5 must-see spots on your Tobago getaway
The smaller of the two islands that make up the nation of Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean island of Tobago is one of the hottest new Sunwing destinations to visit this year. To help make the most of your vacation in Tobago, we came up with a list of some of our favourite attractions that you won’t want to miss on your visit to this lush island oasis.
Hike the island’s highest falls at Argyle Waterfalls
You can add chasing waterfalls to your Tobago bucket list! There are numerous beautiful waterfalls around the island but the Argyle Waterfalls are the most popular – and the highest. Hidden deep in the jungle, you’ll have to take a 15 to 20-minute walk along a forest trail to get to the falls (keep an eye out for exotic birds and butterflies as you go). The falls are made up of three cascading tiers, with a refreshing pool at the base of the falls where you can cool off after your hike. Adventurous travellers can climb the trail up to the falls’ second tier to soak in the natural pools.
Where to stay: After an exciting hike to the falls, head back to Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort for a pampering spa treatment such as a massage, aromatherapy session or a mini-facial. Or, you can just kick back and relax by the resort’s sprawling pool with a delicious drink in hand.
Travel back in time at Fort King George
Nestled on a mountaintop overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, Fort King George dates to the 18th century, when it was built by the British to protect the island from invading forces. The fort is also home to the Tobago Museum where you can learn all about the island and the fort’s history. Tour the fort’s barracks and enjoy breathtaking views of the coast and the surround landscapes. This is also a great place to watch the sunset!
Where to stay: Starfish Tobago Resort is located close to both historic Fort King George and one of the island’s other important historic sites, Fort James. When you’re not learning about the island’s history, you can lounge by the pristine shore or grab a bite to eat at the seaside restaurant with beautiful beach views.
Discover the deep blue at Buccoo Coral Reef
Underwater explorers and diving enthusiasts will love visiting Buccoo Coral Reef, set off the southwestern tip of the island. The protected marine park is teeming with colourful coral and exotic marine life, stretching over seven square kilometres and made up of five reef flats. World-famous oceanographer and explorer, Jacques Cousteau, even named it the third most spectacular reef in the world. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour of the reef and then snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Nylon Pool, a shallow natural pool in the middle of the reef’s lagoon.
Where to stay: When you stay at Mount Irvine Bay Resort you’ll be just minutes from Buccoo Coral Reef, which is located at the next bay over from the resort. Snorkel or scuba dive in the coral reef nearby or try out a range of other resort-offered activities including yoga.
Relax on the world-famous shores of Pigeon Point Beach
Named one of the World’s Best Beaches by CNN, Pigeon Point Beach is a must-stop for any traveller visiting Tobago. The beach is located within the 125-acre nature reserve of Pigeon Point Heritage Park. The entry fee is well worth the journey as one of the most beautiful stretches of white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters awaits you! Stroll along the beach’s famous thatched-roof jetty, try out kayaking and windsurfing or just kick back and relax on the sand and admire the view.
Where to stay: Coco Reef Resort and Spa is located just a five-minute cab ride from Pigeon Point Beach, making it an ideal place to stay if you plan on visiting the world-famous shores. The resort is also home to its own sparkling white-sand beach where you can kick back and relax on a sun lounger.
Ride past a famous author’s rumoured hideaway at Goat Island
Goat Island is an uninhabited island off the coast of the village of Speyside, home to lush green landscapes and a mysterious abandoned mansion located right on the water. The mansion is rumoured to have once been a retreat of literary legend Ian Fleming, the author and creator of the James Bond series. While the island is closed to the public, you can admire the mansion and the island’s lush forested landscapes from afar on a boat tour.
Where to stay: You can admire beautiful views of Goat Island, Little Tobago Island and Batteaux Bay from your room at Blue Waters Inn! All the rooms at this beachfront resort offer panoramic views of the bay and the surrounding islands.