Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago | Summer 2024

When every flight between Trinidad and Tobago displayed ‘fully booked’ in Summer 2024, what started as a logistical headache led us to the ferry. That booking roadblock became a blessing as our impromptu three-day exploration of Trinidad’s northern neighbor revealed a different rhythm of Caribbean life. From driving our rental car through BlackRock’s narrow roads to discovering Chef BBQ’s pigtail in Crown Point, here’s how an unplanned detour turned into exactly where we needed to be.

Getting There: Ferry to Tobago

Our adventure kicked off with a ferry ride from Port of Spain to Scarborough. All flights were fully booked, which ended up being a blessing. Nothing like a breezy ferry ride to set the mood, complete with scenic views and just the right amount of sea spray to remind us we were officially on island time. Upon arrival, we rented a car because, let’s be honest, nothing says adventure like navigating roads with questionable GPS directions. Book your ferry here.

Tobago Travel Guide

Day 1: Chasing Waterfalls, Scenic Lookouts, and Sunset Bliss

With the car secured, we wasted no time. Our first stop was Argyle Waterfall, the tallest and arguably the most majestic cascade on the island. The short hike was worth it, as the refreshing pools gave us a great excuse to chill out and feel like adventurers without all the sweat. Next up was Speyside Lookout. If you ever need a spot that screams “dramatic landscape photo,” this is the place. Stunning views of the coastline that will have you pretending you’re the star of your own travel show.

The day wasn’t over yet. We headed to Crown Point for dinner—because driving, hiking and lookout-ing builds up a real appetite. And to end the evening, we found ourselves on Blackrock Beach, letting the waves wash over our feet and feeling that soft sand, which is probably nature’s way of saying, “you deserve a spa day, but here’s a free version.” By the time the sun set, we were happily exhausted, and a bit lost as I reminded myself (again) that Waze exists for a reason, and maybe getting back to town shouldn’t be a game of ‘which road feels right today.’

Day 2: Beaches and Boat Tours

Day two was all about the ocean. We started off by heading to Buccoo for a glass-bottom boat tour—because why not pretend to be aquatic explorers for a day? The tour was a definite highlight, taking us out to No Man’s Land, a spit of sand that felt crowded with other tourist. Floating over coral reefs and feeling the gentle sway of the boat reminded me why Tobago is such a magical place.

Lunch was at Chef’s BBQ in Crown Point. The BBQ pigtail, macaroni salad and mash potato were exactly what we needed after a morning of playing Dora the Explora. Nothing too fancy, just tasty food served in perfect portions. We spent the rest of the day wandering the area, feeling content with our impromptu adventures.

Day 3: A Farewell to Paradise

The last day was all about taking it easy. We had a leisurely morning in Crown Point before catching the ferry back to Port of Spain. Even though it was a short stay, Tobago had managed to charm us with its vibrant landscapes and relaxed vibe. As we sailed away, I couldn’t help but think, “Yeah, I could live here.”

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Le Grand Courlan Spa and Resort in BlackRock, a spot that offered just the right amount of relaxation and convenience. August seems to be Tobago’s shoulder season, and there weren’t a lot of guests, which made our stay feel even more serene. Though we didn’t make use of the spa, we had a room with a view overlooking the ocean, the pool was clean and refreshing, with plenty of breeze coming off the sea, making it a great way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Highlights & Must-Sees

• Argyle Waterfall: Perfect for nature lovers—the short hike and refreshing swim made it a great start to our Tobago adventure.
• Speyside Lookout: The panoramic view of the coast here is worth every winding road you take to get there. Plus, it’s a fantastic place for those travel magazine-worthy shots.
• Glass-Bottom Boat Tour from Buccoo

Travel Tips for Tobago

• Packing Essentials:
  • Swimwear
  • Water shoes
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Hat or visor
  • Cash
  • Portable charger
  • Comfortable slippers
  • Sneakers
  • Snacks

• Budget-Friendly Tip: The ferry is a scenic and affordable way to travel between Trinidad and Tobago. It’s a chance to enjoy the views or catch up on some sleep before diving back into the adventure.
• Favorite Snacks: You can’t leave without trying nutcake (the kind that looks like the nuts are laying on a bed of sugar) and red mango—sweet, juicy, and just what you need during a hot day of exploration.

Lessons Learned

Tobago taught us that spontaneity makes for some of the best adventures. A little flexibility goes a long way—whether it was getting lost, laughing at ourselves, or stumbling upon a hidden treasure. Sometimes, the best moments aren’t the ones planned; they’re the unexpected gems that make the trip truly unforgettable.

Ready for Your Own Tobago Adventure?

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring coral reefs, or just in need of some sun and relaxation, Tobago’s got it all. Embrace the spontaneity, let the island work its charm and make every journey one for the books.

Let’s make every journey unforgettable. One adventure at a time!

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