Tobago is truly an island for people in search of peace and quiet, while Trinidad is somewhat busier. The annual carnival is especially lively, bringing festival-goers from all over the world to Trinidad. There’s plenty for curious vacationers to see the rest of the year, too, on both Tobago and Trinidad:
Sparkling white sand beaches, often lined in rustling palm trees, are Tobago’s trademark. It was on one of these beaches, so the story goes, that the English writer Daniel Defoe was inspired to write The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. That was in 1719, but these heavenly beaches are still more than worth a visit today. Particularly lovely spots to visit include: Pigeon Point, Tobago’s famous turtle beach; Man O'War Bay, a beautiful bay on the northwest coast; and Castara Beach, where tropical rainforest runs almost right down to the shore, leaving little nooks here and there for romantic white sand beaches.
Charlotteville is a cozy, relaxed village on the northeast coat, situated on a bay with a few wooden houses, shops, and restaurants. The atmosphere here is unaffected and friendly. Fishing boats are pulled up on the beach and the catch of the day lies on display at the local fish stand.
Try not to miss taking a look at the thundering waters of the Argyle Waterfalls. This tiered waterfall (near Roxborough, on the southeast coast) plunges down 177 feet (54 meters). Another exceptional place to visit is the Tobago Forest Reserve, one of the world’s oldest protected rainforests. The top of the Forestry Division offers you a marvelous view out across the rainforest, right out to the coast of the Caribbean Sea.
From Pigeon Point, you can take a glass-bottomed boat to the long Buccoo Reef on the southwest coast. Enjoy the fascinating underwater world while relaxing in a boat.
The crossing to Trinidad comes highly recommended. Be amazed at the cheerful bustle in Trinidad’s capital city, Port-of-Spain, and savor the live music played by a characteristic steel pan band.