Tobago is a small Caribbean island with natural beauty, historic landmarks, and peaceful beaches. With a rental car, you can move at your own pace and stop anywhere to take photos, try local food, or enjoy the sea breeze. Some of the best attractions are not near the main towns, so driving is the easiest way to explore them fully. In this Tobago travel guide, you will discover the top places that show the true spirit of the island.
Here's a list of the top tourist attractions in Tobago. The country comprises beautiful beaches, rainforest trails, and historic sites, making it a favourite destination for travellers.
Pigeon Point is one of the best beaches in Tobago, known for its long stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water. It features the island’s famous thatch-roof jetty, shady cabanas, beach bars, restaurants, and watersports rentals. It is a 15 km drive from Scarborough, and it takes around 20 minutes by car. After enjoying a swim or kayak ride, you can unwind under the palm trees and end your day with a stunning sunset view from the jetty, one of the most photo-worthy spots in Tobago.
Argyle Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tobago, standing at around 54 metres, and is a stunning oasis surrounded by lush rainforest. The waterfall flows down in three tiers, creating cool natural pools to enjoy a refreshing swim. You will take a 15-minute walk through the rainforest to reach the falls. Along the way, you can spot birds and tropical plants.
There is no fixed entry fee, though a small donation is appreciated to support maintenance. The falls are about 27 km from Scarborough, which is a 35 to 40-minute drive along scenic coastal roads. Once you arrive, you can swim under the cascading water, relax in the pools, or enjoy a quiet picnic. Bring insect repellent and water shoes, as some rocks are slippery. Argyle Falls is one of the most peaceful nature spots on the island and a perfect half-day escape into Tobago’s rainforest.
Fort King George is a historic 18th-century British military fort just above Scarborough’s harbour. Built in the late 1700s, it has been carefully restored and still features officers’ quarters, powder magazines, and old prison cells that you can explore. Along the ramparts, you will see original cannons lined up as they were centuries ago, giving you a real sense of Tobago’s colonial past.
The fort is open to visitors with a small admission fee, and the site includes the Tobago Museum, which displays Amerindian artifacts, colonial maps, and local history exhibits. You can enjoy panoramic views over Scarborough Bay, the Caribbean Sea, and the surrounding coastline from the fort walls. It is a popular place for photography because of its breathtaking scenery. Fort King George is an ideal stop if you’re interested in Tobago’s history and stunning sea views.
Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers and one of the most important natural sites on the island. It is the oldest legally protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, preserved since 1776, and covers over 3,900 hectares of rich tropical jungle along Tobago’s central mountain range. The forest is home to rare birds, including the white-tailed sabrewing, hummingbirds, and colourful parrots, making it perfect for wildlife spotting.
You can drive to popular entry points such as Gilpin Trace and Flagstaff Hill for birdwatching and guided walks. The reserve has easy and challenging hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and dense forest paths. While many forest roads are unpaved, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended but not required. Be prepared for light rain, as the forest stays green year-round due to frequent showers. Exploring the Main Ridge feels like entering a peaceful world of nature, filled with flowing streams and birds calling through the trees.
Little Tobago, also called Bird of Paradise Island, is a small uninhabited island off Tobago’s northeast coast. It is one of the best destinations for birdwatching and marine adventures. You can reach it by taking a 15-minute boat ride from Speyside, which is about a 30-minute drive from Scarborough. The island was once a cotton plantation but is now a protected wildlife sanctuary home to red-billed tropicbirds, brown boobies, frigatebirds, and other seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
Most tours start in the morning when bird activity is highest and include guided walks to lookout points. After exploring the island, boats usually stop at a nearby reef or the Nylon Pool for snorkelling in clear blue water. The full trip takes a few hours, and group sizes are often kept small to protect the environment. Bring sun protection, water, and snorkel gear if you have it. With its stunning ocean views, rich wildlife, and chance to see dolphins along the way, Little Tobago is a must-visit for nature lovers and snorkellers.
Pirate’s Bay is a hidden crescent-shaped beach near Charlotteville on Tobago’s north coast. It is believed to have been a hiding place for pirates long ago, surrounded by green hills and crystal-clear water. To reach the beach, you must walk down about 150 concrete steps or arrive by boat. The short hike offers stunning ocean views and a chance to enjoy Tobago’s tropical landscape.
When you arrive at the bottom, you are welcomed by calm, clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling. A coral reef lies just offshore, where you can spot colourful fish and marine life. There are no major facilities, so it is essential to bring water and snacks, although small local stalls sometimes offer drinks or beach chairs for rent. Located 41 km from Scarborough (about a 1-hour drive), Pirate’s Bay is uncrowded.
Store Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Tobago. The beach features soft golden sand, calm blue waters, and lifeguards on duty year-round, making it a safe and relaxing spot for families. You can enjoy swimming, jet-skiing, or simply relaxing under shady trees while watching planes land in the distance. Along the boardwalk, you will find food stalls and craft vendors selling local dishes such as crab and dumplings and corn soup. The area also has umbrellas, beach chairs, restrooms, and shops. Store Bay is well known for its sunset views, beach events, and lively atmosphere.
Stonehaven Bay, also known as Grafton Bay, is a peaceful and scenic beach just south of Mount Irvine. It features golden sand, a gentle reef, and clear water perfect for light snorkelling. The beach is famous as one of Tobago’s key leatherback turtle nesting sites, with turtles laying eggs here between March and June. For conservation efforts, you may see protective markers on the sand during nesting season.
This beach is ideal for bodyboarding and relaxing in a calm environment, away from the busier tourist spots. There are a few beachfront bars and restaurants, so you can enjoy a meal or drink right by the shore. Located about 20 km from Scarborough, it takes around 30 minutes to reach by car.
Corbin Local Wildlife Park is a small sanctuary in the Mason Hall hills, offering a unique chance to see Tobago’s native wildlife up close. The park is a non-profit conservation project focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing local animals. During a guided tour, you can walk along shaded forest trails and meet creatures such as iguanas, armadillos, caimans, turtles, snakes, and collared peccaries. You may also spot tropical birds, butterflies, and agoutis in their natural surroundings.
Tours usually last between 1 to 2 hours and are very informative. The guides explain each animal’s behaviour and the importance of conservation. There is a small donation fee, and children especially enjoy feeding the deer and watching the tortoises. Located just a short drive from the main highway, Corbin Park is a peaceful and educational stop that gives you a deeper understanding of Tobago’s wildlife. It is one of the only places on the island where you can safely interact with so many native species.
Turtle Beach, also known as Great Courland Bay, is a long, sandy stretch on Tobago’s leeward coast. It is most famous for the sea turtles that come ashore to nest, especially between March and August. Large leatherback turtles emerge at night to lay their eggs during this season, and guided turtle-watching tours are available. These tours are carefully managed to protect the animals, and advance booking is required.
The beach also offers snorkelling opportunities, thanks to coral reefs located just offshore. The shoreline has some waves, but it is safe for casual swimming and long beach walks. Parking and public facilities are available. Located only a few minutes’ drive from Pigeon Point and the airport area, Turtle Beach is easily accessible by car. Even outside nesting season, it is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy Tobago’s marine scenery. You can spot fish, tropical birds, and local fishing boats.
Castara Bay is a peaceful fishing village on Tobago’s northern coast. The bay features golden sand, gentle waves, and a friendly local atmosphere where fishermen bring in their daily catch right from the shore. You can swim, snorkel near the rocks, or relax under shady trees while watching pelicans dive for fish. Just a short walk away is Little Castara Beach, a more secluded spot ideal for quiet swimming and spotting marine life. Small restaurants and guesthouses line the hillside, offering fresh seafood and stunning sea views. The drive from Scarborough takes around 45 minutes.
These places to visit in Tobago highlight how diverse and exciting the island is. From waterfalls and forests to calm bays and nesting turtle beaches, Tobago offers natural beauty and rich culture that you can enjoy. Each attraction gives you a new experience, showing why Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most rewarding islands to explore.
Rent a car in Tobago with Final Rentals to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Choose your pick-up location, select the vehicle for your trip, and enjoy instant booking with no hidden fees. Final Rentals offers well-maintained cars, free cancellations, and 24/7 airport service. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
