Tobago: An island sustained by nature

Untouched natural beauty and an abundance of undiscovered gems make Tobago the perfect destination for an unspoilt adventure holiday. Beneath the emerald blanket of lush rainforest and below the surface of the crystalline Caribbean waters, a host of activities await travellers looking to fuse adventure with nature.

 

The eco-adventure offering of this island paradise is complemented by its rich heritage, vibrant culture and welcoming locals – making it the perfect choice for an exciting, authentic Caribbean getaway.

 

 

Right in the heart of the island, the Unesco-listed Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the western hemisphere’s oldest protected rainforest and is a perfect playground for nature lovers to spot the bird life. In fact, more than 260 bird species call the island home, and birders will love looking out for hummingbirds, frigatebirds and Tobago’s national bird, the cocrico. Hiking and biking trails weave their way across the island. The Gilpin Trace is a visitor-favourite, with its beautiful, winding paths leading to the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the white?tailed sabrewing – one of the world’s rarest hummingbirds.

 

Even outside of the rainforest, lush greenery and stunning waterfalls punctuate scenic trails that offer something for hikers of all abilities. Whether they opt for a steady climb or a more challenging ascent, they’ll be sure to be rewarded with breathtaking views. Adventure isn’t restricted to dry land, either. Encircled by the warm, clear Caribbean Sea, Tobago boasts a rainbow of marine life. Colourful sponges and bright corals adorn the unspoilt reefs, where divers can look for everything from moray eels and seahorses to turtles and nurse sharks.

 

And experienced and novice divers alike can enjoy the wonders of Tobago’s coastal waters at a range of dive sites that vary in depth and difficulty, with highly trained instructors ready to aid divers in their marine explorations.

 

 

On the surface, adventure seekers can marvel at the beauty of Tobago from a whole new perspective. Under the cover of the starlit sky, take to a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a bioluminescence tour, where the plankton shimmers in a magical display of nature. During the day, those who want a bit more speed can try their hand at some of the island’s other watersports, such as kiteboarding and windsurfing.

 

Tobago also has its fair share of beautiful beaches, with sparkling turquoise waters and soft white sands. Their levels of beauty are matched by that of their sustainability, with three of the island’s bays having been awarded Blue Flag Pilot status. King’s Bay, Bloody Bay and Mt Irvine Bay have been recognised as environmentally responsible, clean and safe.

 

Sustainability and regeneration efforts span inland too, including in northeast Tobago, which has been awarded a Unesco Man and the Biosphere designation. This programme aims to improve livelihoods in local communities while also safeguarding ecosystems, reinforcing Tobago’s status as a destination that’s environmentally and culturally conscious. With any trip to Tobago, a big part of the adventure is getting to know the island’s history and speaking to the friendly locals. Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture and get a true taste of the destination, whether that be by tasting delicacies like curried crab and dumplings, exploring historic forts or simply spending an afternoon ‘liming’ – the Tobagonian term for chilling out – with the locals.

 

Join Tobago at the 2023 Atas conference

As a member of the Association of Touring & Adventure Suppliers, Tobago will be at the Atas Conference in Liverpool on October 10-11, where agents can meet with representatives and learn more about the island.

 

For inspiration and rewards, head to: tobagobeyond.com and tobagorewards.com

 

And visit the dedicated Tobago Hub at: travelweekly.co.uk/visit-tobago-hub

 

PICTURES: Tobago Tourism Agency Limited