrobats, and dancers, and at every 6 or wicket, the crowd erupted into dancing, twerking with abandon.

Meanwhile, Independence Day bunting was everywhere. A former Spanish colony by virtue of Christopher Columbus then ceded to the Brits in 1797 the nation finally achieved independence in 1962 and celebrated with gusto every September.

There was merriment in the air and I was told by a local with a charming lilt “People here are forthright and say what they mean  – this is not a PC country and no one takes offense – we laugh instead”.

There is an ingrained sense of humour in this multicultural society, a mash-up of African, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and European heritage.  It’s all upbeat just like their Soca music – think calypso but with more soul sprinkled with a blend of African and East Indian rhythms with a bit of Reggae and Latin.

And the charming Steel Pan orchestral music. The most famous orchestra is the 80-strong Shell Invaders who were founded almost 100 years ago. Get there in February and you will hear them playing at Trinidad’s annual carnival.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by The Travel Magazine (@travelmagazine)

Trinidad is its own island, and yet one nation with Tobago around 30km away. Many pass over Trinidad in search of the paradise sand and sea of Tobago. Trinidad is mountainous and lush and has plenty to offer explorers who are happy to “lime,” – hang out – and/or explore its valleys.

A whizz around the capital, Port of Spain, Trinidad

Gingerbread houses

San Juan, Trinidad Photo by Kenrick Baksh on Unsplash

Port of Spain, is clad in low-rise pastel-coloured buildings especially around San Juan, with some high rises along the coast. The most stylish area is at Queen’s Park West where cutesy early 20th-century gingerbread houses have been renovated.

National Trust of Trinidad & Tobago

Archebishop's residence

Stollmeyers Castle, Trinidad

There are plenty of them but the must-sees are the Magnificent Seven around the Savannah at Queen’s Park.  Opposite is the sprawling Queens Park Savannah public park, once part of a sugar plantation and now the site of the annual carnival, and nearby is the Anglican, Gothic-designed Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Emperor Zoo and Royal Botanical Gardens.

Central Market

For a glimpse into local life, I visited Central Market on Beetham Highway. Fruit and veg, peppers, all manner of food as well as a fish section are available. Vibrant, colourful, and lively with local treats and Indian sweets from producers and farmers from all over Trinidad.

House of Angostura

The company set up its distillery in Port of Spain in the mid-19th Century and to this day its recipe for the Angostura bitters remains cloaked in secrecy. The company is also the biggest rum producer.  Still, a tour of the distillery and its museum is an interesting way to spend an afternoon.  Oh and check out their quirky butterfly collection and art collection.

From Maraval to La Vigie Paramin Lookout

I love a good view and Trinidad is blessed with them. La Vigie at Paramin is probably the most famous. We made our 940 metres/3084 feet twisty ascent to Paramin village from Maraval, a suburb of Port of Spain. It is on one of the highest points of the western area of the Northern Range mountains and the drive is through the palm-tree-lined valley, over North Coast Road tackling the most sheer slopes. Tricky, even in a hardy Jeep but the views on the way are wonderful. And there are some treats on the way.

On either side, there are sprawling mountains villages, and fertile lands where a cottage industry has grown up.

We stopped to pick up some provisions from M&M Preservatives, run by sisters Marlene Gonzales and Marcia Pierre. Avocados, sorrel and peppers are grown on the land that surrounds their home. They produce homemade pepper sauces, coconut fudge, kurma, toolum sorrel juice even homemade icecream.

Further along, we passed the Church of Guadalupe, a Roman Catholic Church. They dynamited the land and used the stone to build it.  On a bend sits a large photo of Francis Felix, famous for being the oldest resident of Trinidad & Tobago. He died in 2017 at the ripe old age of 111 and this is his memorial.

Nanan flat bottom boat trip through Caroni Swamp

In 1962, when Trinidad and Tobago became an Independent Nation, the Scarlet Ibis was selected as the National Bird of Trinidad. The best place to see these magnificent red birds as well as 180 other species including the pink flamingo is in the Caroni Swamp. Within the 40 square miles of mangrove and swamp there are 40 species of fish, several species of snakes, crabs, and crab-eating raccoons.

Nanan’s Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tours, a family business that’s been going for almost 100 years, offers a  well-honed experience in a flat bottom boat, pointing out the sleeping snakes and other animals.

Dinner is served while floating through the mangroves and finally arriving at the island where the birds of the region congregate.

The Beaches

Two fine beaches are easy to get to from the capital through Santa Cruz or San Juan to the North Coast Road. I bathed in the warm waters of the quiet Blue Flag Las Cuevas Bay.

On the way down I bought a coconut from a local seller with a joint hanging from his lips. The coconut juice was cooling while I looked out onto the Caribbean Sea hypnotised by comings of goings of the waves lapping the soft sand. 

View over Cuveas Bay

Coconut seller on Las Cuevas Bay beach Trinidad

La Cuveas Bay beach, Trinidad

Richard'ss Bake and Shark

Our host braved the queues for us

When the hunger pangs set in we set off to the nearby lively Maracas Beach where, at Richard’s wooden shack restaurant, we enjoyed the Bake and Shark menu. This is a traditional Trinidadian fast food cuisine, some say classic street food, where food is served on fried flat bread.

It’s a popular place and our tour host Tano Harewood, owner of Island Tours, managed to wade through the long queues to pick up our orders. I went for a Trini Aloo Pie a pastry filled with seasoned mashed potatoes and then fried. Others went for shrimp or shark.

Cruise to the Gasparee Caves and the Islands

It’s just a 10-minute boat ride from Chaguaramas, west of Port of Spain, to the lovely Gaspar Grande island. A 30-minute hike leads to the well-lit beautiful limestone caverns of Gasparee Caves worth visiting to see stalagmites and stalactites and the daylight bouncing off the saltwater pool at the Blue Grotto at the bottom. It’s very atmospheric and according to Leann Kirton, our tour guide, this has been the site for weddings too.

Blue Grotto - wedding venue

Spotting Anhinga/Snake Bird

A secluded bay

Tour by boat

It’s best to go on an organised tour with a guide to point out the magnificent fauna and flora and later continue the boat trip around the Islands. On a speed boat called “Life is Good” we toured one of the sea channels in the Boca del Dragon – from where we could see Venezuela – stopping at Scotland Bay and Sandy Bay where we spotted turtles popping their heads above water and an anhinga bird on the rocks. Back on the boat we were served lunch and rum cocktails and had an opportunity to dip in the warm Caribbean Sea.

STAY: Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre Hotel in Port of Spain

TOURS: Island Experiences contact [email protected]

FLY : BA have frequent flights to Trinidad. Skyscanner has deals

4 US airlines guarantee kids can sit with a parent when they fly

Restaurant review: kgk – korean grill restaurant, south kensington, london.

Well-written and fairly accurate article. Independence is however celebrated on August 31st and not September as stated. The attainment of Republican status is celebrated as Republic Day on September 24th. It is common for decorations put up for Independence to be kept until Republic Day.

As a Trinidadian, I thank you for highlighting you posotive experience and I do hope you return and your exposure brings many more visitors. To the government, I urge you to raise your standard of upkeep of our country, Piarco International as the first point of contact when someone arrives in Trinidad is poorly lit, there isn’t a doubles, coconut or bake & shark vendor in sight, sanitation both in and out of the facility is severly lacking and the entire vibe is very non chalalant (doh care) and anything but welcoming. The food & coffee that is available leave a lot to be desired. Hope the TTAA takes note.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Articles

Best places to visit in guatemala, central america, holland america cruise line – cruising on the..., 13 of the best walking trails in the..., travel guide: a weekend in sunny sacramento, california, travel guide: portovenere on the italian riviera –..., travel guide: a visit to stratford-upon-avon, the land..., top 5 places in the world to swim..., travel guide to nicaragua, central america, which of the cyclades islands in greece should..., travel guide: a whirlwind visit to bath, somerset,....

Chief Sec: Wanderlust to visit Tobago in December

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has revealed that UK-based independent travel magazine Wanderlust will visit Tobago in December for an editorial piece on the island’s tourism destinations.

He said so in an interview on Tuesday at the 2023 World Travel Market (WTM), ExCel London exhibition and convention centre, United Kingdom. The event ended on Wednesday.

A video of Augustine’s interview was posted on the Office of the Chief Secretary’s (OCS) Facebook page.

Last year, Tobago was awarded a silver award for Most Desirable Island from Wanderlust Travel Magazine.

Wanderlust Travel Magazine’s editor-in-chief and CEO, George Kipourus, presented Augustine with the award at the close of WTM.

That award ceremony took place at the Tower of London, one of England’s most prominent historical sites.

Wanderlust is one of the UK’s leading independent travel magazines. Each issue highlights exciting destinations and experiences off the beaten path.

Regarding Wanderlust’s upcoming visit, Augustine said, “We won their award last year, and Wanderlust is coming to Tobago in December, who will then do an editorial piece, and then Tobago will also be ranked for the Wanderlust viewers.”

He said Tobago’s involvement at the WTM can never be overstated.

“There is value in the WTM experience for the Tobago tourism product. As a matter of fact, given that we are so small, our bite of the cherry is so tiny.

“Our numbers have not been where it was in the early 2000s for a very long while. So Tobago needs to show up in an impressive way to trade shows like this for Tobago to say we are still in the game,” Augustine said.

He said Tobago was competing against other islands that are spending two and three times its amount on marketing.

“Tobago has not made that kind of investment in a while, perhaps simply because the resources might not have always been there.”

Augustine said the WTM provided an opportunity to meet with industry insiders.

“If we are to have these meetings in isolation of each other, it would be billions of dollars.”

He said he met with ministers of tourism, other government ministers, British Airways and Wanderlust.

Augustine said the delegation also had meetings with British High Commissioner Harriet Cross, tourism representatives from Guyana and the Caribbean Council, an investment outpost in the UK.

“So imagine having to have all of these meetings all over the place, one at a time, that’s millions (of dollars). WTM provides an opportunity that we could meet with everybody in one space.”

Augustine said the delegation was engaged in no fewer than 50 engagements “because we have to split up at times to get the meetings out and the negotiations through.

“We are talking about tour guides, operators, other airlines. So, it is a lot of work but it is absolutely critical for Tobago to be here in such an impressive way.”

Meanwhile, a lively cultural presentation showcasing various elements of Tobago’s heritage culminated the WTM on Wednesday.

Augustine had led a delegation to the prestigious, international trade show, which included Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation Tashia Burris, Tobago Performing Arts Company (TPAC) artistic director Rayshawn Pierre-Kerr, Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd officials and other tourism stakeholders.

Under the banner, Tobago Beyond, the island’s cultural practitioners treated the delegates to a mix of calypso, soca, dance, pan and drumming.

Videos posted on the OCS Facebook page showed them singing and dancing during Leah-Sophia Richards’ performance.

Early in her presentation, she sang Colin Lucas’ Dollar Wine, Shadow’s Dingolay and Calypso Rose’s Fire, Fire, among others.

She later livened up the tempo with Olatunji Yearwood’s popular Engine Room and Blaxx’s Same Way.

Burris led a conga line during Richards’ performance of Nadia Batson’s Market.

Members of TPAC also performed several traditional dances to the delight of the audience.

Towards the end of the cultural presentation, arranger Ojay Richards played Come Leh We Go (To Tobago) on the steel pan.

Lack of respect for Trinidad and Tobago citizens

Sinanan on knife-and-fork doubles: 'i am cultured', nif records $2b loss for 2023, west: service commissions working to fill vacancies, four international queens crowned at mrs universe pageant, gunmen storm port of spain hospital to 'finish job' – 4 dead, others hurt, sizzla scolds trinidad and tobago artistes on support for crime: cut it out, "chief sec: wanderlust to visit tobago in december", more in this section, man charged with gloster lodge murder, 44 women entrepreneurs for roxborough pop-up shop, sangre grande security guard accidentally shot in leg, chief sec: $50m extra not enough for oil-spill clean-up.

• Our portfolio
• Our clients & partners
• Testimonials
• Submitting to our magazines
• Advertising solutions
• Publishing & content creation
• Content licensing
• Website solutions
• Caribbean Beat
• Discover Trinidad & Tobago
• Wanderer by Caribbean Beat
• CONTACT Business Magazine
• ENERGY Caribbean
• Parkite Sports Magazine
• The Caribbean Review of Books
• The Trinidad & Tobago Business Guide
• Previous magazines & publications
• Subscriptions & orders
• Birds of Trinidad & Tobago: a Photographic Atlas
• Breaking Free: a Journey from Trauma to Empowerment
• The Daly Commentaries
• The Elusive Eric Williams
• Flowers of Trinidad & Tobago
• Going to Ground
• Halcyon Days: Sculpture
• Letters From London
• A Naturalist’s Notes: the Biological Diversity of T&T
• A Naturalist’s Year
• The Old House & the Dream: the Story of the Asa Wright Nature Centre
• Orchids of Trinidad & Tobago
• Resurrection to Dance
• Unbreakable: Selected newspaper columns by Dana Seetahal, SC
• Views from the Ridge
• Wetlands of Trinidad & Tobago

Magazines & more

We’ve produced print & digital magazines, investment and destination guides, company histories, directories, event programmes, annual reports, brochures, newsletters & more.

For over 30 years, we’ve produced a range of print and digital magazines, books, and other corporate material — specialising in tourism, culture, environmental, and business publications. Here is a list of our current and recent magazine titles, as well as a selection of past projects.

Caribbean Beat magazine

The caribbean’s leading arts, culture, travel and leisure magazine.

Published by MEP since 1992 as the in-flight magazine first for BWIA and then for Caribbean Airlines , Caribbean Beat is the Caribbean’s leading magazine on Caribbean arts, culture and society . The magazine marked its 25th anniversary with the March/April 2017 issue (#144), and the 150th issue in March/April 2018.

Caribbean Beat ‘s mandate from inception was to get behind the familiar stereotypes of the Caribbean to show how rich Caribbean life really is — music, art, dance, books, sport, fashion, design, festivals, history, environment, people, lifestyle. As its publisher, we’ve valued and honoured this mandate for over a quarter century, making Caribbean Beat the only magazine of its kind, and an ongoing resource for students, researchers, and lovers of all things Caribbean.

In addition to its distribution on Caribbean Airlines planes and via print subscriptions, the magazine is also reproduced in full on the caribbean-beat.com website (including a near-complete digital archive of the magazine), and on MEP’s Issuu , Yumpu , and Magzter accounts.

Discover Trinidad & Tobago destination guide

The islands’ most trusted, longest-running, and most widely accessible travel magazine & visitor guide.

Produced annually since 1991, Discover Trinidad and Tobago is the country’s major international promotional magazine, for both local and international visitors alike, and the island’s only truly cross-platform print and digital solution. Its light and portable format usually make it the only destination guide that local tourism authorities take overseas to major travel shows, fairs, and markets.

Discover T&T marked it 25th anniversary in 2016 with its 27th issue and the introduction of its new dual-cover design — flip it one way, you’re in Trinidad. Flip it another way, you’re in Tobago! The dual-cover design has stayed with the magazine since, where each island has its own distinct cover, and its own distinct content and design.

Discover is published each November, usually making its debut at the World Travel Market in London (UK) as part of the Trinidad & Tobago contingent. It is distributed free to local and international industry stakeholders; via a mobile app; and is also reproduced in full on the high-traffic discovertnt.com website, and on MEP’s Issuu , Yumpu , and Magzter accounts.

Parkite Sports magazine

• Exclusive news & analysis: a must-read, engaging mix of feature stories, columns, reports and previews, exclusive commentary and analysis — plus all the latest critical info (trends, statistics, schedules, standings) about fans’ best-loved sports and players

• The local & international sports we love: top-notch coverage of local, regional, and international cricket, football, hockey, squash, basketball, tennis, mixed martial arts, athletics and more — plus practical health and fitness information

• A deeper look: in-depth profiles of both our own Caribbean sporting superstars and global sports icons, plus bold examination of the politics and infrastructure that govern and affect all sports.

The new Parkite Sports built on the QPCC’s and MEP’s robust distribution networks, and puts the magazine into the hands of avid sports fans and key decision makers — from government officials and top executives, to consumers and businesses making key strategic and purchasing decisions.

NB: Magazine production was suspended at the beginning of the pandemic.

CONTACT business magazine

MEP undertook a new partnership with The Trinidad & Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce in 2017 to revitalise and rebrand their iconic CONTACT magazine.  The first issue (April 2018) was unveiled at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Our MEP team produced a new logo; a new layout and design; and a completely revamped and refreshed editorial approach for the Chamber’s flagship magazine . The feedback was phenomenal.

The magazine leveraged the Chamber’s and MEP’s powerful, diverse network and broaden the magazine’s distribution base of 5,000+ key corporate decision-makers, strategically communicating with local and international markets through hard copy and digital distribution of the magazine.

In publication since 2000, the magazine is a staple reading for the national business community as well as for overseas investors and other stakeholders beyond our shores. The magazine has had a strong specialised thematic content, written and researched by respected business leaders and writers. Because of its focus, the publication has had wide appeal, circulated to key executives and leaders in the business community, government ministries, diplomatic missions, tertiary educational institutions, libraries and business development institutions locally, regionally and internationally.

NB: The magazine went on hiatus as the pandemic began, resuming in mid-2023 as a digital-only magazine produced in-house by the TTCIC.

Previous publications

In the past, we have also published several print and digital magazines, destination guides, investment guides, brochures, company histories, annual reports, catalogues, directories, event programmes — both in house and for private clients, ranging from multi-national corporations and NGOs to local SMBs and individuals. Click here for more .

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Business publications (company histories, magazines, directories, newsletters)

• Above and Beyond (BWIA company history)
• BPTT Insider (bpTT company newsletter)
• Investment Guide to Trinidad and Tobago (Citibank)
• Energy Caribbean newsletter (with David Renwick)
• Energy Caribbean Yearbook (with David Renwick)
• Gasco News (NGC company newsletter)
• Petrovision (Petrotrin magazine)
• The Point Lisas Story (PLIPDECO company history)
• The Trinidad and Tobago Business Directory (with TIDCO)
• The Trinidad and Tobago Exporter (with TIDCO)
• The Trinidad and Tobago Export Directory (with TIDCO)

Tourism, culture, NGOs & the environment publications

• A Home in the True Sense (Trinidad & Tobago Association for Retarded Children)
• BWIA’s Caribbean (BWIA)
• BWIA FunVenture (BWIA)
• BWIA Kids Beat (BWIA)
• Caribbean Gift Craft Show catalogue (Caribbean Export Development Agency)
• The Caribbean Review of Books (CRB)
• The Caribbean Sea – A Very Special Area (United Nations Development Programme, English & Spanish)
• Carnival Countdown magazine
• Discover Tobago destination guide
• Explore Guyana (Guyana Tourism Authority destination guide)
• Hi-Time (inflight magazine for Helenair)
• The Caribbean Sea (International Maritime Organization)
• The St Kitts and Nevis Visitor (St Kitts & Nevis Tourist Board destination guide)
• Youth at Risk – Trinidad and Tobago National Development Report (UNDP)

Brochures, newsletters & event programmes

• Angostura Yachting World Regatta
• Agostini Insurance
• Caribbean Gift and Craft Show
• Diversification of Exports (CABI conference)
• Kimme’s Sculpture Museum (Luise Kimme)
• Linx (Republic Bank)
• Pan is Beautiful VII
• Pan Jazz Festival
• Tobago Villas (Tobago Villas Association)
• Two Islands, One Paradise (Trinidad & Tobago Hotels & Tourism Association)
• The Villas at Stonehaven.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

DIVE Magazine

Scuba Diving Luxury Travel Magazine

Tobago’s best dive sites for beginners

24 October 2022 4 minutes

Sponsored Feature

Scuba diving in Tobago is divided between the island’s Atlantic and Caribbean coasts, with a number of dive sites that are perfect for beginners. Although Tobago’s Atlantic side can be prone to the strong currents and somewhat murky visibility brought on by the Guyana current driving from the south, the Caribbean side of the island is sheltered from the current and offers calm diving in clear waters.

The reefs range from shallow water – perfect for divers taking their first steps into the open ocean – to deeper reefs to explore later in entry-level training and beyond. Some reefs are easily reachable from shore, making for an easy introduction to diving for those who may not be familiar with boats.

There are more than 50 established dive sites around the island, but here are some of the most popular beginner-level dive sites to whet (or perhaps wet?) the prospective visitor’s appetite.

2. Flying Reef

Depth r ange:  5-14m/18-45ft

Diving experience:  Beginner

Flying Reef’s Atlantic waters are a good introduction to drift diving for the beginner. The current is usually mild, running between 0-2 knots, although at times the pace can pick up – giving the reef its ‘flying’ name. Look out for stingrays, turtles, nurse sharks, schools of both big-eye and glass-eye snapper as well as reef fish like parrotfish, French angelfish, and porcupinefish. A particular highlight is the sunken ship’s anchor – where pork fish and schools of Bermudan chub gather.

5. Kariwak Reef

Depth range:  3-17m/10-55 feet 

Diving experience:   Beginner

Located about 35m/120ft off Store Bay, Kariwak Reef is easily accessible as either a shore or boat dive, and a local favourite for night dives, since it is so easy to navigate. The absence of current and the array of colour and marine life makes the reef an underwater photographer’s delight. Flying gurnards can be spotted ‘walking’ about on their finger-like spines across the sandy bottom, and Nassau groupers, balloon fish, lizardfish, barracuda, green morays, spotted eagle rays, and Christmas tree worms can often be spotted during a dive.

7. Mt Irvine Wall

Depth range:  5-15m/18-50ft

Diving experience:  Beginner-Intermediate

Mount Irvine reef is actually comprised of three dive sites – The Wall and Extension being the two most popular, with the third, Rainbow Reef, situated in the middle. The Wall is a shallow 10m/30ft dive site close to shore and full of interesting crevices, where moray eels, spiny lobsters and crabs congregate.

Extension is a deeper dive site that follows the outcropping rocks of Mount Irvine Bay. Big enough for several distinct dives, this beautiful reef is a perfect spot to see large groupers, snapper and hawksbill turtles – as well as the shy spotted eagle ray that rarely approaches divers and tends to travel in pairs. 

Rainbow Reef is a little more advanced with a depth of between 15-22m/50-70ft, and is named for the large schools of rainbow runners that can congregate over the reed. There is also a large fisherman’s anchor, possibly dating back to the 17th century, wedged into the reef.

10. Cardinal Rocks

Depth range: 6-22m/20-75 feet

This dive is a spawning ground for many species of fish and the presence of millions of fries tend to give the water a milky appearance. The reef slopes steeply to a sandy seabed where Southern stingrays, spiny lobsters, yellowhead jawfish and small snake eels can be seen. Also look out for moray eels, fairy basslets, cardinalfish, queen, French and grey angelfish, and hawksbill turtles

15. Angel Reef

Depth range : 15-60ft/4-18m

Diving experience : Beginner

A fantastic canvas for photographers with a naturally blessed variety of corals and fish.

Here, visibility is usually good and with a quiet current, making this reef an excellent choice for night dives. There are a number of cleaning stations along the reef, providing great opportunities to snap pictures of cleaning shrimps picking parasites off of momentarily paused angelfish, groupers, snappers and parrotfish.

Enjoy close-up shots of star, starlet, honeycomb and plate corals dotted with sea plumes as well as black sea and bent sea rods.

To find out more about Tobago’s dive sites, visit:

• Northern dive sites
• Eastern/Speyside dive sites
• Southwest dive sites

FOLLOW DIVE

Want to access DIVE on your tablet or smartphone? Press the Apple, Android or PC/Mac image below to download the app for your device

More from DIVE

• Advertise with DIVE Magazine
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• GET EMAIL ALERTS
•   Weather

Search location by ZIP code

Travelers rest named one of the best small towns for summer vacation by travel + leisure magazine.

• Copy Link Copy {copyShortcut} to copy Link copied!

GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTS

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Travelers Rest, South Carolina, has been named one of the country's 15 Best U.S. Small Towns for a Summer Vacation by Travel + Leisure magazine.

The article describes Travelers Rest as one of the most idyllic small towns in South Carolina, naming popular restaurants like Topsoil , Monkey Wrench Smokehouse, and Tandem Crêperie & Coffeehouse.

Editors also noted the abundant lodging in Travelers Rest, including the Swamp Rabbit Inn TR and the Hotel Domestique with jaw-dropping vistas of the mountains.

"The active set can hike or mountain bike the 28-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail or explore Paris Mountain State Park and Jones Gap State Park, which offer campsites,” the magazine wrote. “When you're ready to reward yourself for that wilderness romp, raise a glass during the free Music in the Park concert series."

“This is an amazing accolade that solidifies, what we who live and love TR already know.”, said Mayor Brandy Amidon. “We are honored to receive this recognition embodying the very roots of our community. Our name literally says it all! Travelers Rest is a place to pause, rest, reset and enjoy a true small-town community. The City of Travelers Rest has worked through visionary leadership and public and private investments to retain our home-town values while welcoming travelers from far and wide to visit our local shops, restaurants, and natural amenities.”

Travelers Rest was ranked among Southern Living’s " Best Small Southern Towns " last year.

One of its restaurants employs a James Beard-nominated semifinalist chef and a 2024 semifinalist nominee in the pastry chef category.

Travelers Rest is in good company on the list ranking with the cities of Addison, Texas; Coronado, California; Bardstown, Kentucky; St. Michaels, Maryland; and Buckeye Lake, Ohio. For the complete list of winners, visit Travel + Leisure online .

• WEATHER ALERT Flood Watch Full Story
• pride month

Equal Pride hosts bash to celebrate Pride Month, magazine covers featuring Broadway stars

NEW YORK CITY -- June is Pride Month, a celebration and acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and on Monday night, there was no shortage of well-known celebrities at a party focused on Broadway.

The Out and Advocate Pride Cover Party: Pride of Broadway honored members of the LGBTQ+ and allied theater community.

It was hosted by Equal Pride, the publisher of 'Out' and 'The Advocate' magazines. They put together the bash to celebrate the start of Pride Month and its new covers, which feature two Broadway stars.

The editor of 'Out,' Daniel Reynolds, talked about his publication and Monday night's event.

"The covers of 'Out' and 'The Advocate' are celebrations of two of its biggest stars right now Jonathan Groff and Wayne Brady. So, we're excited to have him here at the event and to really celebrate the Great White Way, this is really a community that uplifts LGBTQ folks. We'd love to see them," Reynolds said.

Reynolds says, 'Merrily We Rolled Along,' starring Jonathan Groff, and 'The Wiz,' starring Wayne Brady, are both must-see shows.

"It's surreal to be standing in front of a picture of myself on the cover of Out," said Jonathan Groff, who is nominated for a Tony for 'Merrily We Roll Along.' "As a closeted teenager in Pennsylvania I never imagined this would happen. I'm super prideful and super honored.

Brady is on the cover the The Advocate, and currently plays the wizard in 'The Wiz.'

"'The Wiz' is a moment... loud and energetic moment and I was so proud to be a part of it," Brady said.

While this is a celebration of pride, Reynolds says the community needs to stand strong.

"We have seen so many attacks, politics, trans youth drag bans, it is so important to be out there in the streets waving our rainbow flags. We're here, we're queer," Reynolds said.

WABC-TV's Sam Champion, who served as the event's emcee, echoed that sentiment. He's concerned young people may take the rights they have today for granted.

"I'm worried that this generation that had it, received it, doesn't understand how important it is to fight for it and I hope they do because we are back in the fight for our lives," Champion said.

Pride Month is a celebration and also a time for advocacy for the LGBTQ community. It all culminates on June 30.

Sam Champion and Lauren Glassberg will host the New York City Gay Pride March.

Coverage of the parade kicks off on Channel 7 at noon on June 30.

Related Topics

• COMMUNITY & EVENTS
• NEW YORK CITY
• PRIDE MONTH
• LGBTQ PRIDE
• LGBTQ+ PRIDE

Pride Month

Thousands line streets for northwest suburban Pride parade

Best books by LGBTQIA+ authors

Hulu presents a slate of Pride Month programming

State Department issues travel alert for LGBTQ people, events abroad

Top stories.

2 found dead 'suspicious injuries' after north suburban house fire

• 34 minutes ago

Woman, 71, stabbed near Union Station in downtown: CPD

• 6 minutes ago

Murder suspect says she has no regrets in brutal killing of stranger

Family of boy attacked by dog furious after owners walk away

• 2 hours ago

1 killed in Lake Zurich house explosion and fire

• 19 minutes ago

Winning ticket for $560M Mega Millions jackpot sold in Illinois

Foxtrot to make summer comeback to Chicago

Passenger steps off moving CTA Red Line train in Bronzeville

• Testimonials
• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Outlook Features
• Sign Up Today
• Travel Guides
• Middle East

Tobago : Tourism Insights

Following its core mandate to lead the development of Tobago’s tourism marketing and positioning of the country as a premier island destination founded on the principles of sustainable development, the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) will celebrate its sixth anniversary in July 2023. We speak with TTAL’s Executive Chairman, Alicia Edwards, for some exclusive insight into this Caribbean gem.

Q&A: ALICIA EDWARDS, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, TOBAGO TOURISM AGENCY LIMITED

Why, in your opinion, should someone visit tobago.

Alicia   Edwards, Executive Chairman (AE):  Culturally, historically and geographically, Tobago is diversity in a small package. Situated between its sister isle Trinidad and Grenada, Tobago’s southerly location, outside of the hurricane belt, provides for almost perfect weather year-round. There’s no shortage of things to do here, no matter what type of Caribbean holiday you’re looking for. My top five reasons for visiting our unspoilt island are:

•  Tobago is the land of million-dollar sea and forest views everywhere you turn within a 116 square mile space, including the oldest protected tropical rain forest in the Western Hemisphere: the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.

•  We are home to a dazzling array of above-ground animal life – birds, and frogs, alongside medicinal and ornamental plants that are indigenous to the island.

• Below the water, our reef systems are rich in marine biodiversity: corals, sponges, sea horses, rays, sharks, moray eels and more provide the best diving and snorkelling experiences in this hemisphere.

•  Our warm, hospitable people live in harmony with the environment and each other, despite diverse racial and religious beliefs.

•  Tobago has a rich history stemming from its colonisation by the French, Dutch, Spanish and British in the 17th and 18th centuries, during which time it changed hands 31 times. There are  tangible and intangible remnants of their occupation in our former slave estates and other sites throughout the island, and our culinary offerings reflect that rich diversity.

What kind of travellers does the island most appeal to?

(AE):  The core appeal of Tobago lies in its lack of commercialism. It is truly unspoilt, much less developed, friendly, fun, and authentic.

It is “how the Caribbean used to be”. With a population of just over 50,000, Tobago is also the perfect holiday destination for travellers seeking somewhere with little to no crowding so you can fully enjoy our tiny slice of paradise.

Whether it’s trekking through the many trails of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve or soaking up the sun on one of the multitude of beaches, there are so many opportunities to safely explore the beauty of our island. Tobago is a balm for the soul in a time when we need it most.

How have tourism trends changed on Tobago in recent years? 

(AE):  Post-COVID-19 travel trends indicate a shift towards safe and environmentally conscious destinations. We can confidently say that Tobago is right on the mark with both trends. TTAL has been building on the momentum of our successful environmental programmes: Blue Flag, Green Key and our UNESCO Man and the Biosphere. In fact, Tobago is the only destination in the English-speaking Caribbean with Blue Flag certified boat operators and Green Key hotels. The destination has also been awarded Blue Flag pilot status for three beaches: King’s Bay, Bloody Bay and Mt. Irvine Bay. 

Responsible tourism has been put on the front burner and our partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other bodies engaged in sustainable tourism activities is ongoing.  We are currently examining what is happening in our smaller, more eco-conscious tourism hubs, to replicate and adapt these sustainable initiatives in other areas of the island. 

We have also seen an increase in wellness travel due to the stress of the pandemic and this is quickly forming an integral part of today’s tourism industry. Indeed, Forbes predicts that wellness is a USD$4.2 million market. In this regard, TTAL has embarked on the development of a unique brand of wellness that aligns with the destination’s positioning. In 2021, we hosted a virtual conference called “Exploring Wellness Tourism 360” to stimulate local awareness of this niche area and highlight opportunities for industry stakeholders and locals. This will be followed up with workshops for on-island tourism stakeholders, and ultimately the launch of Tobago’s wellness niche offerings as part of the destination’s suite of experiences post-COVID-19. 

We are also expanding our marketing efforts to tap into the diaspora traveller market. The Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) market has been leading the travel sector and is a saviour for the airline industry. Trinidad and Tobago have a large diaspora community that has undoubtedly felt cut off from home due to travel restrictions. With the recent establishment of the National Diaspora Policy, there is considerable potential to capitalise on this travel trend and change the way the diaspora market is engaged.

What are the island’s greatest differentiators as a Caribbean destination of choice? 

(AE):   Here is what makes Tobago so different:  

Our local culture, people and heritage  – Tobago’s vibrant and colourful history makes it one of the most distinctive places in the Caribbean. As an island of festivals, it’s likely that any visit to Tobago will coincide with a unique event where visitors can immerse themselves in our culture through exciting celebrations with the locals. Totally unique to Tobago is the Harvest Festival which begins on the first Sunday of each new year. This activity is a weekly occurrence, moving from village to village across the island throughout the year. It began as a Thanksgiving ceremony after slavery and has since evolved into a unique expression of Tobago hospitality. The national Carnival festivities follow on the events calendar in February or March depending on the year, with fêtes and cultural pageantry that culminate in flamboyant costumed street parades. At Easter, you can experience kite flying and the indigenous sports of goat and crab racing. Soon after, the Tobago Jazz Experience brings some of the biggest local and international acts together to perform against the backdrop of stunning ocean vistas. In summer, the Tobago Heritage Festival sees the island reconnect with its customs and historical roots, with folk dancing, dramatic reenactments, and captivating storytelling. In 2022, Tobago’s first October Carnival events was successfully executed, paving the way for it to become an annual fixture on the event calendar. Tobago’s rich culture is also best experienced through our unique culinary offerings. Visitors can infuse their vacation with local flavour and treat their tastebuds to delectable signature dishes like curried crab and dumplings, pacro teas or Asian, European and African cuisine that is more often than not farm to table – rather ocean to table! We are proud of our piece of paradise and will do whatever we can to ensure that you love it as much as we do.

Eco adventures and nature  – Tobago enjoys a warm tropical climate, tempered by north-east trade winds, with an average daytime temperature of 29° C (83° F) and maxima in the mid-30s. The wet season is from June to November, but the rain usually falls in short, intense bursts whilst most days have lots of sunshine. The early months of the year are drier. Fortunately, the islands are outside the usual path of hurricanes. Travellers can awaken their wild side and immerse themselves in the flora and fauna of Tobago’s treasured Main Ridge Forest Reserve, where, surrounded by lush greenery, nature lovers, hikers and bikers can embark on guided or solo treks around the island with the promise of stunning waterfalls, remote beaches and breathtaking vistas as a reward at the end of every journey. We also offer some of the best birdwatching in the Caribbean with 260 species of birds and counting. Tobago’s intimate reef systems teem with abundance in marine biodiversity, and our clear, pristine waters offer a range of over 50 diving sites. Our dive sites provide something for everyone ranging from adrenalin pumping drift dives to being able to hover over the world’s largest known brain coral. These natural treasures make the island a sight to behold both on land and in water. We also have many highly trained instructors and a hyperbaric chamber, making Tobago the perfect dive destination for both experienced and novice divers.

Our beaches  – Imagine going completely off the grid on a secluded stretch of coastline, where your footprints are likely to be the only ones you’ll see. Whether it’s soaking up the sun, revelling in the surf, or seeking gorgeous sunsets, there’s a strip of sand that’s just right for everyone – and we do mean everyone! Tobago has over 40 different types of sand, from the pink hued tones of Lover’s Bay, to the white sand beaches of Pigeon Point, and glittering black sand at Stonehaven Bay. And if visitors want to plunge into the heart of the action with adrenaline pumping water sports or bucket list adventures, Tobago truly takes you beyond the ordinary. Experience the magic of a night-time Bioluminescence Tour in Bon Accord Lagoon, swim with the turtles at Mt Irvine Wall, ride horses through the surf at Buccoo Bay, or dip in the ‘Fountain of Youth’ at the Nylon Pool.

Romance and Weddings  – Finally, in Tobago, endless romance meets near-limitless possibilities. Getting married in Tobago can be done after 24 hours of being on the island, which is why so many couples have chosen to say yes to starting their lives together on this unspoilt paradise isle. Whether the dream is to host a barefoot ceremony on a deserted beach, tie the knot beneath a dramatically beautiful rainforest canopy, or simply find a naturally serene spot to unwind together with that special someone, Tobago delivers the ideal backdrop to celebrate the next chapter of any couple’s love story. While the interests of a wedding party may vary, because there are over 101 things to do in Tobago, one can easily create an itinerary for guests that will suit everyone’s tastes.

Tobago Travel Guide

Tobago : Outlook Recommends

Castara In Focus

Tobago Landmark Attractions

Getting To and Around Tobago

More caribbean travel guides.

Turks and Caicos Islands Travel Guide

Dominican Republic Travel Guide

Grenada Travel Guide

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Travel Guide

Jamaica Travel Guide

St. Kitts Travel Guide

Trinidad Travel Guide

Barbados Travel Guide

St Barts Travel Guide

Jordan Banks : Behind the Lens

Tootbus : Travel Business

Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network

Under SXM : Creating Sustainable Underwater Experiences

Hidden Spots for Cherry Blossom Season : Round Up

Urbino : The Last Stop

Enrico Costantini : Behind the Lens

Lepogo Lodges : A Sustainable Safari Experience

Casa de Olivos : Sustainability Stories 

Opulence on the Orient Express 

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

I Sold My Kindles to Get a Kobo — and Its Color E-Reader Is Even Better

Getting the Kobo Elipsa 2E last year changed my relationship with e-readers . For the first time, I could write in the margins of my e-books. And its direct integration with the read-it-later service Pocket makes it the best way for me to read long news articles, as the e-ink display is easier on the eyes than my iPhone or iPad’s LCD display. Unfortunately, its 10.3-inch screen makes it too big for daily use, and so I still relied on my Kindle Paperwhite for everyday reading and carried the Elipsa with me only when I wanted to take in-depth handwritten notes. But this year, Kobo came out with the Libra Color, which is about the size of a Paperwhite. It has everything I loved about the Elipsa — plus, it’s in color, and it’s user-repairable. It’s the e-reader I use daily now.

Color e-ink isn’t new, but the color e-readers I’ve previously tried were usually washed-out-looking and never looked quite as sharp as black-and-white e-ink. The screens were also more prone to ghosting (showing artifacts from previous pages). Additionally, many manufacturers give their color e-readers more tabletlike capabilities, such as running apps, which results in laggy performance and a more distracting interface. That’s why I haven’t recommended a color e-reader until now.

The Libra Color makes full-color images look gorgeous, and with this device, Kobo focused on enhancing the reading experience rather than expanding functionality. While the colors are more muted than what you’d find on a printed page or book cover, they’re still vivid. The best test for it is comic books: I read X-Men’s Operation: Zero Tolerance after watching X-Men ’97 , and it had enough color to keep me from wanting to order a physical copy. I also read strips from The Calvin and Hobbes Lazy Sunday Book , and each panel looked just as it did in the Sunday paper. Text can look a bit small in some comics given the Libra’s screen size, but it’s still legible, and you can pinch to zoom if you need a closer look. The display also shows book covers, both in your library and when the device is sleeping, in color.

My favorite part of having a color e-reader is that I can now change the color of my highlights as an easy way to categorize them, obviating the need to write an explanation for the highlight in the margins for my future self. Yellow is for useful information, blue is for inspiring writing, and green is for plot elements I’m prone to forgetting. As with the Elipsa, the Libra supports Kobo’s stylus (sold separately), which makes highlighting more accurate and snappy than the Paperwhite’s finger-dragging method. When I want to jot a note to myself, I can do so right over the text. To add any notes to a highlight on a Kindle Paperwhite, you have to type them in a sticky-note-style widget that isn’t always in view. I prefer Kobo’s approach, which keeps your handwritten notes right alongside the book’s text, just like you would with real paper.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• tablets and smartwatches
• this thing’s incredible

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• 34 Things on Sale That Would Also Make Great Father’s Day Gifts
• The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Dads Who Don’t Want Anything
• The 16 Very Best Protein Powders
• All of the Best Father’s Day Gift Ideas
• I Eat Broccoli Sprouts Daily Thanks to This Easy Kit
• The Best Father’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Dad

Today’s Top Clicked