Scarborough Travel Guide

Discover the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Scarborough, Tobago with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your trip with our list of places to visit, best things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Scarborough

Located in the island of Tobago in the Caribbean, Scarborough is a vibrant town filled with rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. As the capital of Tobago, Scarborough is the main hub for tourism and commerce on the island. Visitors to Scarborough can expect to have an unforgettable experience filled with history, adventure, and relaxation.

List of Places to Visit in Scarborough

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort King George: A historical landmark that now serves as a museum, Fort King George provides a glimpse into Tobago’s colonial past. Visitors can see how British soldiers stationed here lived during the 18th-century and explore exhibits on Tobago’s history and culture.
  • The Tobago Museum: Located in a former childhood home of poet and historian Alfred H. Mendes, this museum offers exhibits on Tobagonian culture and history, including Amerindian and African influences, colonialism, and contemporary arts and crafts.
  • The Tobago House of Assembly: The administrative center of Tobago, and architectural significant building with neoclassical lines, serves as the base of the Tobago House of Assembly. The building contains exhibitions on Trinidad and Tobago’s fascinating history.

Natural Attractions of Scarborough: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pigeon Point Beach: One of Tobago’s most photographed beaches, Pigeon Point offers crystal clear waters, white sand, and a perfect spot for sunbathing. Visitors can join a glass-bottom boat tour and snorkel to explore the nearby reefs.
  • Argyle Waterfall: A stunning 175ft (53m) waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and a natural pool for swimming. This nature area also has guided hikes covering the surrounding Rainforest.
  • Buccoo Reef: This protected coral reef ecosystem is a must-see for snorkelling , visitors can observe underwater sea life and coral. Glass-bottomed boats also provide a shallow water experience of the reef for those non-swimmers

Hiking/Biking Routes of Scarborough

Scarborough has great options for hikers and bikers who want to explore its natural beauty. One recommended route is the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago’s oldest protected rainforest and home to an array of wildlife and flora with trails and guided hikes to explore this unique reserve. Bikers will enjoy the road from Scarborough to Plymouth in the direction towards the village of Mason Hall, a scenic route that passes through small, traditional fishing villages.

Best Things to Do in Scarborough: Activities and Tours

  • Dive, Snorkel, and Explore the Coral Reefs: Tobago’s crystal clear waters are home to many of the world’s most exquisite coral reefs. Take a diving or snorkeling tour and immerse yourself in the underwater world of Tobago.
  • Enjoy a Buccoo Goat and Crab Racing Festival: crab racing is an integral part of Tobagonian culture, each year it thrills locals and visitors, embracing it as part of the cultural festival in Buccoo, Tobago in Easter holidays over the four-day weekend.
  • Dancing at Sunday School: Join in the Sunday School parties on Sunday evenings, a party where everyone is welcome to dance to live music. This party takes place at Buccoo village center.

Week-Long Itinerary for Scarborough

Day 1: Arrive in Scarborough and explore the town’s distinct architecture and vibrant markets, including the popular Scarborough Market.

Day 2: Visit Fort King George, the Tobago Museum, and the Tobago House of Assembly. Enjoy scenic views of the island from the fort’s viewpoint.

Day 3: Take a boat tour to Buccoo Reef, go snorkelling, and swimming in the Nylon Pool before spending the afternoon on Pigeon Point Beach.

Day 4: Head to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve and hike along the trails to explore Tobago’s flora and fauna.

Day 5: Spend the day relaxing on Turtle Beach, one of Tobago’s most secluded beaches.

Day 6: Take a day trip to Little Tobago Island, renowned for its birdwatching and snorkeling opportunities.

Day 7: Enjoy the music and festivities at Sunday School in the evening after exploring nearby Mason Hall in the afternoon.

Food and Drink Scene of Scarborough

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crab and Dumpling: “Crab and Dumpling” (spicy as well) is the national dish of Tobago. This delicious dish consists of curried crab with spicy dumplings made of cornmeal.
  • Doubles: A type of Trinidadian street food, these sandwiches consist of two fluffy, deep-fried biscuits filled with a variety of toppings, from spiced chickpeas to curried beef.
  • CooCoo: A traditional Caribbean cornmeal pudding, usually served with fish/seafood and Curry/ Stew.

Local Beverages

  • Rum: Known as the spirit of the Caribbean, rum is a popular drink in Tobago and is used as the principle ingredient in many of the island’s cocktails.
  • Carib Beer: A refreshing lager with a crisp taste, Carib beer is produced on nearby Trinidad and is a popular drink throughout Tobago.
  • Mauby: A non-alcoholic drink made from tree bark and spices, mauby is a traditional drink that is said to have many health benefits.

Where to Stay in Scarborough: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Blue Haven Hotel: A chic boutique hotel that offers luxurious rooms and suites with pool access.
  • Sealevel Guesthouse: A budget-friendly guesthouse featuring comfortable accommodations and ocean views.
  • Sandy Point Village: Affordable accommodation in Tobago situated in the middle of a lush garden. Mainly for families. A range of in-room cooking facilities is available.

What to Buy in Scarborough: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wooden crafts: Tobagonian woodcraft is famous for its intricate designs, and visitors can buy a wide range of wooden souvenirs, from traditional masks to intricately-carved bowls.
  • Pimento: Known for its health benefits , Gourmet Pepper ” Pimento” is a must-have local kitchen spice and is used in many soups.
  • Local Artwork: Tobago’s soulful landscapes and African and Caribbean heritage inspire vivid works of art, from oil paintings to abstract sculptures.

Local Culture and Customs of Scarborough

Tobagonians are known for their friendly, relaxed natures, and the communities are deeply influenced by African and Caribbean traditions. Visitors to Scarborough should respect local customs, such as the annual Easter Goat and Crab racing and the Blue Food Festival that is held in October.

Best Time to Visit Scarborough

The best time to visit Scarborough is during the dry season, from December to May. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, with temperatures averaging between 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The months from June to November, known as the wet season, see heavier rains on the island. Hurricanes are a rare occurrence in Tobago.

Do’s and Don’ts of Scarborough

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions, such as the Easter Goat and Crab Racing festival which you should attend if visiting in the Easter holidays.
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Explore the beautiful natural parks, including Montessori National Park and Main Ridge Forest Reserve.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, keep the natural beauty of the island unpolluted.
  • Refrain from handling the wildlife, Tobago has many protected species that tourists should respect and preserve.

Safety and Health

Safety in Scarborough

Tobago, including Scarborough, is a safe destination, with low levels of crime. Visitors should take usual traveler precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings and not leaving valuables unattended in public places.

Health in Scarborough

When traveling to Tobago, it is important to stay hydrated as to protect yourself from dehydration. Drink bottled water, and avoid tap water. There are a few medical facilities on the island, such as the Tobago Regional Health Authority, available in emergency care cases.

Getting to Scarborough: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Scarborough

The closest international airport to Scarborough is Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport (TAB), which is about a 20-minute drive from the town.

Bus Stations Near Scarborough

There is a main bus terminal in downtown Scarborough where popular bus routes run across the island.

Other Options

Car rentals, taxis and shuttle services are available to take visitors from their arrival destination. Rental vehicles are a popular option that enables visitors to travel across the island at their own leisure.

How to Get Around in Scarborough

Scooter rentals are the top-rated method of transport in Scarborough, followed by taxis or rental vehicles. Scarborough itself is walkable, with major attractions being no more than a 30-minute walk from each other.

Where to Go Next from Scarborough: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve: About 25 minutes’ drive north, visitors can explore this undisturbed rainforest and take part in the many hiking trails through the forest.
  • Charlotteville: A quirky laidback fishing village situated circa North Eastern end of Tobago island with beautiful beaches surrounded by lush greenery, offering nature tours for Bird Watching and jungle walks, reachable by a 1hour drive from Scaraborough.
  • Trinidad: This island nation is the larger island in the country of Trinidad and Tobago. Visitors can access it by ferry or plane.

Conclusion

Scarborough is a must-see destination for those looking for a unique and adventurous Caribbean experience. From its stunning natural parks, seclude beach-bays, it’s rich cultural history, there is something to suit every traveler’s taste. Our comprehensive guide to Scarborough is sure to help you plan an unforgettable trip to this Caribbean gem.

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