Exploring Tobago

Morning is at leisure for relaxation at the hotel.

Paddleboarding at Pigeon Point Heritage Park

Enjoy an afternoon stand up paddleboarding activity on the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea at Pigeon Point Heritage Park. Pigeon Point offers the perfect location as it has a sheltered beach from the wind, making it ideal for all levels.

Street Food Tobago

Combine your love for food on a specially curated streetfood culinary tour. Learn the secrets of Tobago's famous cuisine, as you explore the island, meet the people and delve into the history of the country. Blessed by the bounty of the surrounding sea and steeped in traditions from Africa, India and Europe, Tobago's culinary heritage is rich with unique flavors and inspiration. Learn from local "sweet hands" (great cooks) about culinary techniques and traditions. Rub shoulders with locals as you are shown around the island to taste-test some of Tobago's most beloved quick eats. Some of the foods you'll encounter are: Doubles, Pholourie, BBQ Pigtail, Souse, Coconut Water & Jelly.

You'll also have the opportunity to see and taste the very best seafood preparations all the way from the thrilling moments of pulling in a fresh catch to taking that first taste of seafood prepared with an authentic local flare. Some of the seafood you'll encounter are: Flying Fish, Wilkes, Pacro and Lobster. (This service is on a private basis.)

Restaurant - Dinner

Transfers are included to/from Z's Grill-shack this evening for dinner, where you can enjoy an informal, seafood dinner with an authentic Caribbean vibe (charged locally).

Catamaran Snorkelling - Tobago

Head out this morning on a private catamaran for a personalised snorkelling excursion in Tobago. Visit sites such as Buccoo Reef, No Man's Land and many other less visited reefs. You will have an opportunity to swim and snorkel with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and multiple species of rays and other sea creatures. (This service is on a private basis.)

Evening Bioluminescence Kayaking

Take an evening kayaking adventure. Paddling under the beautiful night sky, surrounded by glowing plankton, this is a unique and memorable experience where you can witness one of nature’s beautiful phenomena. Under the darkness of a starry night sky, paddle for around 45 minutes across the warm, tranquil Caribbean waters to the mangrove lagoon of Bon Accord. Paddling the perimeter and into mangrove coves, awakens a magical shimmer of glittering, blue light. Whether swimming or kayaking, your movements will be illuminated by the twinkling of the bioluminescent plankton.

Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours. The kayaking will finish around 9pm, and a transfer will take you to a nearby street food stall (payable locally).

Scarborough Orientation

Scarborough is Tobago’s capital and the largest town on the Island. The Lower Scarborough area is home to lively bars and a bustling market with vendors selling fresh produce and clothing. Today’s guided orientation will take you back to the early days of civilisation in Tobago when the first Europeans settled and utilised the Scarborough area as a major hub and settlement for their commercial activities. You will be exposed to the various battles that were fought in the area as Tobago changed hands more times than any other Caribbean island during the years of conquest - 33 times to be precise, between the British, the French, the Dutch, the Spanish and even the Latvians for a short time (hence the references around the island to the Courlanders).

See the cannons that were used during the famous battle for Tobago in the 17th Century. Other stops include the Botanical Gardens - home to indigenous trees and shrubs, the old market and the Scarborough Methodist church.

Duration: Approx. 2.5 hours

Afterwards, transfer to Blue Crab Restaurant, a delightful restaurant with lovely views of the ocean and city. The husband and wife owner-team are real characters and wonderful ambassadors for Tobago. Look out for Auntie Alison who has a little cry when she talks about Tobago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4fmNeOi52c&t=12s. He cooks and she’s front of house.

'Being with Horses' Excursion

Spend the afternoon in the company of a beautiful herd of free-roaming horses. 'Being with Horses' is a local organisation which follows the principal that if a horse is given the freedom to live the life intended for a herd animal in an open setting with an abundance of fresh feed and ample space to enjoy the comfort of his herd members, he will transfer this sense of well-being and balance to his riders. On your visit, you will be introduced to your horse, where you will learn how to interact and guide them. You will have the opportunity to swim along the bay and enjoy a beautiful ride along the beach. Natural Horsemanship involves riding the horse without the restrictions of a bridle and saddle, allowing the rider to find balance in body, mind and spirit, not to mention a union with their horse.

Tonci Cacao Experience

This morning, your driver will take you to Arnos Vale, for a private cacao experience with artisanal chocolate maker Carlina in her home to make Tonci chocolate. Carlina uses only traditional methods, just as her grandmother taught her.

Carlina's cocoa beans are entirely local. She harvests many from single trees in friends’ gardens or the untended grounds of old estates. The cocoa pods are nourished by the flourishing diversity of nature which abounds around the wild trees.

You can join Carlina in her back garden to roast the cocoa beans the old-fashioned way: in a clay pot over an open fire. Shell them by hand with her family; it's a long and painstaking process, but one that adds to the quality of the finished product. Tonci chocolate takes five days to make from bean to bar. It is the most delicious, rich and complex chocolate, and you will have a chance to sample it at the end.

Transfer to Hotel

After your chocolate tour, you will be privately transferred to the Native Abode, a welcoming homestay B&B in Crown Point run by charming sibling hosts - Kaye and Stein Trotman.

Evening Buccoo Sunday School

This evening, head down to sample authentic Tobagonian social life at this vibrant street party, which takes place every Sunday at 8pm. The evening kicks off with the Buccooneers Steel Band orchestra which plays pan for a couple of hours. Around 11pm, the party steps up a level and the main sound system kicks in from the main venue, directly opposite the beach. The music is Jamaican Dancehall, with soca, hip hop and R&B. Visitors can help themselves at the numerous food and drink stands.

Garden Walk - Native Abode

Start the morning well with a relaxed wander around the grounds of your property with owner Stein, learning about the various flora and fauna as you go. Pick some fresh seasonal fruit from the trees, to enjoy there and then or take to your room to enjoy later.

Goat and Crab Racing

Every Easter, hundreds of locals and visitors to Tobago attend 'A Taste of Buccoo' for a chance to be part of the annual goat and crab racing on the island. Head to the stadium for a chance to observe (or partake in) this age-old tradition in a privately arranged pop-up event. Whilst it may look easy, a lot of strength and endurance is required, and the goats are trained for at least two months, learning to walk at increasing speeds until they're running in front of the trainer. They will also partake in swimming to build muscle.

Visit Fort George and Tobago Heritage Museum

This morning, visit the Tobago Historical Museum, which is full of local artwork and artefacts. It's located at Fort King George, which is the best-preserved fort on the island, established to protect the capital of Scarborough. Enjoy breath-taking views of the city from the top.

Dinner at the Seahorse Inn

This evening, transfers are included to/from the tropical beachside restaurant, Seahorse Inn for dinner. Enjoy award-winning food and service and an exceptional wine list at this excellent restaurant, where you can sample freshly cooked seafood cuisine such as Rock Lobster and Crab-Stuffed Grouper Fillet.

Scenic Drive from Crown Point to Moriah including Nature Hike to Cuffie

On departure from your hotel this morning, enjoy a privately guided drive through the villages that are washed by the warm Caribbean sea on a road that meanders into the village of Moriah. Here, one can learn about the Old Time Wedding, which takes place during the Tobago Heritage Festival at the end of July/beginning of August. It is a vibrant celebration of Tobago's rich cultural heritage, with events taking place in villages all over the island throughout the two weeks. Moriah is home to the famous re-enactment of a Victorian wedding parade.

Upon leaving the village of Moriah, take a 15-20 minute hike down to the entrance of Cuffie River Retreat, accompanied by the various sounds and calls of the birds in their habitat. Savour the tranquillity of this remarkable environment.

Duration: Approx. 4 hours

Lunch is included today at Cuffie River Nature Retreat.

Introducing Runnemede Valley - Rainforest Ridge

The Runnemede Valley is located on the edge of Tobago's Main Ridge, and is comprised of rich and verdant tropical rainforest. The Valley and surrounding region, known as the Rainforest Ridge is home to 16 species of mammals and around 260 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike. Blessed with mountains, streams and waterfalls, this region is also a magnet for those seeking adventure, from hiking the forest trails to mountain biking the undulating hills.

Highlands Waterfall Hike

On departure from Cuffie River Nature Retreat, your private driver will take you on a 50-min drive on the windy Atlantic coast through the rural villages along the windward road. On this drive, you can observe the homes of the villagers as they are scattered with varying colours along the roadside. Upon reaching the Village of Argyle, a short bird-watching walk is included, to spot some of the many species that frequent the edge of the tropical rainforest reserve. Upon reaching the waterfall, take a refreshing swim in the invigorating waters, before heading back to your accommodation.

Duration: Approx. 4 hours

Birding and Lunch at Shurlands

Enjoy a spot of birdwatching within the surroundings this morning with your specialist guide, where up to 30 species of tropical birds can be seen. View at close range the nesting and feeding habits of species, call the birds and be answered in return, observe patterns of socialisation between and among species or simply sit back and bask in the sheer beauty of these exotic birds.

Afterwards, head on to Shurlands, where you can enjoy an authentic lunch (included) in a beautiful setting, surrounded by hummingbirds. En route, you will pass by Englishman's Bay and Parlatuvier Lookout for some spectacular coastal views. After lunch, you will be transferred back to your accommodation.

Volunteering at Corbin Local Wildlife

Optional excursion volunteering at Corbin Local Wildlife Park.

Corbin Local Wildlife Park is a project of the International Natural Forestry Foundation and was established to help conserve and care for Tobago’s threatened species and wildlife in need of rescue and rehabilitation in a safe environment. Spend some time volunteering with Roy Corbin, who was born and bred in Tobago and knows the land and its wildlife intimately. He has been a farmer for over 30 years and is a source of knowledge on animal-welfare throughout Tobago.

Downhill Biking to the Coast and Transfer to Speyside

This morning, a road transfer will take you to Moriah, where a safety briefing will be provided, before embarking on a mostly downhill mountain bike ride. Cycle into the scenic village of Castara which is washed by the inviting waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The cycle ride is around 11kms and should take approx. 45 minutes.

Continue by car, approx. 1 hour to the remote village of Speyside, passing through the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere. This route takes you over the ridge of the island which is rich in flora and fauna. Enroute to Speyside, you will pass by villages that were once sugarcane estates in the days of the plantocracy.

Check in to your beachfront accommodation, home for the next 3 nights.

Introducing Speyside

Speyside, nestled on the northeastern coast of Tobago, is a charming fishing village known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. Speyside is also renowned as the gateway to some of the Caribbean's most spectacular underwater wonders, with world-class diving and snorkelling sites like the famous Buccoo Reef and the mesmerising Nylon Pool just a boat ride away. With its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and stunning natural beauty, the village offers the perfect escape for those seeking a laidback slice of Caribbean paradise.

Boat Trip to Little Tobago

At Leisure in Speyside

Enjoy a day at leisure in Speyside, making the most of the hotel's facilities, and the beautiful beach. Should you wish to explore more of this area, the following excursions can be booked through your hotel:

- Bird watching
- Cocoa plantation tour
- Glass bottom boat trip
- Kayaking
- Paddle boarding
- Visit Argyle Falls

Transfer around an hour to the other side of the island, to the scenic village of Castara which is washed by the inviting waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Check in to your Beachscape Room at Castara Retreats for the next 4 nights, overlooking the mesmerising Caribbean Sea.

Note - your stay at Castara is on a room-only basis. Included on arrival is a small welcome pack with homemade bread, jam and butter, milk, tea and a filter water jug in the fridge. There are also the usual things like toilet rolls and washing up bits, and some hand soap (no other toiletries).

There is an inviting small cafe-restaurant on-property open from 11am for lunch, drinks and dinners. You are also encouraged to visit the village cafes a couple of minutes' walk away for breakfast.

There are 2 local supermarkets in Castara so basic supplies are readily available. There is a fresh fruit and veg stall and fresh fish can be bought at the Fishermans' Cooperative after they bring in the day's catch. Fresh bread is baked twice a week by the ladies of the village in traditional stone ovens, along with lots of lovely pastries. You will find all of these services in the village which is easily walkable from the hotel, and allows you to experience local life whilst adding value to the local community.

Introducing Castara

Castara is a quaint fishing village on Tobago's quieter western coast. Guesthouses and restaurants are all locally owned and the community work together to keep the area as clean and eco-friendly as possible, providing a sense of the 'real Tobago'. Watch the fishermen haul in their catch of the day in the afternoons with their traditional seine nets. Or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the bay, soaking up the beautiful scenery. There are waterfalls, cocoa estates, and coral reefs to explore in this area. And if you're after white sandy beaches, the area is known for its beaches Big Bay and Little Bay, shaded with numerous palms and coconut trees.

Days at Leisure at Castara

Start your day well with a yoga class. Or take to the waters on a boat or paddleboard to explore more of the surroundings. The hotel can arrange birding tours, diving, wildlife trips, and rainforest hikes (charged locally).

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your hotel. Private transfer to Tobago International Airport; approx. an hour’s drive.

We can include an optional lunch stop enroute to the airport. Suggestions include:

- Waves Restaurant: The only waterfront fine dining restaurant along the Great Courlan Bay. https://wavestobago.com/
- Kariwak: A Wellness Hotel at Crown Point serving fresh, organic food and local produce. https://kariwak.com/restaurant/

Or we can take you to somewhere to try roti - a wrap style Caribbean sandwich filled with either curried or stewed meats and veg.

Originating in the Caribbean with Indian roots, a roti is a wrap style sandwich filled with either curried or sometimes stewed meats or vegetables wrapped inside a dhalpuri, paratha, or dosti roti. Roti is eaten widely across the Caribbean.

Continue to the airport and check in for your flight home.