Explore undiscovered Tobago: our top 10 activities from over 101 available

For those looking for a slice of unspoilt Caribbean life, Tobago may be the perfect island paradise. It’s beaches, nature reserves and tourist accommodations are regularly awarded for their sustainability, cleanliness, hygiene and safety standards - while the lush island remains a one-of-a-kind destination when it comes to offering up activities for everyone, from thrill-seekers to those hoping for some solitude. Plus, it’s now even easier to get to with direct British Airways flights twice a week to this lovely southern-lying isle.

From digging into a dish of curried crab and dumplings to walking back in time (with a glorious view) at Fort King George, there are over 101 things you can do on your holiday in Tobago. Read on for 10 of our favourites…

Find ‘yourself’ at Argyle Falls

This is a favourite spot in Tobago for romance, adventure, family time, serenity... and everything in between. Argyle Falls is accessed via a straightforward trek through Tobago’s UNESCO-listed Main Ridge Forest Reserve – no doubt the unspoilt rainforest is already a destination on your to-do list for when you arrive.

Located to the north of Roxborough, Argyle Falls is Tobago’s tallest waterfall, with three levels to the top and brilliant turquoise-hued rock pools to take a dip in at various steps on your journey. It’s most definitely the place to go if you need to switch off from the chaos of everyday life. In fact, many visitors swear the peace and calm of this spot allowed them to get back in tune with nature – and also, with themselves.

See history come to life at Fort King George

This 18th century fort is a popular destination for families and lone travellers alike – and not only because Fort King George is wonderfully preserved, with original cannons, officers’ barracks, prison cells and more on display. It also happens to be one of the most picturesque spots in all of Tobago. The historical artefacts are set against a backdrop of pretty gardens and spacious grounds – and wait until you see the panoramic (and jaw-dropping) views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. There’s also a museum on-site dedicated to local icons.

Eat like a local

The cuisine in Tobago is as rich and diverse as the island itself. You can enjoy Creole, Indian, African and Middle Eastern influenced dishes, not to mention an abundance of fish, seafood and fresh fruit on your visit.

The signature Tobagonian meal to try is curried crab and dumplings: this involves marinating crabs in spices, placing them in a pot with coconut milk, peppers and curry powder paste and serving with flour, cassava or cornmeal and sugar dumplings. Be sure to leave room for other local specialties, like freshly caught (well-priced) grilled lobster and Trini channa and aloo (chickpeas and potatoes).

To drink? Wash your food down with some dasheen punch, made with blue dasheen (taro), a vegetable alternative to white flour. Dasheen just happens to be the star ingredient each October at an annual highlight of Tobagonian life, the Blue Food Festival.

Spot the (humming) birds

Even if you’re the farthest thing from an ornithologist or birder, you can’t help but be enthralled by the six dazzling species of hummingbird you’ll hear – and see – flying around the island of Tobago. These include the amazingly named black-throated mango, ruby topaz, white-necked jacobin, rufous-breasted hermit, white-tailed sabre wing and copper-rumped hummingbird.

These birds are critical to life on Tobago since they’re the island’s major pollinators, responsible for pollinating thousands of plant species each year. Head to Tobago’s Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve or the Hummingbird Gallery in Speyside to get up close and personal with these beautiful birds.

Swim with the fish (and then fish for them) in Castara Bay

This idyllic fishing village is a favourite destination for swimming and snorkelling. Considered one of the island’s “hidden gems,” you can nestle on the white sand in the shade of palms and coconut trees, as you watch fishermen pulling in their nets with the catches of the day (which you can then purchase from them). Visitors are particularly impressed by how calm and clean this spot is.

Indulge your inner thrill-seeker with water sports

If you’re a fan of snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, kite surfing, stand up paddleboarding, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, wakeboarding or surfing, then Tobago is very much the destination for you, with plenty of opportunities to get on the gorgeous blue-green waters and satisfy your inner adventurer. Pigeon Point is the go-to spot for water sports, while surfers hang ten at Mount Irvine. Both are easily reached if you’re staying at a hotel in the south of the island – such as the glorious ocean front plantation-style Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort, which has it all… be it on the beach or the golf course.

Take in the bioluminescence of the waters at night

So, “plankton” and “romance” might not be two words you’d typically put together, but trust us when we tell you that heading out onto the water in Tobago is one of the most incredible ways to spend an evening. The island’s glowing plankton produce their own light, making the water appear full of glittering stars, and a bioluminescence tour might just make you believe in magic. Choose an evening kayak ride in the Bon Accord Lagoon or Buccoo – or go for a stand up paddle-boarding adventure – to spot the dinoflagellates (bioluminescent marine plankton) in full glow.

Learn about folklore at the Speyside Waterwheel

Tobago is a country rich in folklore, oral tradition and superstition, rooted in French Creole and West African stories. Take in Tobago’s centuries-old silk cotton tree, famous for tales centred around the witch, Gang Gang Sarah, and get a taste for local folklore by visiting sites like the 18th century Speyside Waterwheel. According to lore, fairy-maids live nearby and, when not mating with mermen, would pursue smooth-skinned men on land (although the fairy-maids were foiled by their inability to turn corners). Even if you don’t believe the stories, this site is well worth a visit for those stunning hilltop views.

Meet the animals at Corbin’s Local Wildlife Park

While the lush rainforest of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is undoubtedly on every visitor’s must-see list, Corbin’s Wildlife Park is another nature reserve educating visitors and locals alike (they aim to teach and promote environmentally sustainable land management in Tobago). Situated in 20 acres of forest with a variety of flowers and trees, you’ll discover all kinds of birds, butterflies, lizards, snakes and marsupials here.

Enjoy your drink (with a view)

Nothing says “escape” quite like sipping a drink at Sunshine Bar, where you can sit out the back to overlook the rainforest... taking in the beachy views of Great Courlan and Mount Irvine Bays with a cocktail at the trendy Waves bar and restaurant. Which is to say, whether you find yourself at Pigeon Point, Stonehaven Bay or somewhere else on the island, there’s no such thing as enjoying a coffee or cocktail without a view in Tobago. Take it all in.

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