Tobago
Tobago is the smaller island of Trinidad and Tobago, known for beaches, coral reefs and rainforest hikes at a slower pace than Trinidad.
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Tobago lies northeast of Trinidad in the southern Caribbean and is the smaller of the country's two main islands. Scarborough, the capital, is the ferry port and the main place to buy supplies. Beaches, coral reefs off the southwest coast and rainforest in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve are the draws, and Argyle Waterfall is in the interior. Food is a big part of the trip: callaloo, roti and fish cooked at simple roadside stands.
Tobago suits travelers who want beaches, snorkeling and diving, and a few days of hiking without a packed schedule. Leatherback turtles nest on some beaches in the warmer months, and turtle watching is done with a guide. The drier months, January to May, are the usual choice. June to November is hurricane season. Four to five days gives time to see both coasts without rushing.
Tobago in five
- Book the flight or ferry from TrinidadA flight from Piarco to ANR Robinson airport takes about 20 minutes, while the inter-island ferry from Port of Spain to Scarborough takes about 3 hours. Check each operator's current schedule before you fix your dates.Getting around
- Rent a car and drive on the leftTobago drives on the left, and many roads are narrow and winding, with few streetlights outside town. Taxis cover short trips, but a car is the easiest way to reach beaches off the main road.
- Carry Trinidad and Tobago dollarsBeach stalls, route taxis and village shops often take cash only. Hotels and larger restaurants take cards, so keep enough TTD for each day.Money and costs
- Download offline maps before you leave ScarboroughMobile signal can be patchy on the northeast road to Speyside and Charlotteville. Save the route and the beach names offline before you drive.Phones and eSIM
- Choose a base near the beaches you plan to visitScarborough has the ferry terminal and the bus station, but Speyside and Charlotteville are a long drive away. Pick a stay close to the beaches and trips on your list.Where to stay
Need to know
- Currency
- Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; check your own nationality before you book
- Emergency
- 999 police, fire or ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected at stalls; check the bill for a service charge before adding a tip
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, breezy
- FebruaryDry, sunny
- MarchDry, warm
- AprilDry, hot
- MayRains begin
- JuneHurricane season
- JulyRainy, hot
- AugustRainy, hot
- SeptemberStorm season peak
- OctoberWet, storms
- NovemberRains ease
- DecemberFestive, rainy
Right now in Tobago
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 77%
- Wind
- 24 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Tobago
04:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today28°25°100%Monday: Rain. High 28°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Tue29°23°93%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 93%.
- Wed30°26°100%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu31°24°80%Thursday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Fri31°26°14%Friday: Clear. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 14%.
- Sat31°26°12%Saturday: Clear. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Sun31°26°20%Sunday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 20%.
Updated 03:57 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 6.789 TTD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Little Tobagoabout 1 to 1.5 hours by car to Speyside, then a short boat rideA bird sanctuary and reef off the northeast coast, reached by boat from Speyside.
- Argyle Waterfallabout 40 min by car from ScarboroughA tall waterfall in the island's interior, a good stop on the way across the island.
- Buccoo Reefabout 25 min by car from ScarboroughA reef near Pigeon Point, reached by glass-bottom boat or snorkel tour from the coast.
- Trinidadabout 3 hours by ferry from ScarboroughThe larger island, with Port of Spain, city food and Carnival. Better as a longer trip than a single day.Read the guide
Before you go to Tobago
Rules for Tobago, checked
- Many passports need no visa for Trinidad and Tobago, but check the entry rules on the government portal before you book.Source
- Drive on the left, and check the rules for a visitor driving permit on the government portal before you rent a car.Source
- Possession of illegal drugs carries heavy penalties, including prison. Carry no drugs, even in small amounts.
- Declare cash and goods above the limits on the arrival form. Check the current amounts on the government portal before you travel.
Plan around Tobago
Entry, money and transport for the two-island trip
Read the guideGetting around the islandsFerries, flights, buses and car hire on Tobago
Read the guideMoney and typical costsCash, cards and what a day usually costs
Read the guideVisas and entry rulesDocuments and entry checks before you book
Read the guideWhere to stay on TobagoBases by town and beach, from Scarborough to the northeast
Read the guideMore Caribbean islandsOther island trips and planning guides in the region
Read the guideTobago FAQ
Is Tobago worth visiting?
Yes if you want beaches, reefs and quiet evenings. It has less city life and nightlife than Trinidad, so it suits a slow trip.
How do you get to Tobago from Trinidad?
Fly from Piarco to ANR Robinson airport in about 20 minutes, or take the inter-island ferry from Port of Spain to Scarborough, which takes about 3 hours. Check the current schedule for either before you book.
Do you need a car on Tobago?
A car is the easiest option for reaching beaches and villages off the main road. Taxis and buses cover short trips from Scarborough.
How many days do you need on Tobago?
Three nights leaves room for Scarborough, one beach and a boat trip. A week gives more time to reach Speyside and Charlotteville without rushing the drives.
Is Trinidad or Tobago better for a holiday?
Choose Tobago for beaches and reefs. Choose Trinidad for city life, food and Carnival, which is the main event on that island.
When is the best time to visit Tobago?
January to May is the dry season, with drier weather for beaches and boat trips. June to November is hurricane season, when storms can disrupt ferries and flights.