10 Tobago Facts We Bet You’re Hearing For The First Time
You were definitely today-years-old when you first heard these incredible Tobago facts. And we guarantee they’ll have you falling in love with the island all over again!
Did you know that Trinidad and Tobago was once voted the happiest country in the Caribbean? Ok, so some Tobago facts aren’t hard to believe (I mean just look at the place!)
But, there are more things about this incredible island that we bet you didn’t know!
To that end, we’ve filled this blog with 10 facts about the islands that will not only have you adding it to your holiday hit list. but also give you some fact-fodder for the next time you find yourself in need of some Caribbean country knowledge down the local.
So, let’s get into them!
10 Facts About Tobago
- It’s home to the world’s largest brain coral
- You can find a swimming pool in the middle of the ocean
- It has one of the highest bird densities in the world
- Home to the world’s oldest protected rainforest
- It’s the home of the limbo!
- Once home to the hottest chili in the world
- Tobago is the originator of the steel pan drum
- Home of Robinson Crusoe
- Hosts one of the most popular Carnivals in the world
- It boasts award-winning chocolate
One lesser-known fact is you can now book Tobago for under £1k. Click below to read more
1. Big Brain Coral
Trinidad & Tobago is full of surprises and a lot of those lie under the waves. One such curiosity is the world’s largest Brain Coral which resides in an underwater area known as Kelleston Drain which, it won’t surprise you to learn, is a haven for divers the world over.
2. Ocean-faring Swimming Pools
Nylon Pool is a naturally-formed, 1 metre-deep crystal clear swimming pool with a sandy bottom in the middle of the sea created by an offshore sandbar and a still lagoon. Located off Pigeon Point, Tobago, and accessible by boat, there have even been rumours that this is the fountain of youth. If that’s not enough to make your decision to visit, I don’t know what is!
3. Twitchers Paradise
Our next fact about Tobago is that the island has one of the highest densities of bird species in the world. There are around 220 varieties adorning the shores and canopies. So, if you take your checklist with you, it won’t take long to tick the boxes. (My favourite spot was the hummingbird)
4. Super Old Forests
The Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve is on record as being the oldest legally protected forest reserve geared specifically towards conservation purposes. An ideal hike and an even better birdwatching site, it has a visitor centre and a network of 9 trails for you to enjoy the reserve responsibly.
5. Just Call it Purgatory, Because Tobago’s Home of The Limbo
Contrary to popular belief, the limbo did not originate in Hawaii. The limbo dance originated as an event that took place at gatherings in Tobago and remains an entertainment failsafe worldwide. Typically set to the live sounds of steel pan drums (more about these later), get practicing with the mop or broom at home and you could be a pro by the time you arrive on the island.
6. The Weather Be Hot, But The Chillies Be Hotter
Originating in Trinidad & Tobago, the Moruga Scorpion hot pepper was the first pepper ever to break 2 million Scoville Heat Units and was the hottest chili in the world before being knocked off its perch by the Carolina Reaper. The Reaper weighs in at a searingly painful 2.2 million units, a current Guinness World Record score.
For reference, each pepper packs the heat of around 400 jalapeños. So, maybe pace yourself if you’re thinking of working your way up to the Moruga Scorpion during your holiday.
7. Home of the Sound of the Caribbean
The steel pan drum originates from Trinidad & Tobago and is the heart of much of its music. Playing calypso, reggae, jazz and even pop music, musicians weave the steel pan into delightful tunes that will provide the soundtrack to your stay on the island.
Top tip:
Visit Sunday School in Buccoo for the ultimate steel pan and party experience.
8. Robinson’s House
Tobago was allegedly the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe and Treasure Island as well as being the setting for the movie Swiss Family Robinson. Myth has it that Crusoe arrived at Englishman’s Bay, on the North Coast of Tobago, when he was stranded out at sea. The secluded beach has been voted as one of the top ten beaches in the world and is a definite must-visit.
9. Party Town of the Caribbean
Carnival is celebrated all over the Caribbean, but if you’re fixing to see some first-class partying for the annual celebration then T&T needs to be top of your list. Consistently one of the highest-ranking Carnivals in the world, Trinidad & Tobago knows how to party
10. Award-Winning Chocolate
If you like your tours with a treat you can taste award-winning chocolate as you enjoy an immersive experience at the Tobago Cocoa Estate. Winner of the silver award at the 2019 International Chocolate Awards for its Laura dark milk chocolate bar, the estate is a heritage park where you can learn about the history of cocoa in Tobago, see historical displays and participate in the fun activities at the estate.
Chocolate production has long been a treasured sill in the Caribbean, especially on islands like Grenada, St Lucia or Tobago.
In The Mood For More Facts?
Another Tobago fact that you might not know is, it’s home to more than 80 beaches. Each of those stretches of sand is more perfect than the last.
But where do you go if you want to find the best beaches in Trinidad & Tobago?
That’s easy, you just click the button below and we’ll tell you more about the 5 spots we recommend for kicking back on the soft white sand.
