Little Tobago

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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.

Related Guides

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    Popular Bays

    Tobago is home to many beautiful beaches, some of which are known for their pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Here are a few of the top beaches to visit in Tobago:

    picture of mt. irvine bay in Tobago
    1. Pigeon Point Beach: One of the most famous beaches in Tobago, Pigeon Point is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. It’s a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
    2. Store Bay Beach: Another popular beach, Store Bay is located just a short walk from Pigeon Point and the Airport. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine, and there are also plenty of food vendors and souvenir shops nearby.
    3. Englishman’s Bay: This secluded beach is located on Tobago’s north coast and is known for its natural beauty and calm waters. It’s a great spot for snorkeling and exploring the nearby rainforest.
    4. Castara Bay: This small fishing village is home to a lovely beach that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing. There are also several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy fresh seafood and tropical drinks.
    5. Mount Irvine Bay: Located on Tobago’s west coast, this beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling and diving, with a variety of coral reefs and marine life to explore.

    These are just a few of the many beautiful beaches that Tobago has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a lively, tourist-friendly beach or a secluded spot to relax and unwind, there’s sure to be a beach in Tobago that’s perfect for you.

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    Rocky Point – Back Bay

    Rocky Point is a scenic spot located on the northwestern coast of Tobago. It is a popular destination among tourists who visit Tobago because of its breathtaking views, clear turquoise waters, and secluded bay (back bay).

    Rocky Point is known for its natural beauty, and visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, and swimming. The area is home to a wide variety of tropical flora and fauna, including exotic birds, reptiles, and marine life.

    One of the most popular attractions at Rocky Point is its stunning beach, which is secluded and offers visitors the chance to enjoy a peaceful day in the sun. The beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs that create a dramatic backdrop and add to its beauty.

    Another popular activity at Rocky Point is snorkeling, as the clear waters here are home to a diverse range of colorful fish and coral reefs. Visitors can also take a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the underwater world without getting wet.

    Rocky Point is also known for its stunning sunsets, which are a must-see for anyone visiting Tobago. There are several lookout points along the coast where visitors can watch the sun go down over the Caribbean Sea.

    Overall, Rocky Point is a beautiful destination that offers visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of Tobago. Whether you are looking for a peaceful day at the beach, an adventurous hike, or a chance to explore the underwater world, Rocky Point has something to offer everyone.

  • 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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    Easter Goat Racing Festival

    The Tobago Goat Race is an annual event that takes place on the Caribbean island of Tobago. It is a unique cultural event that has been held for over a century and attracts both locals and visitors to the island.

    The Tobago Goat Race is essentially a type of goat-racing event, where trained goats compete against each other in a race. The goats are typically bred and trained specifically for this purpose and are often adorned with colorful costumes and decorations.

    Goat Racing – Buccoo Tobago

    The event usually takes place in Buccoo, a small fishing village on the island’s west coast. It is a day-long celebration that includes food, music, and other cultural activities in addition to the goat races.

    The Tobago Goat Race is not only a fun and entertaining event, but it is also an important part of Tobago’s cultural heritage. It is a way for the islanders to celebrate their traditions and showcase their unique way of life to the world. If you happen to be in Tobago during the event, it is definitely worth checking out!

    Easter Tuesday
    Buccoo, a small seaside village on the southwest coast of Tobago, has hosted goat racing since 1925. Goat racing developed as a poor man’s equivalent to horse racing In the early twentieth-century, since horse racing was reserved for the local elite. Since horse racing traditionally occurred on the Monday after Easter Sunday, Easter Tuesday was chosen to run goat races by the Buccoo Goat Race Festival Committee, a sub-committee of the Buccoo Village Council, that organises the event annually.

    Easter Monday
    The village of Mt. Pleasant is also hosts to the goat racing festival which occurs on Easter Monday. A large gathering of family, friends and acquaintances also adds to the event’s popularity and attendance on the day.

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    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.

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    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.