In association with: Tobago Tourism Agency
There’s no adventure without nature in Tobago, home to a dazzling array of wildlife and marine creatures
When you think of an adventurous holiday, activities like hiking, cycling or watersports might jump to mind. But when it’s immersed in nature, like in Tobago, the adventure is a little more special.
Tobago is an undiscovered gem, with crystalline waters and a vast, untouched rainforest filled with wildlife, which serves as the perfect backdrop for activities that showcase this Caribbean destination’s sense of adventure.
Set off on an unspoiled trail through a nature reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for any of the hundreds of native bird species, or go for a snorkel and get up close and personal with the unique marine life. Whatever adventures your clients embark on, they’ll be welcomed by friendly locals and invited to soak up the lively culture.
And it’s easily accessible too, with direct flights twice a week from Gatwick with British Airways.
Adventures in nature
Hikers of all abilities are well catered for. They can take their pick from smooth, meandering routes that weave through lush greenery, passing stunning waterfalls and verdant foliage, or more challenging ascents that offer the reward of panoramic views across the island.
Tobago is a haven for diverse birdlife and hikers can immerse themselves in nature and catch a glimpse of some of the 260 species of bird that call the island home, including six varieties of hummingbird and the cocrico, the national bird.
One of the finest spots for admiring them is the Gilpin Trace, which is part of the Unesco-listed Main Ridge Forest Reserve and one of the oldest trails on the island.
Flagstaff Hill is also a must-visit, with far-reaching views across Charlotteville and the Caribbean Sea. It’s an ideal spot from which to watch the sun go down, turning the sky a stunning pinky-red, before observing the nocturnal birds that are native to the region.
For clients keen to spot as many bird species as possible, recommend a visit between December and April, when the birds are at their most active and migratory species stop over on their way to North America. But with so many residing in Tobago year-round, birdwatchers won’t be disappointed whatever time of year they visit.
Explore the shore
It’s not just the interior of the island where you can spot Tobago’s wildlife – a rich array of marine life lies beneath the surface of the sparkling coastal waters. The island’s dive sites teem with marine life year‑round, with a rainbow of tropical species living among the reefs.
There are more than 50 well-established dive sites on the island, spanning Atlantic drifts in the south, where eels, lobsters and crabs congregate, to calmer waters in the north, which boast colourful coral and are ideal for beginners.
Visitors who explore the sloping reefs of Kelleston Drain, off the coast of the island of Little Tobago, will be treated to sightings of the Caribbean’s largest brain coral, some of which, after centuries of growth, measures five metres in width.
Divers of all abilities will be in for a treat wherever they choose to explore, with hordes of schooling fish, moray eels, lobsters and sea horses. Among the reefs, barracudas, nurse sharks and rays aren’t in short supply, while lucky divers might have the chance to swim beside a majestic leatherback turtle.
And at night, explore the coastline on a bioluminescence tour. Visitors can head out in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard to marvel at the breathtaking glowing plankton as it glitters in the water.
Ask the experts
“Tobago is very sure of its unique identity and gives you a strong sense of place. Its tiny stature makes everything very accessible, yet it packs a big punch in terms of variety of environments and experiences, from the Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and from the beach to the rainforest.”
Steve Wilson, CEO of Linger, which specialises in slow and immersive travel
Get inspired and rewarded
For valuable insights into this untouched destination, sign up to Tobago’s agent training programme at: tobago101specialist.co.uk
For even more inspiration and booking rewards, visit tobagobeyond.com and tobagorewards.com
Meet Tobago at the Atas Conference 2023
Tobago is a member of the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers and will be exhibiting at the Atas Conference in Liverpool on October 10-11. Agents can meet Tobago representatives to learn more about the island.
PICTURES: Tobago Tourism Agency; Adventure Eco Villas Tobago; Francesca Page