Tobago / Beaches

Tobago’s origins, as volcanic rubble pushed up by the movement of tectonic plates, have resulted in mountains in the northeast, but in the south west of the island is a relatively flat coral stone platform. This combination, along with a multitude of fringing coral reefs, has given the island sand that varies in shade from darkish brown to pure white. The island has its palm-backed Caribbean classics, such as Pigeon Point with its blinding white sand, but there are also some delightful remote coves tucked away along the north shore with golden sand and fringed with greenery.

Although many of the beaches have some development by way of a bar or a hotel, and a few have public facilities with showers and flags to indicate safe swimming, others are off the beaten track and untended. There are some lovely remote and local beaches. If you go to one of these, make sure that you have all that you will need in the way of water and food.

Click on the map to see an interactive map of Tobago Beaches.

Here is a selection of the best Tobago beaches...

Arnos Vale, north coast, beyond Plymouth - Secluded bay within a protected cove with a nice beach and very good snorkelling. Located within Arnos Vale Hotel grounds - stay and watch the birds being fed each day at 4pm on the terrace.

Canoe Bay, south coast, off Milford Road (the main road between the airport and Scarborough) - Good for families with small children, with calm, shallow water, pleasant beach and lawned areas with thatched sunshades. Small bar serving snacks, changing and restroom facilities, overnight camping available. Admission TT$15, children under 12 half price, under 5s free.

Castara, north coast, midway along island - A lovely stretch of golden sand, with calm waters by a remote fishing village. There are a couple of beach bars/restaurants and a roti shop. Take a walk up the Castara river, which runs through the village, to a waterfall which has a small rockpool.

Englishman’s Bay¸ north coast, just beyond Castara - Wonderful, secluded, picture perfect beach, a gently curving bay fringed by coconut trees. Pure white sand and crystal clear water. Fabulous picnic and snorkelling spot.

King’s Bay, south side, eastern end - Pretty, horseshoe-shaped bay with dark sand, well protected by massive headlands. Calm water and beach facilities including showers and shaded seating.

Man-O-War Bay, northeastern tip - Natural harbour below the fishing village of Charlotteville, with a long stretch of golden, sandy beach. Good for snorkelling. Changing facilities and lifeguards, other secluded, walkable coves.

Mount Irvine Beach, north side, western end  - Very popular with public beach facility which houses an art gallery, restaurant serving local food, showers and changing rooms, plus a sheltered picnic area. Sometimes called Surfer’s Beach, as this is the surfing spot in Tobago during the winter season. In the late afternoons local fishermen sell their catch from wooden tables set up on the beach, right by the roadside. Good beach for snorkelling and anchorage.

Parlatuvier Bay, north side, beyond Englishman’s Bay
Remote, picturesque, crescent shaped bay with golden sand, amidst fishing village, strong currents and sea shelf close to shore.

Pigeon Point Heritage Park, western tip - Picture postcard perfection, white sands and drooping palms over turquoise seas, and a quaint, thatched-roof jetty. Ever popular, snack, gift and souvenir shops, changing facilities and watersports operators, including an excellent windsurfing outfit. Can hire a cabana for the day. Access via a gated entrance, daily entrance fee US$3 or a weekly pass.

Pirate’s Bay, eastern end, out of Charlotteville - Secluded, stunning bay backed by lush greenery, within walking distance of Charlotteville along a dirt track, and steep descent, 200 steps down to the beach.

Stonehaven Bay, north shore, western end - Grand, sweeping bay with excellent, dark golden sands, often quite big waves, some watersports. Famous as a nesting spot for endangered giant leatherback turtles.

Store Bay, western end - Small but popular bay with crystalline golden sand and good swimming, popular with both locals and visitors, shower and changing facilities, plus lifeguards. Departure point for trips to Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool. Also the place to get good local food, such as Crab 'n' Dumpling or Shark 'n' Bake, in the food and craft stalls behind.

Turtle Beach, north shore, western end - A mile long stretch of beach on Great Courland Bay which attracts nesting Giant Leatherback Turtles.

Contributors: Deana Bellamy