ANR Robinson International Airport is at the south-western tip of Tobago in Crown Point, placing you right on the doorstep of this island paradise. The moment you touch down, you’re only minutes away from golden beaches and local spots. Many travellers choose to hire a car at the airport. Tobago’s roads are easy to navigate, and driving yourself lets you explore hidden coves and villages at your own pace. In this Tobago road trip guide, we’ll show you the best places to explore from ANR Robinson Airport.
Navigating Tobago is easy, thanks to its small size. Crown Point, the area surrounding the airport, is well-developed, and most major attractions are within a 5 to 30-minute drive from ANR Robinson Airport. In this section, we’ll cover how you can get around by car and give some tips on the best times to visit.
The best way to move around Tobago is by car. Once you arrive, you can arrange your car hire at ANR Robinson Airport right inside the arrivals area. Booking online before your trip is even better, as it saves time and guarantees your vehicle choice. Roads in the Crown Point area are paved and easy to follow, but you may see a few potholes. Signs are clear, with a low speed limit of about 50 km/h for driving.
Tobago has warm weather year-round, but it does have distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season, from January through May, offers the most sunshine and clear, calm seas. This is perfect for beach days and snorkelling. During these months, rainfall is minimal, and you can expect balmy days around 28 to 30°C. This period is the peak tourist season because of the ideal beach weather. It’s also when some big events occur. For example, around Easter from March or April, you can witness Tobagonians’ unique penchant for goat racing. The annual Buccoo Goat & Crab Race Festival draws crowds in Buccoo Village. April may also feature the Tobago Jazz Festival and local Easter celebrations.
The rainy season runs from June to December. Tobago’s wet season still has plenty of sunshine, with short tropical showers mainly in the late afternoon or at night. Temperatures remain warm (mid 20s°C), and the landscape turns lush green due to extra moisture. The island is less crowded, so you’ll have a quieter experience on the beaches and lower rates on accommodation. The rains also bring out Tobago’s wildlife. For instance, this is the best time to spot hatchling turtles.
Tobago is renowned for its picture-perfect beaches, and some of the best are just a stone’s throw from the airport. You can land and be on the sand within minutes. Below, we’ll explore the top beaches near ANR Robinson Airport.
Store Bay is the ultimate “welcome to Tobago” beach, located about a 5-minute walk from the airport terminal. After you collect your luggage, you can swim in the calm Caribbean waters of Store Bay. Travellers love this beach for its beautiful golden sand and gentle waves. Lifeguards are on duty during the day, and the water is usually clear and turquoise. Just steps from the beach, you’ll find open-air stalls and huts where vendors serve Tobago’s most famous dish, curried crab and dumplings. Facilities include clean changing rooms, toilets, showers, and picnic tables available. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for a small fee, or find a shady spot under a palm tree.
Pigeon Point is only about 2.5 kilometres from the airport. It takes around 5 to 7 minutes to drive, or about 25 minutes to walk there. It’s Tobago’s most famous beach. Officially called Pigeon Point Heritage Park, this 125-acre nature reserve and beach park is often called the “crown jewel of Tobago”. Picture an idyllic stretch of white sand, calm azure waters, and a thatched-roof jetty extending into the sea; this is the scene that graces so many Tobago postcards and travel brochures.
When you arrive at Pigeon Point, you’ll pass through a small entrance gate. The beach is privately managed, so there is an entrance fee for visitors. Inside, you’ll find well-kept bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, and several restaurants and beach bars. The park is open daily, typically 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can also purchase weekly passes if you plan to visit frequently during your stay.
In the vicinity of ANR Robinson Airport, you can explore coral reefs teeming with life, ride waves at a surfer’s haven, or wander through a bird sanctuary in the forest. The southwestern end of the island is an ideal launch point for these outdoor activities, many of which are easily accessible with a short drive or can be accessed from Crown Point. Below, we highlight a few nature and adventure escapes near the airport.
Buccoo Reef is one of Tobago’s best natural spots. It sits just off the coast near Crown Point. You can join boat tours to Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool from Store Bay or Pigeon Point. Both are less than 10 minutes from the ANR Robinson Airport. Glass-bottom boat tours are a popular way to experience the reef. You can show up at Store Bay or Pigeon Point in the morning or early afternoon, and you’ll find licensed tour operators ready to take you out. The entire boat trip typically lasts about 2 to 3 hours. As the boat cruises out, you’ll peer through the glass panels in the hull and start spotting coral formations and fish below.
Buccoo Reef is relatively shallow, which is why its colors are so vivid and easily visible from the boat. After observing the reef, most tours will stop at the Nylon Pool, one of Tobago’s most unique natural wonders. Despite being out in the middle of the sea, the water here is only waist-deep and forms a wide, crystal-clear natural “pool” over an offshore sandbank.
If you’re looking for surf, sun, and a bit of local vibe, head about 8 kilometres west of the airport. It is a 15 to 20 minute-drive to Mount Irvine Bay. This beautiful bay offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, and it’s widely known as the best surf spot on the island. Even if you’re not a surfer, Mount Irvine’s beaches are fantastic for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying a Tobago sunset with a cold drink in hand.
Mount Irvine actually has two beach areas: the Surf Side and the Hotel Side. The Surf Side, near Mt. Irvine Beach Facility, faces a reef break that produces decent waves, especially from December to March (the winter swells). If you’ve never tried surfing, this is a great place to learn. Instructors offer lessons right on the beach. They provide the boards and guidance to get you safely up on your feet. The waves at Mount Irvine are usually gentle enough for beginners, and there’s a channel for paddling out. On the other side is the Hotel Side, which has calmer water because the reef shelters it from the bigger waves. It’s ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
For a break from the beaches, visit the Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s about 11 kilometres from ANR Robinson Airport, or a 20 to 25 minute drive. Located near Black Rock village, this peaceful spot is perfect for birdwatching and short nature walks. The Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful sanctuary and is one of Tobago’s favourite birdwatching sites. You can stroll along easy trails shaded by old forest and plantation trees.
Keep your eyes open for Motmots, Rufous-vented Chachalacas, hummingbirds, and bananaquits. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active. Around 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, the caretaker refills feeders, drawing flocks of birds for close-up viewing.You’ll also see tall mango trees, bamboo groves, and colourful plants that attract butterflies. The trails are short and suitable for all ages, though the ground can be uneven or muddy. Wear sneakers and apply mosquito repellent, especially in the wet season. The sanctuary isn’t manicured, but it’s alive with birds, lizards, agoutis, and other small animals.
Exploring the Crown Point area and its surroundings is relatively easy and very rewarding. Nonetheless, here are some practical travel tips to help you make the most of your adventures near ANR Robinson Airport. Keep these in mind for a safe, smooth, and enjoyable Tobago trip:
From the moment you land at ANR Robinson International Airport, Tobago’s best beaches, nature, and culture are within reach. This convenient gateway in Crown Point puts you minutes away from Store Bay’s tempting cuisine, Pigeon Point’s idyllic shores, and Buccoo Reef’s underwater wonders, and lively local traditions like Sunday School. Whether you have a full week or just a long layover, there’s a wealth of experiences close by, waiting to be enjoyed.
Book your car rental with Final Rentals and pick up your vehicle at ANR Robinson Airport upon arrival. With 24/7 service, no hidden fees, and instant confirmation, Final Rentals makes island travel stress-free. Pick from compact cars for short drives or SUVs for scenic routes along Tobago’s coast. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
