5 best nature experiences to explore in untouched Tobago
They say good things come in small packages and nowhere is that more evident than in Tobago - the Caribbean Island which measures 26 miles long, 6 miles wide and now easily accessible with direct British Airways flights from London Gatwick.
There’s a lot packed into that petite landscape, bursting with lush rainforests and peppered with pretty beaches (think white sands and magical blue-green waters). Tobago is home to a varied array of wildlife and sea creatures.
Whether you’re looking for new adventures or a little peace and quiet, Tobago has the kind of inviting atmosphere that offers something for all travellers.
From eco adventures to beachy bliss, here are the five best nature experiences to explore in untouched Tobago, if you’re looking to discover untouched, unspoilt nature – or just something new about yourself.
Main Ridge Forest Reserve
You’ll want to pack your walking shoes to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the oldest protected forest reserve in the western hemisphere. Don’t be surprised when you’re greeted with birdsong and burbling streams as you explore the exotic array of flora and fauna under a canopy of lush greenery.
This rainforest covers a majority of the island and boasts many accolades as a must-see eco-tourism destination. Not only can you spot the rare, protected, white-tailed sabre wing hummingbird here – a vibrantly coloured bird exclusive to Tobago and Venezuela – there’s plenty of other animals to look out for. Like (non-poisonous) snakes, lizards and more birds than you’d imagine, including the great black hawk and jacamar – there are 260 bird species living on the island. The hike through the reserve ends at Tobago’s highest waterfall, the Argyle, so you can end your adventure with a calming dip in its clear waters. Book a tour with a trained guide and don’t forget the binoculars.
Explore Tobago underwater
Tobago’s striking biodiversity makes it a diver’s best friend, where a colourful panorama of marine life is ready to greet you under the sea, including sponges, corals, tarpons, lobsters, turtles and more. Diving pros like to head straight to London Bridge – easy to spot thanks to the arched shape of the rock formation – which offers a maximum depth of 100 feet. Kelleston Drain is home to the Caribbean’s largest concentration of brain coral, or try diving inside a famous wreck at M.V. Maverick, a 350-foot car ferry, where you may even spot a barracuda.
Go on a turtle watching expedition
Did you know that Tobago is home to three different species of sea turtle – the giant leatherback, the hawksbill and the green? Leatherbacks nest from March to August (May to November for hawksbills), and the opportunity to watch these turtles laying their eggs on the beach is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Booking in for a turtle watching tour isn’t just about your enjoyment, though: visitor traffic helps fund sea turtle conservation, as these animals face the threat of extinction due to habitat destruction and climate change. To see the turtles in action head to Tobago’s west coast beaches like Courland Bay, Grafton Beach and Stonehaven Bay – which is where you’ll find The Villas at Stonehaven, secluded luxurious accommodation offering private pools and epic views.
Take a glass-bottomed boat to the Nylon Pool
The good news about Tobago’s beauty? You don’t need to hike or dive to discover it – unless you want to. For those in search of a more meditative and relaxing getaway, hit the waters in a glass-bottomed boat headed for Buccoo Reef and see if the myths surrounding the Nylon Pool – a shallow coral pool off Pigeon Point – are true. Legend has it that a dip in this pool will make you five (or even 10!) years’ younger, and it’s also rumoured to have been Princess Margaret’s favourite spot. Perfect for getting up close and personal with fish and coral… or dancing to the music on the boat, with a cocktail in hand.
Make every day a beach day
Relaxation is a key ingredient of any Tobagonian holiday, and there’s no shortage of beaches to choose from to sit back and enjoy the beauty around you. While Pigeon Point and Mount Irvine (which has Blue Flag Pilot status approval), are the island’s most popular sandy hangouts – head there for water sports and beachside dining – those in search of off-the-beaten-track bliss should head further afield along the coastal road. Head for Englishman’s Bay, renowned for its tranquillity and picturesque atmosphere. Ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply enjoying the solitude of a good book along a deserted shoreline, shaded by the rainforest’s canopy.
If you're dreaming of a Tobago holiday, find out how you can make your dream a reality with British Airways. With direct flights from London Gatwick, all British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, include 23kg baggage allowance per person and offer access to a 24-hour holiday helpline. You can also secure your holiday with low deposits. Book now at ba.com/tobago
