Beaches may be closed but Tobago is still open for business! Let it be known that the island’s 300 km2 has much more to offer than sea and sand. From gorgeous views to adventures off-the-beaten-path, there are many diversions to keep you occupied while the coastlines are closed. Check out this list of cool things to do on land in Tobago, then step out of your comfort zone and discover the other side of #islandlife!
Go on a Road Trip
Who doesn’t love a good road trip? Even if there aren’t any beach stops along the way, Tobago’s roadways deliver multiple routes featuring gorgeous views, intriguing historical sites, and all-around socially distanced fun. Venture north via the scenic North Coast Road, head east on the winding Windward Road, or cut through the rainforest on the Roxborough-Parlatuvier Road and circle the whole island in a day. Whichever route you choose, there are so many stops to be made, vistas to be seen and photos to be snapped. you won’t even have time to miss the beach! If you need to rent a car, I’ve been book with 1st Choice Autorentals for years and their service remains impeccable.
Chase the island’s best views
Presently, diving into the ocean isn’t an option but we’re still free to soak in its beauty from a distance. In Tobago, there are lookout points are everywhere, providing spectacular, panoramic views of the island’s coastline and the ocean beyond. Depending on the length of your stay, you can build these strategic spots into your regular road trip itinerary, or you can dedicate a day exclusively to chasing views using this road trip itinerary.
Get Epic Shots at Instagrammable Spots
On an island as versatile as Tobago, photo ops aren’t just limited to the beach. Stunning ocean vistas, hauntingly beautiful historical sites, and colourful vending stalls all create Insta-worthy backdrops to light up your feed. Feel free to use this list of Instagrammable places in Tobago as a jumping-off point. But with beaches off-limits you’ve got all the time to play around with different scenes and scenarios and discover a few spectacular locations of your own.
Do Some Fort Hopping
You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate Tobago’s forts. Even if you’re not intrigued by the details of Tobago’s checkered colonial past, the beautifully preserved ruins, well-manicured grounds, and mandatory ocean views make these sites universally appealing. You can pace yourself and visit different forts on different days throughout your stay. Or, with no beaches to hop to, you can make things more fun, by fort hopping across the island instead.
Take a Hike
Hiking is a great way to explore Tobago. Clearly marked trails can be found throughout the length and breadth of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. Fortunately, the terrain is varied with treks ideal for everyone – from beginners to veterans. If you’re familiar with the trails feel free to go it on your own. If you’re not, choose to take a guided rainforest tour. It’s safer and you’ll get the most out of the experience with a professional tour guide pointing out the different species of flora and fauna that call the oldest protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere, home.
Go Turtle Watching
While beaches may be closed to public access, they are open for coordinated nature activities such as turtle watching. As luck would have it, select stretches of coastline serve as nesting sites for the leatherback turtle. If you’re staying at the Starfish Resort on Turtle Beach, you might be fortunate enough to witness this mesmerizing ritual over dinner. If not, contact Save Our Sea turtles for details on how to book a turtle-watching tour with a certified tour guide.
Go Bird Watching
It may not sound like the most exciting of activities, but bird watching can be quite fascinating. Especially when you consider that over 230 species of tropical birds can be found in Tobago. Several of them are endemic to the island, which explains why avid birdwatchers flock there in search of rare sightings. If you don’t mind putting in the work, book a rainforest tour to spot these birds out in the wild. Or, if you’re like me and prefer a more controlled environment, the Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve in Arnos Vale is a family-friendly park where you can watch a wide variety of birds at your leisure, from the comfort of the observation center.
Enjoy a Bike Ride
Book a tour with Tobago Mount Bike Tours and find out why Tobago’s International Cycling Classic attracts several hundred participants from around the world annually. The island’s varied terrain and stunning views make for great trails. East to west, there are many routes that cater to all levels of expertise, from beginners to pros. You can opt for an easy ride along the flat western coastline. Or test your mettle in the rainforest with trails that can take you as high as 1,700 ft above sea level.
Overnight in the Great Outdoors
If you’re looking for a little excitement, spending the night in the great outdoors is an excellent option. If you have the requisite equipment and are familiar with safe campsites, feel free to venture forth on your own. However, if you’re new to the outdoor living game, CampNation Tobago has got you covered. The choice is yours to rough it with a basic camp or go for the frills with a luxurious glamp. All-inclusive packages are available, covering everything from tents and beds to meals, movies and even massages.
Venture Off-Road
Rugged, mountainous terrain makes Tobago a great destination for ATV-ing. Concordia Estate Nature Park offers exhilarating ATV tours along various trails, including one that leads to the waterwheel. Spend just under an hour maneuvering over, under, and around roots, branches, and other natural obstacles before you make it to the top of the hill where a gorgeous view awaits.
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Good news: a ban on beaches doesn’t mean staycations are canceled altogether. Here’s hoping we can all embrace different types of adventures on the sister island – starting with this list of really cool things to do on land in Tobago.
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