Scarborough

|

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.

Related Guides

  • |

    No Man’s Land

    No Man’s Land is a secluded spit of beach located on the western end of Tobago. It borders the Bon Accord Lagoon and is a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. The beach is accessible by boat, and several tour operators in Tobago offer boat trips to No Man’s Land.

    The beach is known for its calm and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports activities. The beach is also surrounded by lush greenery, which provides shade and a serene atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic on the beach or sample some of the local cuisine from the food vendors.

    No Man’s Land is also a popular spot for boat parties and other events, especially during the peak tourist season. It is a great place to relax and unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the natural beauty of Tobago.

  • |

    Mount Irvine Bay

    Mt. Irvine Bay is situated on the south western coast of Tobago, between the villages of Buccoo and Pleasant Prospect. The bay is a very popular spot on the island especially with surfers and limers.

    SURFING

    People have been surfing in Mt. Irvine Bay Tobago, since the late 1960’s. Today the bay is the go to spot for surfing on the Island. There are other known surfing spots along the coast but Mt Irvine Bay, with its right reef break and waves reaching up to 12 feet high is frequented by locals and visitors.
    On the bay you can also find friendly surfing guides/instructors that can give you surfing lessons for a small fee, equipment provided.

    FISH MARKET

    Mt. Irvine bay has a small fish market where you can buy fresh fish daily, from various vendors. Prices ranges between TTD $20 – $40 per pound of, Mai Mai, Tuna, Snappers, Barracuda, King Fish, Grouper, Trevali, etc.

    BEACH FACILITY

    Mt. Irvine beach facility provides access to toilets, showers, security, and beach cabanas for public use.
    A small fee of about $2 TTD may be required for toilet & shower usage.

    LIFEGUARDS

    Lifeguards are available and on duty 7 days a week from 10am-6pm. Safe swimming areas are marked with a Red & Yellow flag, while unsafe areas are marked with a Red flag.

    BOAT TOURS

    Coastal boat tours to the Buccoo Reef, Nylon Pool, No man’s Land, and other hidden bays around the island can be arranged with Screamer Boat Tours. They also do fishing trips and private beach limes.

    LIMING

    You may find many locals liming or hanging out on the beach on a regular basis. Anchor Bar and Grill is open daily and they are located directly on the beach. They serve various drinks and cocktails, as well as grilled and fried food.

    SUNSETS

    Sunsets on Mt. Irvine bay can get very colorful and mesmorising, depending on the time of the year. Sunset normally happens between 6pm – 7pm daily.

  • | |

    Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool

    The Buccoo Reef is a crown jewel of Tobago’s marine life. It is one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean, it offers a window into a vibrant underwater world of fringing coral reefs.

    The Buccoo Reef Marine Park

    The reef is located on the western coast of the island of Tobago. It is a protected marine park and is one of the largest coral reefs in Tobago.

    Glass Bottom Reef Boats

    Visitors can take glass-bottom reef-boat tours to view the stunning array of marine life and coral formations that make up the fringing reef system. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities in the area.

    What to Expect

    The Coral Gardens

    The Coral Gardens: A slightly deeper area of the reef, known for its stunning coral formations and diverse tropical fishes, that can be viewed through the glass bottom reef boats.

    Nylon Pool

    The Nylon Pool: A natural, waist-deep area in the reef that was named by Princess Margaret in 1962, who reportedly said the water was as clear as her nylon stockings.

    Reef Sand Bank

    The Sand Bank: This is a natural formation of sand deposited in a small area of the reef. It is sometimes visible depending on the tides and currents.

    Bon Accord Lagoon

    Bon Accord Lagoon: The Buccoo Reef borders the Bon Accord Lagoon, creating a complex ecosystem essential for the island’s sea life and mangroves.

    Essential info

    • 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

    Sun Protection: The sun reflects off the shallow water intensely. Wear reef-safe sunscreen or a rash guard to protect your skin and the delicate corals below.

    Footwear: While the sand is soft, some areas near the reef can be sharp. Consider water shoes if you plan on exploring.

    Booking Your Tour: Most tours depart from Buccoo Beach, Store Bay, or Pigeon Point. You don’t always need to book online; you can often find reputable local operators directly on the beach, but checking reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Instagram first is always a good idea.

    Beyond the Reef: Local Culture
    ​If you have time, many tours also stop at No Man’s Land, a secluded beach nearby. It’s the perfect place to relax after your swim, enjoy a local snack, and take in the view of the coastline

    No man’s land

    Overall, Buccoo Reef is a must-visit destination for anyone on the island of Tobago, offering a unique blend of natural marine beauty, adventure, and local culture.

  • Crown Point

    Crown Point is a popular tourist destination located on the southwestern coast of Tobago, a small island nation in the Caribbean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and wide range of activities and attractions.

    One of the main attractions in Crown Point is Store Bay, a stunning beach known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, and it’s also home to several food vendors serving local specialties.

    Crown Point is also home to Pigeon Point, another popular beach known for its iconic thatched-roof jetty, which has become an iconic symbol of Tobago. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding.

    For those looking for nightlife, Crown Point offers a range of options, including bars, nightclubs, and casinos. The area is also home to several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including local specialties and international dishes.

    Other notable attractions in Crown Point include the Nylon Pool, a natural pool located in the middle of the ocean, and the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, a protected area that is home to a wide variety of marine life.

    Overall, Crown Point is a vibrant and lively Tobago destination that offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and outdoor activities to nightlife and cultural experiences.

    Crown Point is a vibrant and popular town in Tobago.

    Local Amenities

    • Airport
    • Police/Security/Fire Service
    • Banks/ATMs
    • Supermarket/Shops
    • Fast Food Restaurants
    • Clubs/Bars
    • Guesthouses/Hotels
    • Playgrounds
    • Beaches
    • Public Transport
    • Car Rentals

    Links

  • | |

    Pigeon Point

    Pigeon Point is a popular beach and tourist destination located on the southwestern tip of Tobago, which is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

    The beach is known for its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and scenic views of the nearby Buccoo Reef. The area has been developed into a beach resort with facilities such as restaurants, bars, changing rooms, and water sports equipment rentals, including kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis.

    Pigeon Point is also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its proximity to the Buccoo Reef, which is home to a diverse array of marine life. The beach is accessible by car or taxi from the nearby Crown Point area.

    Pigeon Point is one of the island’s most known beach.
    The entire peninsula is also known as Pigeon Point Heritage Park.

    • Life guards
    • Security
    • Cabanas
    • Water sports
    • Shops
    • Restaurant & Bar
    • Entrance fee – $20.00 TTD for Adults, Kids $10.00 TTD
      under 6 yrs – free
  • |

    Fort King George

    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.

    • Preserved buildings
    • Batteries
    • Cannons
    • Light house (old)
    • Manicured Garden
    • Museum
    • Views of Trinidad