Tobago vacations top 10 things to do

The words “active” and “Caribbean vacation” may seem like contradictions, but if you want to sunbathe on a palm-tree draped beach, there are plenty of other tropical islands where you can do that. Tobago is the Caribbean beyond the beaches – a place designed to do, to see, to meet and to learn – though fortunately it still boasts many superb bays of its own where you can flop with a cocktail at the end of a hot day of island exploration.

The wonderful thing about Tobago is that there is so much overlap between activities – you never do one thing in isolation. Boat tours double up as snorkelling and – if you’re lucky – turtle and dolphin watching trips. Waterfall treks are the perfect time to count as many species of native as you can. You can cycle the coastal road, pausing at each beautiful bay along the way around. And every music and dance event is a chance to chat with the locals and sample some superb street food – as well as the local cocktails, made with TnT Angostura bitters or coconut rum.

Funnily enough, Tobago’s treasure trove of activities may well come from the fact that is has never really had its own tourism makeover in the style of Barbados or the Bahamas. It’s raw and real, with forts and fetes, coral and cascades, which have not been scrubbed away to make way for infinity pools, swim-up bars or manicured lawns. What’s more, you’ll have a local guide who likely grew up in the region where you’re taking the tour, meaning you won’t just be told about the birds and culture – but about how it was to spend a childhood getting washed in the waterfall, or harvesting cocoa, or hauling in nets full of fish. Tobago is a weighty storybook of untold tales – and it’s well worth taking the time to flick through its pages.

Be a pirate of the Caribbean! Sail along Tobago’s enchanting cove-littered coast on a catamaran, or cruise out to one of the even tinier islands on a glass-bottom boat, watching the vivid marine world ripple beneath you as you go.

Read more about watersports in Tobago

With around 220 species, Tobago has one of the highest densities of birds in the world. Even non-birders will be impressed as many are vividly coloured and iridescent – from tiny, buzzing hummingbirds to the distinctive blue-crowned motmot. South American species can be found here as well as North American migrants – your checklist will be ticked off fast.

Read more about bird watching in Tobago

You’re in the Caribbean; beach time is a must! Tobago’s bays veer from well-trodden to wild, yet pretty much all are idyllic, lapped by warm waves and framed by tropical vegetation. Sprawl for the day with a good book and a picnic, or keep active by kayaking and snorkelling – and helping local fishermen haul in their catch.

Read more about beaches in Tobago

Paradise wouldn’t be paradise without a waterfall – or six – to splash around in! From the popular three tiers of Argyle Waterfall, bordered by cocoa trees and sugarcane, to the hidden Twin Rivers Falls, reached via a rocky riverbed – just be sure to bring a picnic and a bathing suit.

Read more about land activities in Tobago