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What's new in Tobago?
With increased flight capacity and a new airport terminal on the horizon, find out what’s new in British favourite Tobago
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"Look!” whispers my guide, William Trim, as we walk through the towering trees of Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve. The green dot of his laser pen picks out two blue-backed manakins leaping up and down with an elaborate fluttering of their wings.
“They’re males practising their courtship dance in the hope they can attract a female,” he explains. Nothing new there, then, except that the birds’ dark and humid habitat, which runs along Tobago’s hilly spine covering almost 13% of the island’s land mass, is one of the oldest protected areas in the world.
In April, Tobagonians staged proud celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Main Ridge, which is the island’s chief attraction. It’s the legacy of an English MP, Soame Jenyns, who in 1776 convinced Tobago’s colonial planters that its densely‑packed trees needed to be preserved to attract “frequent showers of rain upon which the fertility of these lands doth entirely depend”.
Birdwatching guide. Image credit: Alexa Fernando @ajfernando.
Hiking through these venerable woods, which are home to 128 bird species, is a key reason why clients seeking a nature-focused holiday choose this safe and friendly island.
In 2020, Unesco designated the entire northeast corner of Tobago a reserve under its Man and the Biosphere Programme, recognising its unique biodiversity and safeguarding the forests of Main Ridge along with its coastal waters and islands rich with seabirds.
Last year, 6,700 British travellers visited Tobago and are by far its biggest market, with most clients seeking something more than a beach holiday – and with increased flight capacity from British Airways this winter, it’s worth finding out what more it can offer beyond classic sun and sand.
Tobago’s rainforest interior. Image credit: Tobago Tourism/Vlogger Benny.
Excursions in Tobago
Little Tobago, which is easily reached on a boat trip from Speyside, is a favourite half-day excursion with a clifftop platform that offers a grandstand view of red‑billed tropicbirds swooping through the sky.
Beneath the waves, snorkellers will find vivid marine life while divers can admire a massive brain coral at Kelleston Drain and the colourful reef known as Japanese Garden.
Tobago Heritage Festival. Image credit: Tobago Tourism.
“I’m getting a lot of interest in rustic experiences and local culture,” reports Phill Williams, managing director of TTT Excursions, which offers tours ranging from turtle-watching and chocolate-making to dancing at the weekly Sunday School street party in Buccoo.
History fans will appreciate the island’s many coastal fortifications dating back to the 18th century, which are now panoramic viewpoints, and its annual summer Heritage Festival. Meanwhile, the Fort King George Museum near the capital, Scarborough, is set in attractive gardens with mature samaan and flamboyant trees.
Cannons at Fort King George, Scarborough. Image credit: Jad Davenport.
Beaches in Tobago
Most beach resorts lie in the southwest at Crown Point, near the airport. In this area, government-run Pigeon Point Beach is a standout with well-kept sands, lifeguards, changing rooms and a £2.20 entry fee.
There are fun boat trips from here that have an onboard DJ and sail to the Nylon Pool sandbank, where the turquoise sea is bewitchingly warm and enterprising vendors stand in the water selling potent rum punches from floating bars.
Englishman’s Bay. Image credit: Tobago Tourism.
It’s a 90-minute drive from this part of Tobago to Main Ridge, so consider a round‑island package that includes some nights in Castara and Speyside to break up the journey.
Clients should also be aware that sargassum (the invasive brown seaweed that releases noxious fumes harmful to humans and marine life) can be a problem at any time of year, with the Atlantic coast the most affected.
Castara Beach. Image credit: Jad Davenport.
Getting to Tobago
The best way for clients to reach Tobago is with British Airways from Gatwick, which operates a weekly service via Saint Lucia. From October 25, this will increase to twice-weekly flights – on Tuesdays and Fridays – flying via Barbados with an additional 10 minutes’ flying time.
When the summer flight schedule kicks back in on March 26, 2027, the weekly flights via Saint Lucia will resume. Fares start from £516 return.
A new terminal has also been built at ANR Robinson International Airport, with a VIP lounge and advanced check-in systems to speed up passenger transit times. It is widely expected to open by October and, once operational, it will replace the current terminal, which dates from 1987.
Hilton has also announced plans for a family-friendly Elephant Tree Resort and Villas Tobago, set by the beach in Roxborough on the Atlantic coast. It will be part of its Tapestry Collection with 40 rooms and 126 residences and is slated to open in 2028.
Yoga at Castara Retreats. Image credit: Alex Treadway.
Book it
Caribtours has a seven-night stay – three nights at Castara Retreats and two each at Blue Waters Inn and Kariwak Village – from £2,095 per person half-board, based on two sharing, including British Airways flights from Gatwick on December 8, transfers and UK airport lounge access.
caribtours.co.uk
Tui offers seven nights at Coco Reef Resort from £1,406 per person with breakfast, based on two sharing a Superior Double Room with Garden View, including British Airways flights from Gatwick on November 17 and transfers.
tui.co.uk
Castara Retreats. Image credit: Alex Treadway.
Where to stay
Best for local life: Castara Retreats
Overlooking the fishing village of Castara on the Caribbean coast, this British-owned collection of 17 treehouse style wood-built apartments has a firm commitment to sustainability. All rooms have kitchen facilities and a terrace with a view, plus there’s a restaurant with healthy, locally sourced fare.
The property runs its own tours and has an airy wellness studio, but make sure clients are happy with the steep, five-minute walk down to the beach. Rooms from £110 per night based on double occupancy, room-only.
castararetreats.com
Best for divers: Blue Waters Inn
Set in Speyside, in the island’s northeast, this 38‑room beach resort comes with a small pool and is good for clients who enjoy diving and birdwatching; boat trips to Little Tobago leave from the jetty. Interiors are functional but comfortable and first-floor rooms offer more privacy, though there is no lift.
Sargassum is a problem along its coastline, and it’s a 90-minute transfer to the airport. Rooms from £135 per night based on double occupancy, room-only.
bluewatersinn.com
Best for families: Coco Reef Resort
Clients with children will appreciate this grand and spacious resort in Crown Point, which has a sheltered, man made beach and kids’ club. Its 135 rooms are a good size but dated with apricot walls, cane furniture and floral prints. A generous buffet breakfast is served in Tamara’s restaurant while Bobster’s Bar pays homage to Bob Marley.
Airport transfers take only five minutes and there’s a small spa, dive shop, tennis courts and evening entertainment. Rooms from £246 per night based on double occupancy, including breakfast.
cocoreeftobago.com
Ask the expert
Rebecca Bryson, head of sales, Caribtours
“Tobago blends beautiful beaches, lush rainforest and a wonderfully relaxed pace of life, making it an excellent choice for clients seeking an authentic Caribbean escape. Agents should stress that this a safe and compact destination. We recommend combining a few nights at an eco-lodge such as Castara Retreats with a beachfront stay in order to experience both sides of the island.”
Tobago need-to-know
❂ Passengers are now required to fill in an online immigration and customs form, which is available 72 hours prior to arrival and departure. Remind them to then download or print the receipt and QR code issued via travel.gov.tt.
❂ The currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar and while credit cards or US dollars might be accepted in hotels or tourist attractions, local cash is essential for small purchases and some restaurants, so advise clients to visit an ATM in the Crown Point area before heading to the rest of the island.
❂ For trade support and online training, see visittobago.gov.tt/corporate/trade-resources or travelweekly.co.uk/visit-tobago-hub
Lead image: Bananquit in Tobago. Image credit: Castara Retreats/Faraaz Abdoo
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