2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Families Beaches Culture & music Nature & wildlife Top 10 Events Tips Responsible tourism

Land activities in Tobago

It may be in the Caribbean - but there is much to see beyond the beaches. Land activities in Tobago include plenty of walking trails - head for the Main Ridge Forest Reserve for birdlife and cooler temperatures, or stick to scenic coastal trails. You can hire bicycles and pedal round the island too - there are mountain biking options along the Main Ridge. For a more relaxing experience, look up one of the yoga classes or retreats.

Home\Caribbean\Trinidad & Tobago

Land activities in Tobago

Tobago is so small you may feel like you could walk across it in a day – but in reality, you’d be so distracted by the birds and blooms, waterfalls and winding forest trails, trees dripping with fruit snapped up by snuffling agoutis – that you’d simply never make it. This is an island to explore beyond the beaches – whether that’s on foot, horseback or bicycle. The only things you need in your knapsack are a sense of adventure and wild curiosity – though sunscreen and a camera are highly recommended too!

See all our Tobago Vacations

Give us a call

Our Tobago Vacations

Walking & hiking

Tobago’s trails are scenic with plenty of interruptions – whether pausing to grab your camera for a shot of a remote bay, your binoculars for a closer look at a singing bird, or a glass of Lemon, Lime and Bitters by the beach, to boost your energy levels.

Serious walkers should head for the hills – there are numerous trails through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve which pass waterfalls and wildlife. The 5km Gilpin Trace is the most well-trodden – you can also follow the road north all the way to Bloody Bay. The island’s highest point is also found in the forest – the 572m Pigeon Peak. Reaching the top takes around three hours, and there are different routes depending on how tough you like your trails. Guides are highly recommended – as well as leading the way, they’ll be able to point out birds and traces of wildlife that you’d never otherwise see.

One of the loveliest things about hiking in the forest is the dramatic drop in temperature – though this hasn’t deterred the mosquitoes, particularly in rainy season. Bring plenty of repellent, and avoid dark clothing, which attracts them. Wear long trousers and closed walking shoes, and bring a waterproof. We also recommend a waterproof bag for cameras and anything else you’d like to keep dry – the rain can come out of nowhere. Carry plenty of water, plus food if you are attempting one of the longer hikes.

There are coastal trails all round the island – from Castara to Englishman’s Bay, to the stunning beaches around Charlotteville, as well as from the town to the far-flung L’Anse Fourmi, which takes around four hours – a remote route which defied the road builders until 2006. You can stroll along the long, flat beaches of the southern Caribbean coast as well. Coastal walkers are also recommended to bring plenty of water and snacks – as well as sunscreen and a hat.

Some of the hotels and guesthouses even have their own walking trails, including Blue Waters Inn near Speyside, which has easy paths crossing its 36 acres of bird-filled greenery. Inland, Rainbow Nature Resort has two waterfall trails through the surrounding forest.

Top responsible tourism tip:

If walking along the beaches frequented by sea turtles, keep an eye out for nests, and never touch or obstruct a hatchling if you are lucky enough to see one!

Cycling & mountain biking

Tobago Mountain Bike is the two-wheel expert. Tours last three to four hours and include beginner routes around the flatlands and mangroves, waterfall trails and expert-only rides along the hills of the Main Ridge, or descending along single tracks from the highlands of Moriah to the beach. One of the highlights of cycling this region is the ability to access places vehicles and hikers simply can’t; Tobago is tiny, so finding a truly hidden spot is a fabulous reward for your aching calves. The tropical sun is fierce though – so keep well hydrated.

If you fancy a bigger challenge, the Tobago Cycling International Classic is an annual multi day race in late September to early October. Growing in popularity since its inception in 1986, the event now draws cyclists from around the globe.

Yoga & wellbeing

Yoga and wellbeing is a small but growing pastime on Tobago, and options range from full yoga retreat vacations, to drop-in classes for those who just want to try it out. Several highly qualified instructors now work at several locations across the island, offering yoga, tai chi and meditation workshops as well as yoga massage and other similar treatments.

The elegant, thatched ajoupa in the tropical gardens of Kariwak Village, in Crown Point, is one of the most tranquil settings for a yoga or tai chi class. Meditation, poetry readings and other gatherings also take place here. Yoga sessions run once or twice daily; morning sessions are free for guests. Kariwak, which calls itself as a holistic haven, also has therapy rooms offering a range of massages, including Thai yoga, hot stones, aromatherapy, shiatsu and deep tissue. Both the classes and therapy rooms are also open to non-guests.

Castara Retreats also hosts some morning yoga and meditation sessions on the lower restaurant deck – overlooking the beautiful bay.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Tobago or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

1-866-821-6866

Call toll free

Calling from outside the USA

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Horse riding

Horseback riding has turned out to be the surprise highlight of many a vacation to Tobago – thanks largely to the wonderful Being with Horses, located near Buccoo. Full instruction is given before every ride; for many visitors this is actually their first time in the saddle. Tours focus on experience and wellbeing as well as the spiritual aspects of riding an animal – at the beginning of the session the horses choose their riders rather than the other way around! Trips pass through Buccoo Village, past the wetlands and mangroves and end up on the beach – where the horses take their riders for a swim. There are also forest hacks and bareback sunset beach rides for a classic fairytale experience of Tobago.

Top responsible tourism tip:

Being with Horses runs the Healing with Horses Foundation. They run summer camps and after school sessions with the horses for disabled children in Tobago, as well as offering therapeutic riding sessions for disabled adults. By supporting Being with Horses, you contribute to the great work the foundation is able to carry out.

Waterfall treks

Swimming in Tobago doesn’t have to involve a beach or a hotel pool. Happily, many trails end up at glorious waterfalls, where overheated hikers can cool off beneath the spray, or jump into crisp, freshwater pools.

Argyle Waterfall is the highest – and best known – of the island’s cascades. A little paradise within paradise, Argyle’s second tier has a natural Jacuzzi – though you’ll need to scramble up some slippery rocks. Guides are available – and highly recommended – for the easy, 20-minute walk to the falls past cocoa and other fruit trees, which provide food for a whole rainbow of bird species. (£6 adult, £3 child).

I think Argyle Waterfall is God's place on earth. It's the perfect place to go if you want to relax, have a nice trek, have a swim...It's built up of three layers. The top layer is where you can have a natural massage – you walk under the falls and it pounds you like a shower. It's like a massage but it's better than any masseuse in the world!

– Harold Thomas was an official tour guide to the Argyle Falls for 14 years. He still goes there whenever he needs to sit, think and relax

PODCAST

Harold Thomas, Argyle Falls tour guide

Listen to Harold talking about Argyl Falls here. [01:18]

Castara has its own pretty waterfall, tucked away behind the football pitch. This was once the source of freshwater for the whole village; you may still see people bathing there today. Feeling intrepid? Climb up the side and trek through the jungle to the second and third cascades, though it’s a good hour’s scramble and you’d be well advised to recruit a local guide. The setting couldn’t be more perfect though – embedded deep in the forest with just the birds – and the odd crab – for company.

Rainbow Nature Resort, in the evocatively named Lure, has two gorgeous waterfalls – the Rainbow Falls, which are a pleasant 20 minute stroll past the farmland and bamboo forest – and where the sunlight casts a rainbow in the spray. The Twin River Falls – formed of two cataracts – are close to two hours from the guesthouse – but the deep pool is ideal for collapsing into once you arrive. Bring a picnic!

The Highland Waterfalls, along the Courland River near Moriah, have the highest single-drop waterfall, best viewed from atop the nearby rocks. You can swim in the pool – you’ll likely be wet anyway, as part of the “trail” is actually the river. The waterfall and trail are unmarked; guided tours are recommended.

Responsible Travel would like to thank Visit Tobago for their sponsorship of this guide.

More about Tobago

Best time to visit Tobago

January to March are often considered the best times to visit Tobago - they are drier and slightly cooler than the summer months.

Tobago travel guide

As our Tobago travel guide reveals, this is the Caribbean as it once was, with a focus on nature, culture and relaxation, and a model for the future.

Where to go in Tobago

Our interactive map shows you where to go in Tobago - though as the island is so compact, you won't have to make too many tough choices.

Things to do in Tobago

There is no shortage of things to do in Tobago whether you're after an active vacation, a relaxing tropical beach stay, or to explore its wildlife.

Traveling in Tobago with kids

Traveling in Tobago with kids is an absolute delight, with friendly guesthouses and a wide range of fun family-friendly activities.

Best beaches in Tobago

Tobago's coastline may not be huge, but traveling along it is like working your way through an encyclopaedia of beaches.

Birdwatching in Tobago

Bird watching in Tobago is a treat with superb guides taking you to the rainforests and offshore islands to find upwards some 220 species.

Nature & wildlife in Tobago

As you would expect form an island that has protected its forest since 1776, nature and wildlife in Tobago is highly treasured.

Culture & music in Tobago

Culture and music in Tobago takes center stage - think calypso, steelpan and limbo - or limin' - simply chilling out.

Discover the true heart Tobago, beyond its beaches

The coastline may be gorgeous, but read on to discover that the true heart of this island lies well beyond Tobago's beaches.

Tobago vacations - top 10 things to do

Our Tobago Top Ten is a roundup of our favourite things to see and do on the island - though it was difficult to narrow it down to just ten!

Watersports in Tobago

Watersports in Tobago can be as active or relaxing as you wish, whether on a glass bottomed boat or getting closer to marine life by scuba diving.

Events in Tobago

There's a good chance your vacation will coincide with one of the many festivals and events in Tobago.

Food & Markets in Tobago

The food in Tobago is a mouthwatering medley of Caribbean, Latin American and African ingredients and recipes.

History & heritage in Tobago

Tobago's history and heritage is everywhere, with forts, cannon and monuments memorialising battles that played out on this island over centuries.

Tobago conservation & social projects

Clean, green and serene, Tobago benefits from respectful tourism - conservation and social projects in Tobago help keep paradise, paradise.

Tobago accommodation

Our guide to Tobago accommodation reveals a world detached from the traditional Caribbean concept of gated off luxury and all inclusive resorts.

Tobago travel advice

We visited Tobago to meet hotel and guesthouse owners, and sea turtle conservationists to ask them for their top Tobago travel advice.

How to get to Tobago

What is the best way to travel to Tobago? It all depends on where you’re coming from. We explain more in our guide.

Responsible tourism in Tobago

The Tobago Tourism Board share their thoughts on responsible tourism in Tobago and how it creates a unique experience for travelers.

More relevant guides

Written by Vicki Brown

Land activities in Tobago