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
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.
Pleasant Prospect is a small hilly village, located between three popular bays, Mt. Irvine Bay, Back bay (Rockly Point) and Stone-haven bay, also known as Grafton bay. The village also borders the caledonian sanctuary and nature reserve.
Local Amenities
Grocery Shops
ATM Bank Machine
Restaurants
Bars
Guesthouses
Small Play ground
Beaches
Turtle Nesting
Public Transport
Nature Reserve
Mountain-bike Tours
Pizza Boys
Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary
The bird sanctuary is no longer maintained but bird feeding by the caretaker can sometimes be observed. The entire nature reserve comprises over 200 acres of protected land that was formally part of a coco estate owned by Eleanor Alefounder. The main purpose of the nature reserve is to promote the native flora and fauna of the island.
Mt Irvine Bay
Mt. Irvine BaySufing Mt Irvine – Andre Anchor Bar & GrillMt. Irvine Bay
Mt. Irvine bay is very popular beach in Tobago for locals and vistors, and especially surfers. There are cabanas, food outlets, beach bar and a fish market and well as a beach facility with security and lifeguards.The bay is part of the extended Buccoo Reef System with small patches of coral reefs that are great for snorkelling and the Mt. Irvine Wall for scuba diving. Mt. irvine is the most popular Surfing spot in tobago with a Right Break over coral rock bed.
Stone Haven Bay (Grafton Bay)
Stone Haven BayGrafton Bay
Stone Haven Bay is also know as Grafton Bay is a popular sea turtle nesting site and home to the Grafton Resort and Waves restaurant and bar. This bay is popular with large groups and for exercising. Seine pulling (Net fishing) can be observed at times. No facility, security or lifegurds available.
Back Bay (Rocky Point)
Nesting Leatherback TurtleBack Bay Sunrise
Back bay which is officially known and Rocky Point is a beautiful semi-secluded bay that is popular for nesting leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles. Back bay is very scenic but the waters can get very strong with big waves and powerful currents. The bay is popular with families, beach limes and couples. No facility, security or life guards available.
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.
Bloody Bay is a beautiful beach located on the northern coast of Tobago, an island in the southern Caribbean. The beach is named after a historical event that is said to have taken place there during the colonial period.
Legend has it that the bay was the site of a bloody battle between French and British forces in the late 18th century. The battle was said to have been so fierce that the waters of the bay turned red with blood, hence the name “Bloody Bay.”
Today, however, the beach is a tranquil and picturesque spot that is popular with tourists and locals alike. The soft white sand and clear turquoise waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, and there are several palm trees that provide shade and add to the idyllic atmosphere.
In addition to its natural beauty, Bloody Bay is also known for its excellent seafood. There are several restaurants and food stalls located near the beach that serve fresh fish, lobster, and other local specialties.
Overall, Bloody Bay is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tobago, whether for its history or its stunning natural beauty.
Hillsborough Reservoir, which was commissioned in May 1952, by His Excellency Sir Hubert Elvin Rance, then Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, is the only impounding reservoir in Tobago.
The reservoir is located 870 feet above sea level, Hillsborough has a rustic beauty and an elegantly designed spillway which provides a safety outlet when the reservoir is too full. The reservoir has a maximum storage capacity of 1.02 million m³ and the water treatment plant located just below can produce up to 9,091m3 per day. Water from the reservoir serves areas such as Mt. St. George, Concordia, Whim, Mary’s Hill, Union and Les Coteaux.
The raw water from the reservoir passes through two strainers that clear the incoming water of large debris such as branches, twigs and leaves before entering the chemical house. Aluminium sulphate (alum) is added to make the suspended particles of silt and mud in the water coagulate and form large and heavier particles that sink to the bottom of the sedimentation (or settling) basins. The water is then filtered through layers of sand and gravel, a process that removes fine particles still in the water. The final stage of the water treatment process is the addition of lime, to counteract the acidity of the water and the injection of chlorine to destroy any disease-causing bacteria.
Construction of the Hillsborough Dam significantly changed the landscape but the catchment area and the reservoir still teem with an abundance of wildlife and a variety of flora. There are twenty-eight (28) species of birds documented at Hillsborough which will excite the interest of any bird watcher.
