Sabbatical & Experiential Travel to Tobago

Holidays & Sabbaticals to Tobago – In a Nutshell

Unspoilt traditions, untouched natural beauty and undiscovered gems merge in Tobago to reveal an authentic Caribbean; lesser known but more appealing (and less pricey) than many of its more commercial neighbours.

Tobago excels in the sheer variety of landscapes and activities it offers within an island just 25 miles long. Tobago combines golden beaches fringed with green and devoid of tourists; one of the world’s oldest protected rainforests; and bustling, colourful towns alive with the smells of streetfood; all infused with the Tobagan hospitality, vibrancy and sense of humour. Tobago is welcoming and safe, both day and night.

Not far off its sandy shores, reefs teem with marine life. Over 50 dive sites offer dramatic and deep options for the advanced diver and less challenging dives for beginners, all with a profusion of tropical fish and crustaceans. Highlights include spotting octopuses along Mount Irvine Wall; pausing along Angel Reef to watch shrimps cleaning passing fish; and swimming among manta rays in the bioluminescence of a night dive.

The food here is just as mama used to make it. While there are extremely good high-end restaurants, you can’t beat the seafood at Z’s Grill Shack or crab & dumplings from a street vendor in Store Bay. In addition, some of the world’s best, and totally undiscovered, chocolate is made on Tobago, bean to bar, using foraged cocoa beans and age-old methods.
Part of Tobago’s allure is the laid-back feeling of being slightly old-fashioned, with pastel interiors and floral soft furnishings. While stylish, modern, luxurious accommodation does exist, the general focus is on the rustic charm; unhurried, authentic warmth of the people and the abundant diversity of nature.

How to Get to Tobago

Fly directly from London (10.5 hours) with a touch down in St Lucia.

When & Weather – Tobago

The climate here is tropical with temperatures year-round between 22-29C (72-84F). June to November see the most rainfall; dry season is late December to May. Tobago falls outside the hurricane belt.

Who will Tobago Appeal To?

The small, safe and accessible island of Tobago makes it perfect for exploring a variety of landscapes and cultural experiences without having to travel any long distances internally. Tobago will appeal to all but especially to:

Honeymooners
Divers
Families with kids of all ages
Water-sport enthusiasts

Accommodation

Cosy boutique guesthouses offer luxury touches, while families with young children may choose to stay in a villa or small resort with a white-sand beach and sporting activities on site.

Off The Beaten Path

One of the world’s best and completely undiscovered chocolates is made at Arnos Vale. Join Tonci’s founder, Carlina, to roast the foraged beans in a coal pan and shell them by hand, the way her family have for generations
Over Easter, the annual Goat Race Festival grips the seaside town Buccoo with anticipation. An entire stadium was erected specifically for this infrequent yet hugely popular sporting event, which takes Ascot as inspiration. Prizes are not only awarded to the winning goat but also to the attendee with the best hat
Come to Sunday School: in the town square in the heart of Buccoo town, steelpan bands play until late. Join the locals on this relaxed evening out and sample sizzling specialities from an array of street food stalls.
Kayak in the stillness of Bon Accord Lagoon under the darkness of night. Each stroke of your oar will stir a magical spectacle of luminescent plankton, glowing in an other-worldly display

Wildlife

Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles are found on several beaches in Tobago. Laying season runs from March to August and hatchlings can be seen emerging and scrambling to the sea between May and October
Even for non-birdwatchers, the birdlife on Tobago is impressive. Spot the iridescent blues, emerald greens and dusted coppers of endemic motmots; the powder blue plumage and red head of local blue-backed manakins; and the hues of greens and turquoises of Tobago’s streak flycatcher
Tobago’s forests host an abundance of wildlife, including wild boar, armadillos, caimans, opossums and monitor lizards

Tobagan Experiences you shouldn’t miss:

Watch turtle hatchlings scurry across the beach towards the lapping shore from May to October
Visit the forts and museums which bring the island’s plantation heritage to life
Hike through the oldest rainforest in the Western hemisphere, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Follow paths dotted with bright orchids, to picture-perfect waterfalls framed with fronds and ferns
Dive at one of over fifty sites to spot octopuses, rays, turtles and an abundance of species of colourful, tropical fish
Try the local delicacy of curried crab in a charming café in the capital, Scarborough, then wander the streets that tumble down the hill from the fort above
Take a boat trip to Little Tobago to dive or snorkel around this pristine island, and scour the canopies as you hike through the bird sanctuary

Giving back

The Healing with Horses Foundation enables therapeutic interaction with horses for children. Visit their truly inspiring centre in Buccoo or donate to their cause. See healing with horses for more information.

Start Planning

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience Tobago.

Consider visiting Tobago in combination with French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana in South America for a fascinating land and sea adventure. For more alternative, authentic Caribbean destinations, add Dominica, Grenada and / or St Vincent & The Grenadines to your itinerary.

No matter how long you wish to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.

Images courtesy of Tobago Tourism Agency; cocktail preparation image courtesy of Alxa Fernando (ajfernando.com); Argylle Falls, Castara Beach and Man o War Bay images courtesy of Jad Davenport, View to Pirates Bay courtesy of THA.