7 family-friendly adventures that await you in Tobago

With its unspoiled, natural beauty ripe for exploration, Tobago is the ideal hideaway for families wanting a taste of the Caribbean

Your family holiday is the perfect chance to totally switch off and spend some quality time with your loved ones. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure you’re choosing a destination that has enough to keep the whole gang entertained and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Tobago.

This warm and welcoming island has everything you could ever want from a Caribbean getaway, with the added bonus of being more slow-paced and unspoilt than many of its neighbouring islands – and even wallet-friendly.

From beautiful beaches to fun-filled days out, read on to discover why this little slice of paradise has all the makings of your next family holiday…

Awaken your wild side with water sports!

Life in Tobago revolves around its gorgeous warm waters, so it’ll come as no surprise that opportunities to indulge in water sports are everywhere. Diving is one of the most popular activities by far, with more than 60 established sites around the island. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned pro or a total novice, as instructors cater to all experience levels. The calm waters are also primed for paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling. Just take your pick!

Venture out on a boat trip

If you want to get closer to Tobago’s rich marine life, a boat trip is the best way to do it. For a truly unforgettable experience, take one of its large glass-bottomed boats to Buccoo Reef and marvel at the colourful fish and coral formations through the floor. Most of the trips also include a stop at the Nylon Pool, a shallow, sandy area in the middle of the sea. Here, you can try a spot of snorkelling or simply take a walk on the soft seabed and look out at the beautiful coastal vistas.

Relax on a serene beach

Whether you opt for an ocean-front hotel or a self-catering apartment further inland, Tobago’s modest size means beaches are abundant and driving distances are short. If you want to hear the lapping of waves but still want a little respite from the sun, the wild vegetation of Englishman’s Bay provides ample shade and privacy, while Castara Bay, with its emerald green waters and weekly bonfires, is a hub of cultural entertainment. Other fantastic spots include the coconut-tree lined King’s Bay, wonderfully secluded No Man’s Land and the iconic Buccoo Bay.

Explore wildlife-packed rainforests

Tobago’s lush natural beauty is home to all sorts of flora and fauna, making it a great choice for young adventurers. The jewel in its crown is arguably the UNESCO listed Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. As you wander through the greenery, you can spy many of Tobago’s 260 species of bird, including the shimmering emerald plumage of the white-tailed sabrewing and the vivid blue tailfeathers of the Trinidad motmot. There are also plenty of walking trails to choose from, each one ranging from easy to hard and even quiet to more well-known.

Marvel at sea turtles

Between March and September, you and your family can witness one of nature’s most remarkable rituals as giant leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtles – some of the world’s most endangered species – emerge from the ocean and come ashore to nest. This really is an experience that will stay with you all for a lifetime.

Lose yourself in history at an imposing fort

Sometimes the best way to get a sense of a place is to immerse yourself in its history, and Tobago’s forts are ripe for exploration. One of the island’s best preserved historical sites is Fort King George, a sprawling 18th-century fort overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Along with carefully restored remnants – including the officers’ barracks, gunpowder magazine, prison cells and bell tank – you’ll find formidable original cannons positioned just as they were hundreds of years ago.

Stay at an eco-lodge

The conservation and protection of Tobago’s natural and cultural wonders is of prime importance to Tobagonians and responsible tourism certainly plays its part, which is why you’ll discover an array of eco-lodges nestled around the island. At Castara Retreats, you’ll find 17 self-catering lodges built at treetop level (so it’ll really feel as though you’re living in the landscape), while Cuffie River lies on the edge of Tobago’s rainforest and offers guided rainforest walks, snorkelling explorations and sailing expeditions.