Tobago’s north coast brings you close to forested hills, quiet bays, and villages shaped by fishing. You can rent a car in Tobago to freely pause whenever a view catches your attention. The route begins in Moriah, then continues towards Castara, Parlatuvier, and peaceful Bloody Bay. Our guide explains each stop, how to reach it, and why it deserves time during your trip.
Prepare before leaving Scarborough, especially if you plan to reach Bloody Bay and return before dark.
Pick up your rental car at the airport or in Scarborough, then drive through Scarborough and Mason Hall. Continue towards Moriah and follow the signs for Castara. At Moriah, join the main coastal route towards Mount Dillon and Castara.
Set Castara as your first main destination on your navigation system. Scarborough and Mason Hall are part of the approach, while the coastal drive begins around Moriah. From here, the road links Moriah with Castara, Englishman’s Bay, Parlatuvier, Bloody Bay, and other northern communities.
Start early and plan to return before dark. Remote sections lack lighting, while tight bends and steep slopes need careful driving. Check the weather and local road reports before leaving. Heavy rain can cause flooding, soil erosion, and road damage. Fill up the tank in Scarborough or at Mason Hall, as fuel stations become scarce in smaller villages.
Download an offline map or save screenshots of the directions. Mobile signal may be weak along the Tobago Northside Road. Pack water, swimwear, towels, sunscreen, snacks, and cash because small shops may not accept cards.
Drive slowly around blind bends, potholes, and steep drops, especially after rain. Park only in safe lay-bys or marked areas. Never block a driveway, narrow lane, boat ramp, or working fishing area.
Start in Moriah, then visit Mount Dillon, Castara, Englishman’s Bay, Parlatuvier, and Bloody Bay. Return along the same road after your final stop. This route has no inland diversion or planned loop. You stay on the coast road in both directions. The return journey also gives you another chance to enjoy viewpoints you missed on the outward drive.
Small fishing villages and rainforest-backed beaches shape this side of Tobago. Each stop offers something different, from high coastal views to quiet swimming areas and working jetties.
Continue after Moriah until you reach the turn-off for Mount Dillon Lookout, about 15 kilometres from Scarborough. A short driveway leads to a grassy parking area with benches. The lookout offers wide views of the Caribbean coast across green hills and the sea.
Mount Dillon is a great first stop because it offers a view of the landscape ahead. Cool breezes often reach the viewpoint, making it pleasant before the descent. It is also a strong photo stop on the route towards Castara.
Continue towards Castara and stop at the marked viewpoint above Castara Bay. Park fully inside the pull-off and avoid narrow bends or steep edges. From above, you can see the crescent bay, fishing boats, colourful homes, and the road descending towards the village. This viewpoint gives the clearest view before you enter Castara. The full village layout is easy to see from here. Take your photos, then continue carefully down the hill.
Follow the road into Castara, then turn towards the main bay. Park near the beach where allowed, keeping lanes and boat ramps clear. Castara is a small working fishing village around a sheltered Caribbean bay.
Coconut trees line the sand, while local fishermen launch and land boats from the shore. Big Bay suits swimming and snorkelling when conditions are calm. Small restaurants and a beach bar serve local meals near the sand. You may see fishermen returning with the day’s catch. A mini-mart and a fisherman’s depot provide basic supplies. Castara mixes beach time, food, water sports, and a close look at daily island life.
Book a car with Final Rentals for unlimited mileage and free breakdown assistance while exploring Tobago’s remote Northside Road.
Leave Castara and continue towards Parlatuvier. Follow the sign for Englishman’s Bay, then take the narrow access road towards the beach parking area. Return by the same access road after your visit. Englishman’s Bay is a secluded beach surrounded by thick rainforest. Trees provide natural shade beside the sand. The quiet forest setting makes it suitable for a picnic or a short rest.
Services are very limited, so bring water and snacks. Swim or snorkel only when sea conditions are calm. This natural stop offers more privacy than Castara and lies between Castara and Parlatuvier.
Return to the main road and continue towards Parlatuvier. Before entering the village, stop at the roadside viewpoint near the small grassy lay-by. Parlatuvier Bay spreads below, with fishing boats, a sandy beach, a wooden jetty, and hillside homes. This raised viewpoint shows the full village layout before you descend. Park safely and stay clear of moving traffic. After taking photos, continue down towards the beach and jetty.
Park away from boats, nets, and other working areas. A small parking area may be available near the shore. Parlatuvier is a quiet fishing village where boats often rest in clear, shallow water.
The wooden jetty remains central to local life. You may see nets being repaired or fish being sold near the beach. Simple kiosks and benches are available, but tourist services remain limited. Walk along the sand or jetty without disturbing local work. Fresh fish and village life make Parlatuvier worth visiting as a gentle break after Englishman’s Bay.
Bloody Bay is the final stop on this itinerary. Continue beyond Parlatuvier when road and weather conditions are safe. The road becomes narrower and winds through green hills. Follow the sign for Bloody Bay and park without blocking access. The beach has a remote, undeveloped setting framed by thick green slopes. A small river or stream reaches the sea at one end.
Enjoy the view, but leave enough daylight for the return. Turn around after Bloody Bay and retrace the Tobago Northside Road towards Moriah, Scarborough, or the airport.
The best part of this trip is having time to pause without rushing between places. Leave room for surprises, whether fishermen return to shore or a clear viewpoint appears after rain. Drive carefully, respect village spaces, and let the north coast set the pace.
Rent a car in Tobago with Final Rentals from Scarborough and begin the Northside drive close to Moriah. The first additional driver is included, making it easier to share the winding coastal journey. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
The Tobago Northside Road trip is a scenic self-drive route along Tobago’s northern Caribbean coast. Start at Moriah near Scarborough and follow Northside Road west. The route stops at Mount Dillon, Castara, Englishman’s Bay, Parlatuvier, and Bloody Bay. You’ll see forested hills and beaches, fishing boats and local villages along the way.
Key stops include Mount Dillon Lookout for panoramic views and Castara village for beach time and local life. Englishman’s Bay offers a secluded rainforest-shaded beach. Parlatuvier has a viewpoint, a working jetty, a calm bay, and a fishing village. Bloody Bay is a quiet riverfront coastal bay where a river meets the sea.
Yes. The Northside Road trip is easiest by rental car, which lets you travel on your own schedule. You can rent a car in Tobago at the airport or in Scarborough. Rental companies usually offer SUVs and other vehicles with insurance included. Drive on the left, and use a local map or navigation system for safety.
