Buccoo Reef is a popular tourist destination located on the northwest coast of the island of Tobago, which is part of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The reef is a protected marine park and is one of the largest coral reefs in Tobago.
Visitors can take glass-bottom boat tours to view the stunning array of marine life and coral formations that make up the reef. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities in the area. The nearby Nylon Pool, a shallow crystal-clear pool off the shoreline, is another popular attraction.
Overall, Buccoo Reef is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tobago, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture.
Size – 2.7 mi²
Type – Fringing Coral Reef
Largest in Tobago
Nylon Pool
Coral Gardens
Bon Accord Lagoon
Reef boat tours
Snokelling
No mans land
The reef borders with the Bon Accord Lagoon, together they create an important and complex marine habitat for hundreds of sea and land creatures and for the livelihood of many people living on the island.
Argyle Waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction located in the eastern part of Tobago, which is part of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike who want to experience the island’s natural beauty.
The waterfall is situated in a lush rainforest setting, and visitors can take a short hike through the forest to reach the waterfall. The hike is not particularly challenging, but it does involve some steep inclines and rocky terrain, so it is important to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
The waterfall itself is approximately 175 feet tall and cascades into a deep pool below, where visitors can swim and cool off in the refreshing waters. The surrounding forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds and butterflies, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Overall, the Argyle Waterfall is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Tobago, offering a unique opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty and explore its lush rainforest environment.
The waterfall is located in the area of Roxborough – on the eastern side of Tobago – ‘country side’.
Argyle is high multidrop waterfall on the edge of the rain-forest rising over 160ft high.
It takes about 15-20 minutes walking along the trail from the entrance to the base of the waterfall.
There is a paid entry fee of $60 TTD for visitors.
A small bar with snacks and a toilet facility (no shower) is available.
Guides are available for hire.
The waterfall pools can be deep – take caution if swimming!
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.
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
Glass bottom boats are a popular way to explore the beautiful waters surrounding Tobago. These boats have a clear glass panel in the bottom that allows passengers to view the underwater world without getting wet.
There are several tour operators in Tobago that offer glass bottom boat tours. Some of the popular glass bottom boat tours include:
Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool Tour: This tour takes you to the Buccoo Reef, which is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful corals, fish, and sea turtles. After exploring the reef, the tour stops at Nylon Pool, a shallow sandbar in the middle of the ocean, where you can swim and snorkel.
Store Bay Reef Tour: This tour takes you to the Store Bay Reef, which is located close to the shore and is known for its vibrant marine life. The tour also includes a stop at the No Man’s Land beach, where you can relax and swim in the calm waters.
Glass Bottom Boat Adventure Tour: This tour takes you on a scenic journey along Tobago’s coastline, where you can admire the beautiful scenery and view the marine life through the glass bottom boat.
The glass bottom boat tours in Tobago are a fun and exciting way to explore the underwater world without getting wet.
