Tobago's Tourism

Coco Reef Resort & Spa in Crown Point Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago 4K - YouTube

TRAVEL 11 action-packed Caribbean islands — and how to pick the right one for you From snorkelling the pristine reefs of Bonaire to discovering the colourful street art of Curaçao, this is a region that excels in the wild and the unexpected.

Rick's Cafe at sunset, Jamaica. PHOTOGRAPH BY AWL IMAGES

BY NIGEL TISDALL PUBLISHED 5 NOV 2021, 06:00 GMT, UPDATED 5 NOV 2021, 16:23 GMT

The islands and territories that make up the Caribbean are justifiably renowned for their bountiful sunshine and beaches, but beyond the resorts lie an intoxicating variety of cultures, creatures and cuisine that rarely make the headlines. But with dozens of destinations to choose from, how to decide which to visit? We’ve selected 11 of the most engaging, where memorable adventures amid natural wonders await. White-tailed sabrewing, one of 220 bird species that call Tobago home. PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES 1. Go birdwatching in Tobago Quiet and welcoming, Tobago is a top pick for twitchers, thanks to its forest, wetland and coastal habitats. The island’s star attraction is the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which was established in 1776 and is best explored via the Gilpin Trace Trail or less busy Spring Trail. Speyside, in the north east, is close to both the reserve and Little Tobago island, an offshore seabird sanctuary that’s home to the likes of frigatebirds, sooty terns, brown boobies and Audubon’s shearwaters. “Most visitors want to see the blue-backed manakin, white-tailed sabrewing and red-billed tropicbird,” explains Newton George, a birdwatching guide who’s been scouring the treetops for over 50 years. He and his wife Dianne run the Hummingbird Gallery from their home in the village — the feeders on their garden verandah providing excellent photo opportunities. The nearby beachfront Blue Waters Inn, Speyside, makes a great base for further ornithological excursions. Birds are also a prime reason to visit Adventure Eco Villas on the west coast at Arnos Vale. This estate has a checklist of 48 species that can be seen around its 12 acres, including parrots, flycatchers and tanagers. For a change of mood, hit the waves. The island’s many dive sites include The Sisters, where hammerhead sharks hang out at the wreck of MV Maverick, a ferry that was scuttled in 1997 and now swarms with marine life. On nights with little moonlight, Radical Sports Tobago offers bioluminescence safaris where you can kayak or paddleboard through waters illuminated by microscopic organisms that emit a blue glow when disturbed. Dip your hand in and watch it glitter as though you were a radiant ghost dripping with jewels. How to do it: Virgin Atlantic flies direct from Heathrow to Tobago from £427. Blue Waters Inn has rooms from $238 (£173), B&B. More info: visittobago.gov.tt