Explore the Top Nature Spots in Tobago: 7 Must-Visit Locations For Nature Lovers
You already know about the sparkling stretches of sand. But do you animal lovers know about the best nature spots in Tobago too? Well, we’re going to get you better acquainted.
Ordinarily, the 80 impeccable beaches in Tobago take the holiday headlines. But we’re here to celebrate the spiny green centre of the island.
Our guide to the best nature spots in Tobago demonstrates how dazzling and diverse this speck of land can be.
So, if you love nature, waterfalls, animals, flora and fauna, and dazzling dive sites, this blog is for you. What? You didn’t think all the best nature reserves in Tobago existed on land, did you??
7 Best Nature Spots in Tobago
These seven spots perfectly frame the smorgasbord of incredible wildlife this awesome little island calls home. If you’re a fan of all things au naturale, get these Tobago excursions on your itinerary.
- Main Ridge Forest Reserve
- Argyle Falls
- Buccoo Reef
- Pigeon Point Heritage Park
- Little Tobago Island
- Concordia Estate Nature Park
- Corbin Local Wildlife Park
1. Main Ridge Forest Reserve
Step into a fairytale at Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve, a nearly 250-year-old sanctuary of towering trees and twisting vines. This ancient rainforest, cooler and darker than the beaches, is alive with leafcutter ants, hummingbirds, and hidden wonders.
As you wander through the misty trails, you might spot armadillos snuffling in the underbrush or trapdoor spiders in their crafty burrows. Though Hurricane Flora left its mark in 1963, the reserve still boasts majestic trees and untouched beauty.
The popular Gilpin Trace trail guides you deep into this mystical world, often ending at a serene waterfall. To truly discover the forest’s secrets, a local guide is your best ally, revealing the hidden gems that most visitors miss.
2. Argyle Falls
Speaking of enchanting waterfalls, next up we come to the idyllic surroundings of Argyle Falls. Fun Tobago fact, with 3 dramatic cascades, Argyle Falls is the largest waterfall in Tobago and sits around 6.5 miles east of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
Navigating from the car park to the falls entails a 20-minute hike through the gorgeous rainforest. There is a small entry fee, but this also comes with a knowledgeable guide who will take you to the falls while pointing out some of the top sights along the way.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the path to the falls is simple to navigate independently.
Meanwhile, at the foot of those three magnificent cascades we mentioned earlier, you’ll find cooling ponds of crisp freshwater if you fancy taking a dip.
3. Buccoo Reef
One hour (by car) south of the falls, you get our next awesome au naturale centre in Tobago, Buccoo Reef. One of (if not the) most famous diving spots in Tobago, Buccoo Reef is home to a festival of marine life.
Located just a short distance off Store Bay and, the next destination on our list, Pigeon Point, this protected marine park is one of the most accessible reefs in the Caribbean.
Stretching for just over 4 miles, Buccoo Reef is home to spotted eagle rays, angelfish, rainbow parrotfish, batwing crabs and Christmas tree worms.
4. Pigeon Point Heritage Park
Alternatively, if you don’t fancy braving the water, you can choose to stay on terra firma and enjoy Pigeon Point Heritage Park, a 125-acre nature spot in Tobago just off Buccoo Reef.
I know we said it’s not about beaches at the top of this thing, but this park is kinda all about the award-winning Pigeon Point Beach. Here you can kick back and indulge in the endless warming sunshine or try your hand at several fun water sports.
However, if you’re not super confident in the water, but don’t want to miss out on all the aquatic adventures, why not head out on a tour to Nylon Pool? One of the best places in Tobago, this shallow sand bank offers crystal-clear, bath-warm water, perfect for wading in paradise.
5. Little Tobago Island
Twitchers of the world unite! We’re moving from the southwestern tip of the island all the way up to the northeast coastline.
This Caribbean island is home to over 260 bird species and Little Tobago Island is a centre for birdwatching in Tobago.
As a tiny, uninhabited island in the Caribbean Sea, Little Tobago’s rugged cliffs and gorgeous vegetation provide the perfect sanctuary for nesting seabirds like the red-billed tropicbird and the brown booby.
6. Concordia Estate Nature Park
A relatively new entry on the list of nature sites in Tobago. The Concordia Estate is a family-owned eco-resort which opened in 2019.
However, while the resort might be a new addition, the Estate itself is thought to date back as far as the 1500s – according to dating on cultivated trees from the area.
Nowadays the nature park covers around 50 acres and features a verdant valley with an enchanting waterfall and river system. This changeable landscape offers a home to several species of birds, animals and insects.
7. Corbin Local Wildlife Park
Nothing to do with Jeremy, the former Labour leader, Corbin Local Wildlife Park is tucked away in Tobago’s lush interior near Hope Bay. Founded by former hunter Roy Corbin, this nonprofit sanctuary is home to the island’s native wildlife, from armadillos and opossums to iguanas, agoutis, and even wild caiman lounging in a lily-covered pond.
The animals here are either recovering from injuries or are rescued pets, with many released back into the wild once healthy. Guided walks, often led by Corbin himself, provide fascinating insights into Tobago’s diverse wildlife and make for excellent birdwatching.
All profits go straight back into conservation efforts, so your visit not only supports the park but also helps protect Tobago’s precious fauna. Visits must be booked in advance, and you’ll need to hop into one of their 4WD trucks for the final stretch from Mason Hall or Hope Bay.
Want More Natural Bang for Your Buck?
Those are our top 7. But, this being a nature-lovers paradise, that’s not the end of the story when it comes to amazing nature spots in Tobago. If you’re thirsty for more, why not plot a course for some of these other wildlife havens:
- Adventure Farm & Nature Reserve: A beacon for wildlife and eco-tourism, this 12-acre site hosts birds, butterflies and iguanas.
- Shurland Nature Park: This tiny park gets you up close and personal with stunning hummingbirds. Handheld bird feeders mean the little wonders will be, literally, eating from the palm of your hand.
- Arnos Vale Waterwheel & Nature Park: The waterwheel focal point of this gorgeous park dates back to the 1850s and the site offers a restaurant, museum, gift shop, bar and small theatre area.
- St Giles Island: If you couldn’t get enough of the seabirds at Little Tobago then head for St Giles Island and spot even more making their homes on the remote rocks.
Discover the Green Heart of Tobago with British Airways
When you fly to Tobago with British Airways and experience a unique British welcome.
British Airways offers one of the quickest routes to the island, featuring a short stop in St Lucia. When you fly from London Gatwick, you could be touching down in the green heart of Tobago in around 11 hours.
Plus, when you can choose Economy, Premium Economy or Business class cabins, as well as a wide selection of in-flight dining, beverages and entertainment, are you really going to be concerned about flight times?
But the high-end British Airways touches can start making your holiday unforgettable before it even begins. With access to private airport lounges*, you can relax to the max before you’ve stepped foot on the aircraft.
*Lounge access dependent on cabin class.
Discover a Greener Side of Tobago
There you have it. The green heart of Tobago well and truly uncovered, one awesome spot at a time. So, the next time you head for the island, why not step away from the coast and into nature?
But, to do that, you’re going to want to know the best time to visit. Right?
Click the button below to catch our complete guide on picking the perfect time to touch down in Tobago.
