Tobago has one main international airport, the Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport (TAB), which is located on the southwestern coast of the island, near the town of Crown Point.
The airport is named after the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and it is the smaller of the two international airports in the country, with the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad being the larger one.
TAB serves as a hub for several regional airlines, including Caribbean Airlines and LIAT, and it offers flights to destinations throughout the Caribbean, as well as to North America and Europe.
Tobago Guide
Useful Information from locals, to help you have the best experience while on the island of Tobago.
Scarborough is the capital city of Tobago, a small island nation in the Caribbean. Located on the southwestern coast of Tobago, Scarborough is home to approximately 17,000 people and serves as the administrative and economic center of the island.
One of the main attractions in Scarborough is Fort King George, a historic fortification that was built by the British in the 18th century. Today, the fort houses several museums and galleries that showcase the island’s history and culture.
Scarborough is also home to the Market where visitors can purchase fresh produce, local crafts, and other goods. The city is also known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs offering a range of entertainment options.
Other notable attractions in Scarborough include the Botanical Gardens. With its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, Scarborough is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tobago.
Scarborough became the capital of Tobago in 1769. Scarborough’s deepwater harbour was built in 1991; before that ships would anchor offshore. The estimated population of Scarborough is approximately ~18K.
Local Amenities
Coast Guard. Police. Fire Services
Public Washrooms
Public Library
Health Center
Ferry Service
Schools
Guesthouses
Security
Local Market
Restuarants & Bars
Food Vendors/Craft shops
Public Transport
Off Road Parking
Banks and Credit Unions
Supermarkets, stores, hardwares
Battle of Scarborough 1677 – Before being called Scarborough, the area was called Lampinsburg by the dutch with the bay of Scarborough being called Lampins bay also known as Roquely Bay (Rockly Bay). The Dutch built a fort on top of a nearby hill which is known today as Dutch fort hill in down town Scarborough. In February and December of 1677, the Dutch and French both wanted control of Tobago which lead to a bloody battle in Scarborough bay and on dutch fort hill which resulted in the death of thousands, including French and Dutch women and children and African slaves. Three hundreds years later and the remains of up to 20 warships and their undiscovered artifacts are still in the muddy bottom of what is now Scarborough harbor.
Tobago was home to several Amerindian tribes before the arrival of Europeans. These tribes included the Arawaks, Caribs, and Waraos.
The Arawaks were the first known inhabitants of Tobago, and they arrived on the island around 500 AD. They were a peaceful people who lived off the land through fishing, hunting, and farming. They constructed homes made of wood and thatch, and their society was organized into clans and governed by a chief.
The Caribs, who were known for their aggressive nature, arrived on Tobago sometime in the 14th century, and they quickly established dominance over the Arawaks. They were skilled warriors and seafarers, and they used Tobago as a base for raiding nearby islands.
The Waraos, who were a seafaring people from the Orinoco Delta region of present-day Venezuela, also visited Tobago regularly for fishing and trading.
The arrival of European explorers and colonizers in the 16th century brought significant changes to Tobago’s indigenous population. The Spanish, French, Dutch, and British all established settlements on the island at various times, and they often used force to subjugate and exploit the native population. Many Amerindians were enslaved or forced to work on plantations, and their culture and way of life were eroded over time.
Today, there are few remaining traces of Tobago’s indigenous population, although some place names and archaeological sites serve as reminders of the island’s rich pre-colonial history. The Tobago Museum in Scarborough also has exhibits and information on the island’s indigenous peoples
Tobago is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, with clear turquoise waters and white sandy shores. Popular beaches include Pigeon Point, Store Bay, Buccoo, Mt. Irvine and Englishman’s Bay.
2. Biodiversity
Black pelicans
Tobago boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem with over 200 species of birds, marine life, and lush rainforests to explore. The island is also home to the world’s oldest protected rainforest reserve, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
3. Snorkeling and Diving
Tobago’s clear waters and coral reefs offer incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities, with colorful fish and marine life to discover. Buccoo Reef is one of the most popular spots for snorkeling and diving.
4. Watersports
Tobago is a great place to enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
5. Culture and History
Tobago has a rich cultural history, with a mix of African, European, and Caribbean influences. There are several historical sites to explore, including Fort King George, the Tobago Museum, and the Heritage Park.
6. Food
Tobago’s cuisine is a fusion of African, Indian, and European influences, with fresh seafood and spices being a staple. Some must-try dishes include curried crab and dumplings, callaloo soup, and bake and shark.
7. October Carnival
Tobago’s Carnival is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and color, with colorful costumes and energetic traditional performances. It’s separate and smaller from the main Trinidad Carnival. It’s and is usually held in late October (Oct 30–Nov 1, 2026) in Scarborough and other areas around the island. It features Jouvert (morning paint/mud mas), traditional characters, steelpan, and intense street parades of bands and people.
8. Relaxation
Tobago is a great place to relax and unwind, with many secluded beaches and tranquil spots to enjoy. Some popular spots include Pleasant Prospect, Charlotteville, Castara, and Speyside.
9. Wildlife
Tobago is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Tobago hummingbird, the Cocrico, and the endangered leatherback sea-turtle. There are several nature reserves and sanctuaries to visit, including the Tobago Cocoa Estate and the Little Tobago Island Bird Sanctuary.
10. Hospitality
Tobago is known for its warm and friendly people, who are always ready to welcome visitors and make them feel at home. The island’s laid-back and welcoming atmosphere is one of its biggest draws.
Fort King George is a historic fortification located on the island of Tobago in the Caribbean. It was built by the British in the late 18th century, during their colonial period in the region.
The fort was constructed in 1779 on a hill overlooking the harbor of Scarborough, Tobago’s capital. Its primary purpose was to defend the island against French and Dutch attacks, as Tobago was a valuable strategic location in the Caribbean.
Today, Fort King George is a popular tourist attraction and historical site. Visitors can explore the fort’s ruins, including the barracks, officer’s quarters, and cannons. There is also a small museum on the site that houses artifacts and exhibits related to Tobago’s history and the fort’s role in it.
In addition to its historical significance, Fort King George offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Caribbean Sea and the town of Scarborough. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Caribbean history and architecture.
Fort King George is named after King George III of Great Britain. The fort sits at the very top of Scarborough Hill (Fort Hill) with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Tobago’s capital town Scarborough and part of the south-eastern side of island.
Saint Giles Island is located off the northeast tip of Tobago. The island can be viewed clearly from flag-staff lookout in Charlotteville. Reef patches and cliffs surrounding the island makes it a popular dive site.
St. Giles Island
Goat Island
Goat Island is located off the coast of Speyside, between Tobago and Little Tobago. The reef around the island is popular with divers.
Goat Island
Little Tobago
Little Tobago is a small island off the northeastern coast of Tobago, popular with birdwatchers. The island is an important breeding site for seabirds such as red-billed tropicalbird, bridled terns and many more. Angel reef is also a popular site around the island for divers and glass-bottom boat tours.
Little Tobago
Queen’s Island
Queen’s Island is located on the north-eastern coast of Tobago outside of Louis D’or Bay and Delaford.
Queen’s Island
Richmond Island
Richmond Island is located on the eastern side of Tobago outside of Richmond bay.
Richmond Island
Sisters Rock
Sisters Rocks is tiny group of islands located off the northern coast of Tobago directly north of Parlatuvier. Sisters Rocks are popular for snorkeling and scuba diving for hammer-head sharks.
