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Rain Forest

ByTobago Guide

The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a protected area located in Tobago, a small island nation in the Caribbean. Established in 1776, it is the oldest forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere and covers approximately 10% of Tobago’s land area.

The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 200 species of birds, over 600 species of butterflies, and numerous species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. It is also an important watershed that provides drinking water to local communities.

The forest reserve offers numerous hiking trails and nature walks, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The reserve is also an important site for research and education, with several institutions conducting studies on the ecology and biodiversity of the forest.

The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a crucial component of Tobago’s natural heritage, and its protection and conservation are vital to the island’s future sustainability.

Tobago Guide

Useful Information from locals, to help you have the best experience while on the island of Tobago.

Related Guides

  • Forts

    Tobago has a rich history, and as a result, there are several forts located on the island that were built to defend against colonial powers. Some of the most notable forts in Tobago include:

    1. Fort King George: Built in the 18th century, Fort King George is the largest and most well-preserved fort in Tobago. It offers spectacular views of the island and the Caribbean Sea, and it now houses the Tobago Museum and the National Archives.
    2. Fort Bennett: Located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Fort Bennett was built in the 17th century by the Dutch to defend against attacks from the French. It is now a popular spot for visitors to take in the breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding coastline.
    3. Fort James: Built in the early 18th century, Fort James was constructed by the British to defend against attacks by the French. Today, it is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching, as well as for taking in the scenic views of the coastline.
    4. Fort Granby: Located on a hill overlooking Great Courland Bay, Fort Granby was built in the 18th century by the French to defend against the British. It offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding countryside.
    5. Fort Milford: Built in the late 18th century by the British, Fort Milford is located on a hill overlooking Scarborough and the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it is a popular spot for visitors to take in the panoramic views of the town and the sea.

    Overall, Tobago’s forts offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and provide visitors with stunning views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. They are well worth a visit for anyone interested in history or looking for a unique perspective on the island.

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    October Carnival

    Tobago Carnival is an annual festival held on the island of Tobago in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The carnival takes place in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, which falls in February or March each year.

    The Tobago Carnival is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture, with a focus on the island’s unique traditions and heritage. The festival features colorful costumes, lively music, and energetic dance performances, with participants taking to the streets to dance and celebrate.

    The Tobago Carnival is a smaller and more intimate version of the larger Trinidad Carnival, which takes place on the neighboring island of Trinidad. However, the Tobago Carnival still attracts a large number of visitors and locals each year, with events including calypso competitions, steelpan performances, and a grand parade on Carnival Tuesday.

    One of the highlights of the Tobago Carnival is the traditional J’Ouvert celebration, which takes place in the early hours of Carnival Monday. During J’Ouvert, participants cover themselves in mud, paint, and powder as they dance through the streets to the beat of steel drums and soca music.

    The Tobago Carnival is a lively and colorful celebration of Tobago’s culture and heritage, and is a must-see event for anyone visiting the island during the Carnival season.

  • Lizards of Tobago

    Tobago is home to several species of lizards, which play an important role in the island’s ecosystem. Some of the most commonly found lizards in Tobago include:

    1. Tobago Gecko: This species of gecko is endemic to Tobago and is only found on the island. They are usually found in the forested areas and can grow up to 5 inches long.
    2. Common House Gecko: This species is not native to Tobago but has been introduced to the island. They are typically found in and around human habitation and are often seen around lights at night.
    3. Green Iguana: This large species of iguana can grow up to 6 feet long and is found throughout Tobago. They are often seen in trees and can be identified by their distinctive green color.
    4. Anole Lizards: Tobago is home to several species of anole lizards, including the crested anole and the knight anole. These lizards are known for their ability to change color and are often found in the forested areas of the island.

    Overall, Tobago’s lizards play an important role in the island’s ecosystem and are an interesting and unique aspect of its wildlife. However, it is important to respect and protect these creatures and their habitats to ensure their continued survival.

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    Little Tobago

    Little Tobago is a small island located off the northeast coast of Tobago, which is itself an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Little Tobago is also known as Bird of Paradise Island, due to its abundance of exotic birds, including the red-billed tropicbird, the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird, and the magnificent frigatebird.

    The island is home to a bird sanctuary and nature reserve, and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and eco-tourists. It is accessible by boat from the village of Speyside on Tobago’s main island.

    The island is popular for

    • Naturalists
    • Bird-watching
    • Angel reef
    • Scuba diving
    • Glass-bottom boat tours

    Angel reef is also a popular site around the island for divers and glass-bottom boat tours.

    The largest brain coral in the caribbean is also located on the reef system.

    The island is an important breeding site for seabirds such as red-billed tropicalbird, bridled terns and many more.

  • Birds of Tobago

    Tobago is home to a rich diversity of bird species, including both resident and migratory species. Some of the most commonly observed bird species on the island include:

    1. The Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda): This striking bird is found in Tobago’s forests and woodlands. It has a long, curved bill and a bright, iridescent green body.
    2. The Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota): This distinctive bird is found in Tobago’s forested areas. It has a bright blue crown and a long, racket-shaped tail.
    3. The White-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus ensipennis): This hummingbird species is found in Tobago’s forests and gardens. It has a distinctive, curved bill and a metallic green body.
    4. The Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus): This seabird species is found along Tobago’s coasts. It has a striking red bill and long, white tail feathers.
    5. The Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima): This bird of prey is found in open areas throughout Tobago. It has a distinctive yellow head and black body.
    6. The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens): This large seabird is found along Tobago’s coasts. It has a distinctive, angular wingspan and a bright red throat pouch.

    Tobago is also home to several species of parrots, including the endangered Trinidad and Tobago endemic species, the Trinidad piping-guan. Other notable species include the white-necked jacobin, collared trogon, and the yellow-bellied elaenia. Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve is an excellent place to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

    These are just a few of the many bird species that can be found on Tobago. The island’s diverse range of habitats, from forests and woodlands to coastal areas and open fields, provide a home to a wide variety of bird species.

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    Nesting Sea Turtles

    Turtle Season

    Between March and August each year, giant leather-backs, Hawks-bill, and Green sea turtles visit the shores of Tobago to lay their eggs. The process can take up to 2 hours from start to finish, going longer sometimes if the turtles are disturbed.

    Some turtles will make multiply visits to the shores during the season untill the right spot is found. Once the nesting process is complete – aproximately 60 days later, baby turtle hatchlings will emerge from the sand.


    What happens :

    • A sea turtle will find the right spot for a nest by checking the sand with both front and back flippers.
    • Sea Turtles dig holes up to 2.5 feet deep with back flippers only.
    • Once the right depth is met – between 60 -100 eggs are layed.
    • Sea Turtles will then gentle cover eggs with back flippers only.
    • They will then use both flippers to camouflage the area around the nest.
    • Once completed they then slowly return to the sea.


    Popular Bays for sightings:

    • Turtle Beach – Great Courland Bay
    • Grafton Bay – Stone Haven Bay
    • Back Bay – Mt. Irvine
    • Lambeau Beach – Little Rockly Bay

    Protection Guidelines

    • If possible, do not disturb, obstruct or approach a turtle that is coming to shore, laying or covering its nest.
    • Never handle Turtle eggs or try to sit, stand or ride on a Turtle.
    • Avoid using bright lights as it can confuse the Turtles or cause them to abandon their nests.
    • If observing – stay up to 20 feet away from Turtles while they are nesting.