Scarborough is the capital of Tobago and the first place many travellers explore when they arrive on the island. It is on a hill overlooking the sea. You will find markets full of fresh fruits and spices, historic forts with amazing ocean views, and roads that connect you to beaches, rainforests, and coastal villages in every direction. Starting here is easy and exciting because Scarborough is the centre of everything. To explore freely, rent a car in Tobago. In this Scarborough travel guide, you will learn why this capital is the best place to begin your Tobago adventure.
Scarborough is not only the capital of Tobago but also the island’s main transportation, administrative, and cultural hub. It is on the southern coast with direct road access to the leeward and windward sides of the island. Here’s why it’s the most efficient starting point for travellers.
Scarborough is at the centre of Tobago’s most popular sites. It connects directly to the Claude Noel Highway, Old Milford Road, and coastal routes that lead to the leeward, windward, and southwestern parts of the island without long detours. From here, you are only minutes away from the best places to visit in Scarborough, such as Fort King George, Scarborough Botanical Gardens, and the historic downtown area. A short drive can take you to Pigeon Point, the world-famous beach known for its crystal waters and accessible reefs, or to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, one of the world’s oldest protected rainforests.
Scarborough is Tobago’s primary gateway for travellers arriving by sea. The Scarborough Cruise Ship Terminal is located in the town centre. You can step off the vessel and access shops, local markets, transport services, and key attractions. The terminal has facilities such as duty-free stores, local craft stalls, free Wi-Fi, and a tourist information centre.
Scarborough is 1 hour away from A. N. R. Robinson International Airport and 2 minutes away from the Port of Scarborough. Once you land, the main coastal road and highway have a direct route into the capital. You can start exploring without long transfers or delays. With a car, you can easily travel to Scarborough and continue to beaches, forests, and historic sites.
Scarborough is rich in history, shaped by centuries of colonial battles among the British, French, Dutch, and Spanish. This heritage is preserved in architecture and historic sites. The most prominent landmark is Fort King George, located on a hilltop overlooking the harbour. Built in the late 1700s, the fort features original cannons, stone walls, and a restored officer’s mess. The Tobago Museum is where you can explore artefacts from Amerindian societies and colonial life. Walk through the fort to understand Tobago’s past and panoramic views of the coast below. In the town centre, there are historic buildings such as the House of Assembly.
Visiting Scarborough gives you a close look at real Caribbean living. You can observe one of the island’s most important traditions, known as “liming,” which means relaxing with friends, telling stories, and enjoying music in the open air. Along the streets and near the harbour, you will often hear the sound of the steelpan, a musical instrument that was born in Trinidad and Tobago. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, with residents spending time outdoors, greeting neighbours, and enjoying the ocean breeze from Rockly Bay. You can also see Tobago’s colonial heritage through traditional wooden houses, old British street layouts, and cultural practices.
Scarborough places you within quick reach of some of Tobago’s most scenic and contrasting beaches. Just a short drive away is Bacolet Bay Beach, a quiet, crescent-shaped shore with golden sand and palm trees. The beach is naturally protected by a coral reef. The waters are calm despite being on the Atlantic side. To the west is Pigeon Point Heritage Park, one of Tobago’s most iconic beaches. It is famous for its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking. Mount Irvine Bay is a surfer’s beach with swimming areas and modern resorts for travellers.
Scarborough is the perfect launch point for exploring Tobago’s natural treasures. From the town, you can set off towards the island’s lush rainforest interior, coastal mangroves, and marine reserves with ease. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve, one of the oldest protected rainforests in the world, is accessible via roads from Scarborough. You can enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and encounters with unique wildlife. Coastal excursions such as trips to the Nylon Pool and Little Tobago Island can also be easily arranged from the Scarborough port. These sites offer remarkable opportunities for snorkelling, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and observing tropical species in their natural habitats.
Scarborough is the commercial heart of Tobago. It has a range of markets, small shops, and dining spots where you can experience the island’s flavours and crafts. The town centre, especially around Wilson Road and the port area, is filled with local vendors selling handmade jewellery, wood carvings, clothing, and island souvenirs. Scarborough's market is a lively place to try traditional foods and ingredients, including spices and fresh produce from local farms. Dine in Scarborough to taste authentic Caribbean dishes such as curried crab and dumplings, and callaloo made with dasheen leaves and herbs.
One of the best places to visit in Scarborough is the Scarborough Botanical Gardens, a spacious green retreat where children can walk safely among flowering trees. Fort King George blends education and exploration, where families can discover Tobago’s colonial past through historic cannons, stone barracks, and the Tobago Museum. Wildlife lovers can also travel easily from Scarborough to nature spots such as Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve, where colourful birds fly freely in their habitat.
Scarborough is the starting point for Tobago’s most scenic road journeys. From the town centre, you can follow routes such as the Claude Noel Highway and Old Milford Road, which connect directly to coastal areas, historic villages, and nature reserves. Driving from Scarborough gives you the freedom to discover hidden bays, rainforest viewpoints, and heritage sites that are not accessible by public transport. The road network is great for coastal drives with ocean views and hillside routes that reveal Tobago’s lush green interior.
Scarborough is the transport centre of Tobago. Whether you arrive by air or sea, you can explore and travel smoothly in any direction across the island.
Scarborough is where history, culture, nature, and island life all come together in one place. From this point, you can explore beaches, rainforests, forts, and local communities in every direction. Starting here means you experience the real Tobago from the moment you arrive.
To explore Tobago conveniently, rent a car with Final Rentals. You can choose your pick-up location at the Port of Scarborough or A. N. R. Robinson International Airport and select from a wide range of vehicles. Final Rentals offers instant booking, no hidden fees, and well-maintained cars to make your journey smooth and stress-free. For extra convenience, you can also download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
