Lowlands and Petit Trou lie east of Crown Point, making them an easy coastal outing after you land in Tobago. Along the way, you can visit sheltered beaches, mangroves, and a long stretch of Atlantic shoreline. With a Tobago car rental, you can spend more time at the places that interest you without rushing between stops.
Canoe Bay is popular for relaxed swimming, Petit Trou Lagoon is known for birdlife, and Little Rockley Bay is ideal for walking. Our guide covers the roads, beach access, driving tips, and a half-day route along the south coast of Tobago.
From A.N.R. Robinson International Airport, you can reach this coastal area without a long drive. The key is choosing the right turn-off, as the beaches and lagoon have separate access points.
Leave the airport in Crown Point and follow the signs towards Milford Road. Continue through Bon Accord and Canaan, then join the Claude Noel Highway towards Lowlands and Scarborough. After passing local shops and streets, take Canoe Bay Road near the highway's western end. Follow the signs towards the beach.
Canoe Bay is roughly 7 kilometres from the airport, or around 10 to 15 minutes without delays. The paved Claude Noel Highway has one lane in each direction along most of your route. Plan extra time if you're driving around Crown Point for the first time. On the south coast of Tobago, follow the marked turns rather than rushing to the next stop.
You'll need to use different entrances for these stops. You'll reach Canoe Bay via Canoe Bay Road, while Petit Trou Lagoon is farther east within Tobago Plantations Estate. Follow the estate signs for the lagoon, but confirm visitor access before entering. Stay on permitted roads around the estate's golf course.
For Little Rockley Bay, reconnect with Old Milford Road towards Lambeau, where the road runs close to the coast. Look for the Petit Trou parking area beside the beach, rather than heading through the plantation gate.
The names Petit Trou Lagoon and Petit Trou Beach can be confusing because they refer to different places. Save each stop separately before leaving Crown Point, and ask locally if a sign is unclear.
A compact car suits the usual paved roads around Lowlands in Tobago. A mid-size car or SUV gives you more room for luggage and beach supplies, especially when travelling as a group. You won't normally need a four-wheel-drive car for the main route. Avoid rough tracks or unsigned entrances simply because your map suggests a shortcut.
In Tobago, you drive on the left and travel clockwise around roundabouts. Ordinary roads generally have a 50-kilometre-per-hour speed limit. Standard cars can travel up to 80 kilometres per hour on Claude Noel Highway. Always follow posted limits, slow down near villages, and watch for pedestrians, cyclists and animals. Wear your seat belt and take extra care after rain or where street lighting is limited.
If you're planning several beach stops, book a car rental with Final Rentals before your trip. Choose a compact car or SUV, with unlimited mileage, and your first additional driver included.
Drivers must be aged 25 to 75, with a valid licence held for at least 2 years. Bring your national driving licence, passport or valid identification, and evidence of when you entered the country. The rental terms accept national licences for visits of up to 6 months without requiring an international driving permit.
The south coast of Tobago has different kinds of coastal stops within a small area. You can swim, watch birds among mangroves, and walk beside the Atlantic before lunch.
Canoe Bay is one of the gentler swimming spots near Crown Point. An offshore reef shelters its shallow, often calm water, which many families and casual swimmers enjoy. Conditions still change with the weather, so check the sea before entering and keep children close. Swimming ability matters even in shallow water.
You can also sunbathe, play beach games, and have a picnic along the small sandy shore. You may find coconut palms, shaded areas, and basic facilities around the beach. Only snorkel around the rocks when visibility and water conditions are suitable.
Canoe Bay has a managed beach and resort area, so don't assume that parking or visitor entry is free. Ask about the day-visitor fee and facilities when you arrive. Leave the car in an approved space. For a short outing, plan about 30 to 45 minutes here, or longer if your group wants to swim.
Inside Tobago Plantations Estate, Petit Trou Lagoon is a mangrove wetland with a boardwalk towards the water. On the south coast of Tobago, you'll see tangled roots and quiet channels rather than a typical sandy beach. Take your time along the path and look for herons, egrets, pelicans and other visiting birds. Small crabs and other wildlife may also appear among the roots.
Early morning is a good choice if you want cooler walking conditions and a chance to watch birds feeding. Bring binoculars and keep your camera ready, but don't approach wildlife. The wooden mangrove boardwalk is for walking and viewing the lagoon, not swimming. Avoid stepping off the path into muddy ground or mangrove roots.
Access may be limited to estate guests or visitors with permission, and the boardwalk's condition can change. Contact the estate or your accommodation before you set out, especially if you're visiting on a public holiday. If you cannot enter, don't follow a private service road. Spend the extra time elsewhere on the coast instead.
Little Rockley Bay is a much longer stretch of shoreline east of Petit Trou, towards Lambeau. You can walk along palm trees and Atlantic waves on firm sand, especially at low tide. With fewer resort facilities, it's a good place for photos and a quiet stroll.
Swimming needs more caution here than at Canoe Bay. The coast is exposed to wind, surf and strong underwater currents, with murky water in some sections. Walk rather than swim unless you've checked local conditions.
Along the south coast of Tobago, you may see fishermen, birds and people relaxing beside the coast road. Use the established Petit Trou beach access, then follow the path onto the sand. Wear shoes for uneven sections. Be sure you're heading to Little Rockley Bay, not Rockley Bay by Scarborough, which is a different place.
From Little Rockley Bay, continue along Old Milford Road towards Lambeau. Unlike the main highway, the older road runs closer to the Atlantic and through small residential areas. You'll see sea views between palms and houses, but only stop where parking is permitted. Drive slowly around bends and watch for people walking beside the road.
In Lambeau, there is a seaside café and craft shop for drinks, lunch or something sweet. Browse locally made artwork, jewellery and crafts while you wait for your food. Its verandah looks towards the water, so it's a pleasant place to sit after your beach walk.
After your break, head toward Scarborough or rejoin the main road to return to Crown Point. Explore the south coast of Tobago during daylight to see junctions clearly and enjoy the coast without rushing.
You can cover the area in half a day, but access and opening hours matter more than distance. Keep your plan flexible if estate access changes or a beach entrance is busy.
Canoe Bay: Use the parking spaces at the managed beach or resort area. Ask staff about day admission, parking charges, and available facilities before entering. Entrance charges can change, so don't rely on older figures. Depending on the area open to visitors, you may find seating and toilets, but it's worth checking beforehand.
Petit Trou Lagoon: The boardwalk and nearby parking are on private estate grounds. Confirm whether non-guests can visit, and follow any instructions from estate staff. An open road does not necessarily mean public access to every part of the golf estate.
Little Rockley Bay: Look for the Petit Trou beach parking area along the coastal route. Spaces may be limited on busy days, and you may need to walk to parts of the shore. Park without blocking driveways, paths, or local traffic.
Start early to enjoy the south coast of Tobago before midday heat. Time your café stop around its actual opening hours. The schedule below is a relaxed half-day plan, not a fixed tour, so adjust it for traffic and access.
8:00 A.M. | Leave Crown Point: Pick up your car, head to Canoe Bay first, and follow Milford Road toward the Claude Noel Highway.
8:15 A.M. | Canoe Bay: Spend about 30 to 45 minutes swimming, walking, or sitting by the sheltered water. Leave more time if you're travelling with children.
9:00 A.M. | Petit Trou Lagoon: If you have permission to enter, spend around 20 to 30 minutes walking along the boardwalk and watching birds.
10:00 A.M. | Little Rockley Bay: Head towards the Petit Trou parking area and spend about 1 hour walking along the shore and taking photographs.
11:00 A.M. | Old Milford Road: Continue towards Lambeau and enjoy the coastal views, but don't stop where the roadside is too narrow.
11:30 A.M. | Shore Things: Stop for a light lunch, a drink, or some craft shopping, if the café is open. The café may open earlier on Saturdays.
12:00 P.M. or later | Return journey: Drive back towards Crown Point or continue towards Scarborough if you have other plans. Leave enough time to eat before setting off again.
If the lagoon is closed, enjoy a longer beach stop or visit Bon Accord on your way back. You'll still have plenty to see. For longer stays, consider how far you can explore Tobago with a rental car before adding more distant stops.
Mornings are a good time for this route because temperatures are often cooler and you have more daylight for walks. Birds may be easier to spot early, and you can visit Little Rockley before the stronger afternoon sea breeze picks up. However, calm weather is never guaranteed, particularly on an exposed Atlantic beach.
Short tropical showers can arrive quickly, so bring a light rain jacket and protect your camera or phone. Wear sun cream and a hat, and carry drinking water for every stop.
If you plan to walk at Little Rockley, consider the tide and avoid going too far from the access point. The sand and walking conditions can change after rough weather. If needed, fill the tank in Crown Point. Check your return time and fuel policy before leaving.
The south coast of Tobago has natural features that do far more than make the shoreline beautiful. Mangroves trap sediment and provide shelter for young fish, while offshore reefs help reduce the force of incoming waves. They keep coastal habitats healthy and support local fishing. Their value goes beyond tourism because coastline conditions also affect the communities that depend on it.
Rent a car in Tobago with Final Rentals and enjoy a scenic drive through Lowlands and Petit Trou, with time to take in the coast along the way. Your Tobago car rental includes Collision Damage Waiver and Third Party Liability cover, subject to the rental terms. Book and manage your car rental anytime. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
If you're looking for attractions in Tobago South Coast, start with Canoe Bay, Petit Trou Lagoon and Little Rockley Bay. Canoe Bay has shallow, often calm water for swimming. Petit Trou Lagoon has mangroves and birds, although estate access may be restricted. Little Rockley Bay is better for a scenic Atlantic beach walk than swimming. All three are a short drive from Crown Point.
Among the places to visit in South Tobago, Lowlands and Lambeau are useful areas to explore. In Lowlands, you can stop at Canoe Bay and, if access is approved, Petit Trou Lagoon. Continue towards Lambeau for Little Rockley Bay and the nearby coastal road. You'll get a mix of sheltered water, wetland scenery, and Atlantic views without driving across the island.
Yes. You can explore the south coast of Tobago in a regular car or SUV on the main paved routes. Drive on the left, travel clockwise at roundabouts, and follow the posted speed limits. Carry a valid driving licence and check your rental terms before travelling. Plan beach parking and private-estate access ahead of time, especially if you want to visit Petit Trou Lagoon.
