Cruises to Scarborough
Scarborough — the small, picturesque heart of Tobago, the smaller of the two islands that make up the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. This cosy port town on the island's southwestern coast sits at the foot of green hills, where Caribbean turquoise waters meet dense tropical forest. There are no skyscrapers or big-city rush here — instead you'll find an authentic Caribbean still untouched by mass tourism: colourful markets, an unhurried pace of life and the genuine smiles of the locals. Scarborough is the administrative centre of Tobago and the main seat of the Tobago House of Assembly — the body that governs the autonomous island within the unitary state of Trinidad and Tobago, home to roughly 1.5 million people.
For cruise travellers, Scarborough is a port of call where liners dock for a few hours during Southern Caribbean itineraries linking Trinidad and Tobago with Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia and other islands of the Lesser Antilles. For the 2025–2026 season, the island expects more than 40 cruise calls and around 46,000 passengers — a record figure for a destination that, until recently, remained little known to mass cruise tourism. 🚢
📋 Before you set sail on a cruise to Scarborough or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you should know:
🇹🇹 Country: Trinidad and Tobago
📍 Island: Tobago (an autonomous island ward within the state)
👥 Population: Scarborough — about 17,500 residents; the whole island of Tobago — about 60,700 residents
📐 Area: Scarborough — about 10 km² (3.9 sq mi); Tobago island — 300 km² (116 sq mi), roughly 25 mi (40 km) long and up to 6 mi (10 km) wide
🗣️ Languages: English (official); Tobagonian Creole is widely spoken
💵 Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD); US dollars (USD) are accepted almost everywhere
🕐 Time zone: AST (UTC-4)
☀️ Climate: tropical, with two seasons — dry (January–May) and wet (June–December); average temperatures hold at +26…+28°C (79–82°F) year-round
✈️ Nearest airport: A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) in Crown Point — about 11–13 km (7–8 mi) from the cruise port
⚓ Official cruise port name: Port of Scarborough (Scarborough Cruise Terminal)
🗺️ Port type: deep-water harbour, built in 1991
🏛️ The History of Scarborough — an Island That Changed Hands 33 Times
⏳ Over Three and a Half Centuries Under Different Flags
The history of Scarborough is inseparable from the turbulent colonial past of Tobago as a whole. The settlement on the site of today's town was founded in 1654, though it only became the island's capital in 1769, when it replaced the town of Georgetown in that role. Scarborough takes its name from the English seaside town of the same name in Yorkshire.
Tobago is a rare case of a territory whose colonial history includes at least 33 changes of ownership: Spain, the Netherlands (including the Duchy of Courland — present-day Latvia), France and Great Britain all fought for control of the island. Between 1789 and 1814, while under French control, Scarborough was even known as Port-Louis. The matter was finally settled by the Treaty of Paris of 1814, which permanently secured Tobago for the British Crown.
⚔️ Fort King George and Union with Trinidad
Between 1777 and 1779, the British built Fort King George on the hill above the town — the island's principal fortress, which was never taken by force throughout its entire history. Today it is Scarborough's best viewpoint and an open-air museum.
In 1889, Tobago was united with neighbouring Trinidad into a single colonial administrative unit, and in 1962 the newly formed state of Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Great Britain. Today Tobago enjoys broad autonomy: all matters of local self-government are handled by the Tobago House of Assembly, whose headquarters are located right in Scarborough.
⚓ The Port of Scarborough — Tobago's Gateway to the Caribbean Sea
📊 From an Anchorage to a Modern Terminal
Before 1991, cruise ships could not dock directly at Scarborough — vessels anchored offshore and passengers were ferried ashore by tender boats. That changed with the construction of a deep-water harbour, which made it possible to berth liners over 300 metres (984 ft) long right alongside the quay. Today the cruise terminal is a small but functional facility with an information desk, a rest area, a taxi rank and rows of stalls run by local craftspeople and producers of rum, spices and souvenirs.
🚢 How Many Ships the Port Can Handle
The Port of Scarborough has a single deep-water berth and can accommodate only one large cruise ship alongside at a time — on high-demand days, additional ships anchor offshore and passengers are tendered ashore. The largest liner ever to call at the port was MSC Fantasia, with capacity for 3,900 passengers (March 2018). For the 2025–2026 season, the port expects more than 40 ship calls and around 46,000 cruise passengers in total — a marked increase over the average figures of previous seasons.
🏢 Which Cruise Lines Call at Scarborough
Scarborough regularly receives ships from leading international cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International (Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Vision of the Seas), Celebrity Cruises (Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Summit), Princess Cruises (Caribbean Princess), Holland America Line (Nieuw Statendam), Azamara, Oceania Cruises and the UK's Marella Cruises. This makes Scarborough an appealing port of call for Southern Caribbean and Lesser Antilles itineraries. 🌍
💡 Interesting Facts About Tobago and Its Main Port
A few lesser-known details help complete the picture of the island:
📖 Tobago is considered one of the islands that inspired Daniel Defoe's novel “Robinson Crusoe”, and Englishman's Bay on the island's north coast has repeatedly ranked among the world's best beaches.
🌳 The Main Ridge Forest Reserve, established back in 1776, is considered the oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere — two centuries before the very concept of “ecotourism” existed.
🪸 Off the coast of Tobago, at Kelleston Drain, lies the world's largest brain coral — a popular spot for divers from around the globe.
🐦 On an island of just 300 km² (116 sq mi), around 220 bird species can be found — one of the highest densities of avian biodiversity on the planet.
🥁 The steel pan — the iconic instrument of Caribbean music — and the lively limbo dance both originated in Trinidad and Tobago before conquering the world.
👑 According to legend, the “Nylon Pool” — a shallow natural “bath” in the middle of the sea near Pigeon Point — was named by Princess Margaret during her 1962 visit, when she compared the water's clarity to her nylon stockings.
🏴 Tobago changed colonial hands at least 33 times — one of the records among territories in the Caribbean basin.
📍 Top Landmarks in Scarborough — Must-Sees for Cruise Travellers
A cruise ship's call at Scarborough usually lasts 6 to 10 hours, so it's worth deciding on priorities in advance. A detailed list with addresses and opening hours can be found in the “Landmarks and Points of Interest” section; below is a brief overview of the key locations that define the island.
⚔️ Fort King George — the town's main historical landmark, perched on a hill above the port, with cannons, a museum and the best panoramic view over Scarborough and the Caribbean Sea.
🏖️ Pigeon Point Beach — Tobago's calling card: powder-white sand, turquoise water and the famous thatched-roof jetty recognisable even to those who have never visited the island.
🐠 Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool — a marine park with glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling and a swim in the shallow “bath” in the middle of the sea.
🌳 Main Ridge Forest Reserve — the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, with hiking trails and one of the Caribbean's richest spots for birdwatching.
🎭 Shaw Park Cultural Complex — the largest performing arts theatre in the Caribbean region and the venue for the island's major festivals.
🏛️ Downtown Scarborough and the local market — vibrant town life, stalls of fresh tropical fruit, spices and handmade crafts by local artisans.
✨ Why Add Scarborough to Your Cruise Itinerary
Scarborough is a rare chance to see the Caribbean the way it was before mass tourism.
First, there's convenient logistics: the airport is just 15 minutes from the port, and all the island's main sights can be covered in a single day in port. 🚗
Second, there's world-class nature: the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, one of the planet's largest coral formations and hundreds of bird species — all within a short transfer of the pier. 🌴
Third, there's authenticity: Tobago remains a quiet, uncommercialised island where Caribbean culture, cuisine and hospitality feel genuine rather than staged for tourists. 🥭
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group can help you plan a Southern Caribbean itinerary that calls at Scarborough, take care of transfer logistics, recommend the best shore excursions on the island, and offer attractive rates from the leading cruise brands we partner with as a priority agent in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Scarborough
Scarborough is the capital of Tobago, the smaller sister island of Trinidad, where cruise ships call mostly for a single day as part of Southern Caribbean itineraries. The cruise pier sits right on the town's waterfront, just a few minutes' walk from the main street — a rare case where you don't need to cover dozens of kilometers between the port and the city center. Still, if you're flying to Tobago independently, joining your ship at this very port, or simply want to know every transfer option in advance, here is a tried-and-tested step-by-step guide with current prices and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯
📍 Where Exactly Is the Scarborough Cruise Terminal
The Scarborough cruise complex is a deep-water pier built in 1991 by the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (PATT); before that, ships had to anchor offshore and tender passengers ashore. Today the pier sits on Carrington Street, right along the Esplanade waterfront, in the very heart of Scarborough — 300–500 meters (about 330–550 feet) from the town's Main Street.
📌 GPS address: Carrington Street, Scarborough, Tobago (navigation apps also accept Plus Code 57J7+23W Scarborough)
🚶 Distance to the town center: 300–500 meters (about 330–550 feet), a 3–5-minute walk along the waterfront
⚓ A feature of the pier: the terminal can only berth one large ship at a time. If two ships call on the same day, the second one anchors off the island's western tip and tenders passengers ashore — usually to the Pigeon Point area, about 12–13 km (7–8 miles) from downtown Scarborough.
🏢 Inside the terminal: duty-free shops, local craft and music stores, tour operator desks, a tourist information office, restrooms, and a taxi coordination point with a board of indicative fares.
❗ Important: the exact docking method (pier berth or anchorage with tendering) is always listed in the ship's daily program — check it the day before you call at the port.
✈️ From A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) to the Cruise Terminal
A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (formerly Crown Point Airport, code TAB) sits 11–13 km (about 7–8 miles) from the cruise terminal — a 15–20-minute drive. Direct flights arrive from New York (Caribbean Airlines), London Gatwick (British Airways), and Barbados (Caribbean Airlines), while a seasonal direct flight from Frankfurt (Condor) operates from November through April — a convenient option for travelers coming from Ukraine via the German hub. Most international travelers, however, arrive through Trinidad's main airport, Piarco (POS), near Port of Spain, then continue to Tobago on a 25-minute domestic flight with Caribbean Airlines or by ferry (see the section below).
🚕 Taxi — the most common option
Licensed taxis on Tobago carry registration plates starting with the letter “H” — these are the ones to choose; vehicles with a “P” (private) plate are not licensed to carry paying passengers.
• Travel time: 15–20 minutes
• Approximate fare: around 20–25 USD (roughly 135–170 TTD) per vehicle
• Payment: there are no meters, so fares are agreed in advance — always confirm the currency (USD or TTD) and whether the price is per car or per person
• Apps: Uber and Lyft don't operate on Tobago; a car can only be arranged through the taxi coordination desk at the terminal or through your hotel
🚐 Private Transfer
The most comfortable option for families or groups with luggage: a driver meets you at arrivals, tracks your flight, and takes you straight to the terminal for a fixed price.
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — just share your flight number when booking your cruise.
🚌 Maxi-Taxi — the budget option
Shared maxi-taxis and PTSC buses run regularly between the airport and Scarborough. The fare is a few TTD per person, but schedules aren't always reliable, so this option suits travelers with time to spare.
⛴️ By Ferry from Trinidad (Port of Spain) — an Alternative Route
If you're flying into Piarco Airport on Trinidad on a major international flight (served by American Airlines, British Airways, KLM, Air Canada, Copa Airlines, United, and other carriers), you can reach Tobago not only by a short flight but also by ferry with the Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Transportation Co., sailing from Port of Spain straight to Scarborough.
• Vessels: the high-speed catamaran T&T Spirit (about 2.5 hours at sea) or the conventional ferries A.P.T. James, Buccoo Reef, and Galleons Passage (slower, but able to carry vehicles)
• One-way fares: adult economy — 75 TTD, premium — 150 TTD; children aged 3–11 — 50 TTD (economy) or 100 TTD (premium)
• Booking: online at booking.ttitferry.com, ideally in advance — especially during peak season
• Arrival terminal in Scarborough: the ferry pier sits practically next to the cruise terminal, within the same port area on Carrington Street
💡 Tip: this route is handy if you're joining your cruise independently or spending a few days on Tobago before or after your trip — but it isn't used for a single day's port call.
🏙️ From Downtown Scarborough to the Cruise Terminal
If you're already in town — staying at a hotel or out for a stroll — reaching the terminal couldn't be easier:
🚶 On foot — from Main Street and the Esplanade waterfront, it's just 3–5 minutes on flat ground along the sea. This is the most popular option for passengers who've gone into town.
🚕 Taxi — from hotels on the outskirts of Scarborough (say, the Bacolet or Signal Hill area), the ride takes 5–10 minutes and costs around 5–10 USD per vehicle.
🚌 Maxi-taxi — runs through Scarborough's central streets on the “Port” route; the fare is a few TTD.
🚗 By Private Car — Parking Near the Port (and Car Rental)
The Scarborough cruise terminal is a small port facility without a dedicated multi-story car park like the ones at major European ports. If you've rented a car for your independent Tobago trip, you can leave it briefly on the street along the Esplanade waterfront near the terminal — though on days with a large ship in port, spaces can run short, so plan for extra time.
🚙 Car rental is available both at A.N.R. Robinson International Airport and in Scarborough itself, through several local and international rental companies. Before you drive, keep in mind:
• Traffic drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right — this takes some getting used to for drivers from Ukraine
• Roads on Tobago are narrow and winding, especially outside Scarborough
• GPS route: from the airport to the port, follow the Claude Noel Highway, which becomes Milford Road and leads straight to downtown Scarborough and the Esplanade waterfront
💡 Tip: for a single day in port, a rental car is rarely necessary — taxis and organized Four Gates Group excursions are usually easier and safer for first-time visitors to the island.
♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
The terminal itself and the Esplanade waterfront are flat and accessible for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Some of Tobago's popular sights, though — Fort King George, for instance — sit on hills with steep, shadeless climbs, so we recommend taking a taxi rather than walking to these locations.
✅ The terminal has level walkways with no steps between the pier and the exit
✅ Taxis can drop passengers off close to the entrance of most venues and attractions on request
✅ Cruise line staff assist with boarding — let them know about any needs in advance
⚠️ If the ship is anchored offshore that day and passengers are tendered ashore, be sure to tell the crew in advance if you'll need assistance boarding the tender
⏰ When to Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
Scarborough functions solely as a port of call on Southern Caribbean itineraries — it isn't an embarkation or disembarkation port, so there's no separate scenario here for the start or end of a cruise. Your only job is to get back to the ship on time after going ashore.
🕐 The “all aboard” time (when you must be back on the ship) is always listed in the ship's daily program and on your cruise card — usually 30–60 minutes before the ship's actual departure from port.
🕐 Build in extra time when returning from excursions: the drive back from Argyle Waterfall, for example — one of the island's most remote spots — takes 55–70 minutes each way, and longer on days with several ships in port because of road traffic and taxi queues.
❗ If the ship is anchored offshore that day, the last tender leaves 45–90 minutes before the official “all aboard” time — that's not the same time, and missing the last tender means missing the ship.
🚫 The ship will not wait for passengers who arranged an excursion independently of the cruise line — catching up with it at the next port is entirely at your own expense.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group Experts
Over years of working with islands across the Caribbean, our cruise specialists have gathered advice that will save you time and stress on Tobago:
💶 Carry cash in TTD. US dollars are accepted at tourist businesses, but change is usually given in local currency at a less favorable rate. ATMs are available near the terminal and in downtown Scarborough.
🚕 Only use taxis with an “H” plate. This is the official mark of a licensed operator on Tobago; always agree on the price and currency before getting in.
📵 Don't count on Uber. Ride-hailing apps don't operate on the island — only traditional taxis or a transfer booked in advance.
🛍️ Shop before 4:00 p.m. Most shops in Scarborough, including the market, close early; the best selection is in the morning.
📶 Wi-Fi at the terminal exists but is slow. For a reliable connection, use mobile data from local carriers (TSTT, Digicel) or a café in town.
🌴 Try the local chocolate and rum. Tobago-grown cocoa and rum infused with local pepper sauce make excellent souvenirs you'll rarely find outside the island.
⏱️ Keep the “all aboard” time in mind. It's easy to get swept up in the scenery and waterfalls on such a small island — always leave a buffer for the return trip, especially if you're heading to remote beaches or the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
📞 Contacts on Tobago
Cruise terminal / port office in Scarborough:+1 868 639 2668
Tobago Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation (DoTCAT):+1 868 639 2125
Trinidad & Tobago Inter-Island Ferry (Scarborough terminal):+1 868 639 2417
Police: 999 | Fire service: 990 | Ambulance: 811
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
The logistics of a day in Scarborough are far simpler than at major European ports — the terminal sits almost in the town center, and the island is small enough that most sights are just 15–45 minutes away. The key is to arrange your transfer in advance and always keep the ship's return time in mind. The Four Gates Group cruise experts can help you plan your day on Tobago before you even set sail — from choosing an excursion to arranging a private transfer. Get in touch with your manager, and your call at Scarborough will go off without a hitch. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the venues concerned.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Places in Scarborough: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Scarborough is the capital of Tobago, the lesser-known but remarkably scenic “little sister” of Trinidad. There are no skyscrapers or subways here — instead, there is a forest reserve that has been protected longer than any other tropical rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, a coral ecosystem home to nearly 120 fish species, and beaches that regularly make the world's best-of lists. For a cruise passenger whose call in Scarborough usually lasts 8–10 hours, the key is to split the time wisely between the town and the island's nature, since Tobago's main attractions are scattered across the coastline rather than clustered near the port. Below is a verified guide to the key sites, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the cruise terminal in central Scarborough to each location. 🎯
⚔️ 1. Fort King George & the Tobago Museum
💡 Interesting Facts & Background:
Fort King George is the best-preserved colonial fortification in Tobago and the island's foremost historical landmark. Perched on a hill directly above Scarborough, the climb up is both a journey into the past and the best free viewpoint in town.
🔹 Tobago is something of a record-holder among Caribbean islands for the number of times it changed colonial hands: official records show the island passed between powers 31 times before finally being ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris of 1814–1815.
🔹 The fort's powder magazine could hold up to 600 barrels of gunpowder at once — a stockpile that speaks to how seriously the British defended the island.
🔹 The bastions offer sweeping views over Scarborough, Bacolet Bay, and Tobago's windward coast — widely considered the best vantage point in the city.
🔹 British troops remained stationed here until 1854, after which islanders took over the island's defense themselves.
🔹 The grounds still hold the officers' barracks, a bell-shaped water cistern, and historic cannons trained on the harbor.
📜 History:
The British built the fort in 1777–1779 and named it after King George III. But peace did not follow: for more than a century, Tobago was fought over fiercely by England, France, and the Netherlands. A few milestones tell the story — in 1666 the English seized a Dutch settlement, in 1677 the French destroyed it, in 1781 the island fell to France again and was formally ceded under the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. The British recaptured Tobago in 1793, lost it again to France under the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, and retook it for the last time in 1803. Tobago was finally secured for Britain by the Treaty of Paris of 1814–1815.
Today the fort's former guard house holds the Tobago Museum, displaying artifacts of the island's indigenous peoples, military relics, and colonial-era documents that trace this turbulent history.
🚢 Getting There from the Cruise Terminal:
• On foot: 15–20 minutes up a steep climb through central Scarborough — short, but comfortable shoes are a must
• Taxi: 5–7 minutes, roughly 15–20 TTD
💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Fort grounds: free, open daily during daylight hours
• Tobago Museum: adults — 10 TTD, teens — 5 TTD, children — 2 TTD
• Museum hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
⚠️ Note: the museum is closed on weekends — if your ship calls on a Saturday or Sunday, your visit will be limited to the fort grounds and the views.
🐠 2. Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool
💡 Interesting Facts & Background:
Buccoo Reef is not a single coral patch but an entire ecosystem covering roughly 7 km² (2.7 sq mi), made up of five separate reef flats and the adjoining Bon Accord Lagoon. Around 119 fish species have been recorded here, from parrotfish to sergeant majors. 🐟
🔹 The Nylon Pool is a shallow sandbar in the middle of the ocean, waist- to knee-deep, where glass-bottom boats bring passengers to swim right in the open sea, several kilometers from shore.
🔹 The pool got its name in 1962, when Princess Margaret visited and compared the astonishing clarity of the water to the sheerness of nylon stockings — the name stuck for good. 👑
🔹 According to local legend, bathing in the Nylon Pool grants seven years of youth.
🔹 Since 2005, the “Buccoo Reef – Bon Accord Lagoon Complex” has held Ramsar status as a wetland of international importance.
🔹 The reef itself has been an officially protected marine park since 1973 — one of the earliest examples of marine conservation in the Caribbean.
📜 History:
The coral structure formed over millennia in the shallow lagoon between Buccoo and Store Bay. By the mid-20th century, the reef had already become Tobago's premier marine attraction thanks to its clear water and easy access by glass-bottom boat. But its popularity has a downside: since the 1970s, the reef has suffered from pollution, eutrophication, and periodic coral bleaching — major events occurred in 1998, 2005, and 2010, and between 2010 and 2012 the area of live hard coral cover nearly halved. Visits are now strictly regulated: swimming is allowed only in designated zones, and touching the coral is prohibited.
🚢 Getting There from the Cruise Terminal:
• Taxi to Buccoo/Store Bay: 20–25 minutes, roughly 80–100 TTD
• Organized tour: most operators pick passengers up directly from the port or their hotel
💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Glass-bottom boat tour (reef + Nylon Pool): approximately 76 USD per person, 3 hours, snorkeling gear included
• Local shared boat trips from Store Bay: a cheaper option, roughly 25–35 USD per person
• Departures: usually twice a day, with the morning trip around 10:00 a.m.
⚠️ Note: choose a reef-safe sunscreen (free of oxybenzone and octinoxate) — it helps protect this already fragile ecosystem.
🏖️ 3. Pigeon Point Heritage Park
💡 Interesting Facts & Background:
Many guidebooks call Pigeon Point the most beautiful beach in all of Tobago — a long stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and the famous thatch-roofed wooden jetty that has become the island's unofficial symbol, appearing on postcards, tourism campaigns, and even on Trinidad and Tobago's banknotes. 🌴
🔹 Boats to Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool depart from right here, making Pigeon Point the most convenient starting point for boat excursions.
🔹 The park was developed by Anthony Sabga, founder of the ANSA McAL conglomerate, who added restaurants, shops, and leisure infrastructure to the property.
🔹 In 2005, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago purchased the property for 106 million TTD and handed its management to the Tobago House of Assembly, which kept the service standards the founder had established.
🔹 Shallow, clear water and virtually no waves make the beach ideal for families with children.
📜 History:
Before becoming a tourist complex, the Pigeon Point area was traditionally used by local fishermen. In the second half of the 20th century, Anthony Sabga turned the coastline into a landscaped private beach park with a signature jetty that remains Tobago's most photographed landmark to this day. The government's 2005 buyout made the beach officially accessible to all visitors on a commercial basis, with entrance fee revenue now funding the upkeep of the facilities and the surrounding natural areas.
🚢 Getting There from the Cruise Terminal:
• Taxi: 20–25 minutes, roughly 85–100 TTD (about 15–18 USD for a private ride)
• Route taxi: to Bon Accord/Crown Point, then a short ride or walk to the park entrance
💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Admission: 20 TTD for adults, half price for children aged 6–12, free for toddlers
• Hours: daily, roughly 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (the dining area stays open later)
• On-site facilities include showers, changing rooms, sun-lounger rental, bars, and restaurants
⚠️ Tip: this is the easiest place to combine beach time with a boat trip to Buccoo Reef — boat tickets are sold right on site.
💦 4. Argyle Waterfall
💡 Interesting Facts & Background:
Argyle is Tobago's tallest waterfall, cascading down three distinct tiers to a total height of about 54 meters (175 feet), with a natural swimming pool at each level. 🌿
🔹 The first tier hides the view of the upper levels; the second, reached via a steep path on the right, offers “natural rock tubs” where the water pours straight over visitors.
🔹 The third and smallest pool is also the deepest and best for swimming, and guides sometimes offer a rope swing tied to a tree overhanging the water.
🔹 The trail to the falls is lined with tropical butterflies and numerous bird species, making it popular with birdwatchers as well.
🔹 The entrance fee always includes a guide, who accompanies the group for the entire route.
📜 History:
The waterfall lies in the mountains of northeastern Tobago, just a few hundred meters off the road to Bloody Bay, near the village of Roxborough. For a long time it was known only to locals, who used its pools for bathing and fishing. As ecotourism grew on the island through the 1990s and 2000s, the Roxborough community formed a visitor-services cooperative that built the entrance, the trail, and a paid, guide-led ticketing system — a model that let residents earn direct income from tourism while managing the pressure on the natural site.
🚢 Getting There from the Cruise Terminal:
• Taxi: 30–35 minutes along the scenic Windward Road along the windward coast, roughly 150–180 TTD
• Organized tour: often combined with a visit to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in a single excursion
• From the main road, it's a 15–20-minute walk to the falls along a clearly marked trail through tropical vegetation
💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Admission (guide included): 60 TTD for international visitors, 30 TTD for locals
• Hours: daily, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Payment is accepted mostly in cash at the co-op office by the entrance
⚠️ Tip: bring a change of clothes and shoes with good grip — the rocks around the pools are slippery.
🌳 5. Main Ridge Forest Reserve
💡 Interesting Facts & Background:
Main Ridge is the oldest legally protected rainforest in the entire Western Hemisphere: the land was placed under protection on April 13, 1776, by order of the British colonial administration. It is one of the earliest known cases in history of a forest being deliberately preserved rather than logged. 🦜
🔹 The reserve covers 3,958 hectares (9,780 acres) of montane rainforest — nearly two-thirds of the island's mountainous spine.
🔹 Tobago ranks fifth in the world for bird diversity per square kilometer: more than 210 species have been recorded in the reserve, including the country's national bird, the rufous-vented chachalaca, and the endemic white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird.
🔹 The forest is home to 12–16 mammal species, numerous reptiles, and two endemic amphibian species.
🔹 The most popular route is the Gilpin Trace trail, about 3.5 km (2.2 mi) long, which once served as the old road between Roxborough and Bloody Bay.
📜 History:
In the 18th century, Tobago's British administration recognized the direct link between preserving the mountain forests and the island's rainfall and water supply — which is why, in 1776, the forest along the main ridge was officially placed off-limits to logging and protected as a reserve. The decision predated modern conservation law in the region by more than a century and has kept the rainforest largely intact to this day. Main Ridge is currently on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites.
🚢 Getting There from the Cruise Terminal:
• Taxi: 40–45 minutes to the Gilpin Trace trailhead near Roxborough, roughly 200 TTD
• Organized tour: usually paired with Argyle Waterfall in a single 5–6-hour excursion
💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Walking Gilpin Trace without a guide is technically possible, but hiring a certified local naturalist guide is strongly recommended — they know how to spot the hummingbirds, motmots, and other forest residents that are nearly impossible to find on your own
• Approximate cost of a guided tour: 40–70 USD per person, depending on length and group size
• Best time to visit: morning hours, when bird activity is highest
⚠️ Tip: bring insect repellent and waterproof footwear — the trail runs through humid rainforest.
🦀 6. Store Bay
💡 Interesting Facts & Background:
Store Bay is one of Tobago's most popular beaches and, at the same time, the true capital of the island's street food. It hosts the finish line of the annual Great Race, the island's premier speedboat event, which draws thousands of spectators to the shore. 🏁
🔹 The beach's signature dish is curry crab and dumpling, a Tobago specialty served at small stalls right along the waterfront.
🔹 Calm, nearly wave-free water makes it one of the most comfortable swimming spots on the whole island.
🔹 The beach sits just minutes from A.N.R. Robinson International Airport, so it's always busy with locals as well as visitors.
🔹 A craft market selling souvenirs operates along the shore, and boat excursions to Buccoo Reef depart from here regularly.
📜 History:
Store Bay was historically a fishing cove, taking its current name from the storage buildings that once stood on the shore. As tourism grew in the second half of the 20th century, the authorities built a public beach complex with a local food court that later became a cultural symbol of Tobago: this is where visitors first taste the island's traditional dishes, and families in neighboring villages have passed down curry crab recipes for generations.
🚢 Getting There from the Cruise Terminal:
• Taxi: 20–25 minutes, roughly 80–100 TTD
• Route taxi: a cheaper option, running regularly toward Crown Point/Bon Accord
💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Beach admission: free
• Curry crab and dumpling: roughly 25–40 TTD per portion
• Food court hours: daily, roughly 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., with stalls starting to cook in the morning
• The beach has lifeguards, changing rooms, and restrooms
⚠️ Tip: come for lunch early — the most popular dishes can sell out by early afternoon.
🦅 7. Little Tobago & Speyside
💡 Interesting Facts & Background:
Little Tobago is a tiny island of 2.6 km² (1 sq mi) off the fishing village of Speyside on Tobago's northeast coast, and for more than a century it has remained one of the Caribbean's leading seabird sanctuaries. 🐦
🔹 In 1909, British businessman Sir William Ingram bought the island and introduced 48 Greater Birds-of-Paradise from New Guinea, saving the species from being hunted for its plumage — a remarkable transcontinental conservation effort for its time.
🔹 Little Tobago became the only place outside New Guinea where birds-of-paradise ever lived in the wild. The population, however, proved unsustainable: Hurricane Flora in 1963 destroyed much of the nesting habitat, and the last bird was seen in 1981 — the species no longer occurs here.
🔹 Since 1928, when Ingram's heirs transferred the island to the government, it has held protected status as a sanctuary for frigatebird colonies, red-billed tropicbirds, and several tern species.
🔹 The boat ride to the island passes through the clear waters off Angel Reef, so the trip combines birdwatching with a look at the underwater world in a single excursion.
📜 History:
Speyside, the village the boats depart from, remained one of Tobago's most remote and least tourism-developed corners for a long time — which is exactly why the local nature has stayed so well preserved. The story of Little Tobago is one of the world's earliest known examples of relocating a species to save it: Ingram's experiment with birds-of-paradise, though it did not succeed in the long run, made the island a subject of scientific interest for decades and laid the foundation for its current status as a nature reserve.
🚢 Getting There from the Cruise Terminal:
• Taxi to Speyside: 45–60 minutes along a scenic mountain road across the windward coast, roughly 300–360 TTD
• Then a glass-bottom boat from the Speyside waterfront directly to the island
• Given the distance, this destination is best paired with a full-day private tour
💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Boat excursion with island visit: roughly 90–130 USD per person depending on the operator, 4–8 hours, usually including lunch and snorkeling gear
• Best time to visit: morning hours, when bird activity is highest and the sea is calmer
⚠️ Note: given the length of the transfer, this route only makes sense for a long port call (9–10 hours or more).
🌺 8. Scarborough Botanical Garden
💡 Interesting Facts & Background:
Scarborough Botanical Garden, also known as the “Crown Reserve,” is a green oasis of about 7 hectares (17 acres) right in the heart of the capital, within easy walking distance of the cruise terminal. 🌸
🔹 The garden's collection includes orchids, bromeliads, royal palms, brilliant red-flowering Royal Poinciana trees, and a large saman tree that has stood for decades.
🔹 The garden is organized into themed sections, including a medicinal-herb collection and a grove of tropical palms.
🔹 It's a popular spot for birdwatching right within the city, where the blue-crowned motmot, known for its long pendulum-like tail, is often spotted.
🔹 The garden was laid out as far back as 1887 and has remained a favorite retreat for tourists and Scarborough residents alike ever since.
📜 History:
The garden took its original shape in the late 19th century, at a time when the British colonial administration was actively developing a network of botanical gardens across the British West Indies — partly for scientific purposes (acclimatizing plant species), and partly as urban recreational space. The name “Crown Reserve” reflects this colonial origin. Today the garden is maintained by the local authorities as a free public park and remains one of the few quiet corners in the bustling island capital.
🚢 Getting There from the Cruise Terminal:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes along a flat route through central Scarborough
• Taxi: 5 minutes, roughly 15 TTD
💶 Cost & Opening Hours:
• Admission: free
• Hours: no official hours are posted; the park is open during daylight; morning visits are recommended for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
• Recommended visit time: 45–90 minutes for a quick walk, up to 3 hours for a thorough visit
⚠️ Tip: a convenient option for passengers with a very short window ashore — the garden pairs naturally with Fort King George in one unhurried walking loop.
🎨 9. Other Landmarks Worth Your Attention
• 🗿 Kimme Museum — a fairy-tale “castle” in the hills above Mount Irvine, the home and workshop of German-born sculptor Luise Kimme (1939–2013), who carved larger-than-life wooden figures inspired by Tobagonian folklore and Afro-Caribbean culture. Open Sundays only, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., admission 7 USD (40 TTD). Official website: luisekimme.com.
• 🌊 Englishman's Bay — one of the island's most secluded beaches on the windward coast, where dense rainforest reaches almost to the edge of the cool, turquoise water. The only amenities are a small café and a hillside lookout with panoramic coastal views.
• 🍫 Tobago Cocoa Estate — a family-run cocoa plantation near Roxborough, known for its award-winning chocolate (including three Gold Stars at the Great Taste Awards from London's Guild of Fine Food). Offers plantation tours with chocolate tastings. Official website: tobagococoa.com.
• ⛳ Mount Irvine Bay Golf Club — an 18-hole course set in scenic coastal surroundings, one of the oldest golf clubs in the Caribbean.
• 🐢 Great Courland Bay (Turtle Beach) — a major nesting site for leatherback sea turtles from March through August, one of the most important spawning grounds for the species in the entire Caribbean.
• 🛍️ Scarborough Municipal Market — a colorful market in the town center with fresh fruit, spices, seafood, and handmade crafts; the best selection is in the morning hours.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Around Scarborough in 9 Hours
A cruise ship's call in Scarborough usually lasts 8–10 hours. Realistically you can fit in 3–4 top locations if you plan the route ahead of time, since Tobago's main natural attractions are spread across the island rather than clustered near the port as they often are in European cities. Below are three options depending on budget and physical fitness.
🥉 Route #1. Budget — Up to 40 USD per Person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 25–40 USD + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the Cruise Terminal
Walk uphill through the town center to Fort King George (15–20 minutes).
🕤 9:20–10:30 a.m. — Fort King George & the Tobago Museum
Tour the bastions, cannons, and panorama over Scarborough; museum admission — 10 TTD (weekdays only).
🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m. — Scarborough Botanical Garden
An unhurried stroll through the green park in the city center, free of charge.
🕦 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Scarborough Municipal Market
Browse the stalls of spices, tropical fruit, and handmade crafts, and pick up a few small souvenirs.
🕧 12:15–12:35 p.m. — Route Taxi to Store Bay
Roughly 15–20 TTD per person one way.
🕐 12:35–3:00 p.m. — Store Bay: Beach and Lunch
Swim in calm water and be sure to try curry crab and dumpling (25–40 TTD).
🕒 3:00–3:25 p.m. — Route Taxi Back to the Port
🕞 3:25–4:00 p.m. — Return to the Ship, Shopping at the Port
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Route taxi round trip: 30–40 TTD
• Fort museum admission: 10 TTD
• Lunch at Store Bay: 25–40 TTD
• Reserve for incidentals: 30–40 TTD
💸 TOTAL: approximately 25–40 USD per person
🥈 Route #2. Optimal — 100–130 USD per Person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 100–130 USD + food
🕗 8:30 a.m. — Leave the Port, Taxi to Buccoo
20–25 minutes, roughly 80–100 TTD.
🕘 9:00–10:00 a.m. — Check In for the Boat Tour
Get fitted with snorkeling gear and receive a short briefing.
🕙 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool
Roughly 76 USD per person; swim in the Nylon Pool and snorkel over the coral garden.
🕐 1:00–2:00 p.m. — Lunch at Store Bay
Curry crab and dumpling or another local dish, 25–40 TTD.
🕑 2:00–4:00 p.m. — Pigeon Point Beach
Admission 20 TTD; relax on the island's most famous beach and snap a photo by the iconic jetty.
🕓 4:00–4:30 p.m. — Taxi Back to the Port
Roughly 85–100 TTD.
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Taxi round trip: roughly 170–200 TTD
• Boat tour: 76 USD
• Pigeon Point admission: 20 TTD
• Lunch: 25–40 TTD
💸 TOTAL: approximately 100–130 USD per person
💡 Swapping the organized boat tour for a local shared boat from Store Bay saves up to 40–50 USD.
🥇 Route #3. Premium — Private Tour from 300 USD per Person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 300–400 USD + meals
🏆 What's Included:
• ✅ A private driver and guide meeting you right at the gangway
• ✅ A comfortable car or minivan for the full day
• ✅ A professional English- or Ukrainian-speaking naturalist guide
• ✅ Admission tickets to every site, with no need to buy them separately on site
• ✅ Lunch at a local coastal restaurant
• ✅ A flexible itinerary, adjusted on the fly for weather and preferences
You can book through your cruise manager, or reach us any way that's convenient:
Phone:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email Us
🕗 8:00 a.m. — Meet Your Driver and Guide at the Terminal
🕗 8:00–9:00 a.m. — Drive Along the Scenic Windward Road to Roxborough
Photo stops at lookout points along the windward coast.
🕘 9:00–10:30 a.m. — Argyle Waterfall with a Private Guide
Explore all three tiers of the falls and swim in the natural pools, with no lines and no rush.
🕥 10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. — Gilpin Trace Trail in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve
A hike with a certified naturalist guide: spot hummingbirds and tropical birds and take in the plant life of the oldest protected forest in the Western Hemisphere.
🕐 1:00–2:15 p.m. — Lunch at a Local Coastal Restaurant
Tobagonian dishes made from fresh seafood, for example in the King's Bay or Roxborough area.
🕝 2:30–3:30 p.m. — Tobago Cocoa Estate
A short plantation tour with a tasting of the estate's award-winning chocolate.
🕞 3:45–4:30 p.m. — Return to the Port
Drive back along the coast, with one last photo stop if time allows.
💰 Cost Breakdown:
• Private guide and driver (9 hours): from 200 USD per group
• Admission tickets (Argyle + Main Ridge + cocoa estate): roughly 60–90 USD per person
• Lunch at a local restaurant: from 25 USD per person
💸 TOTAL: from 300 USD per person (for a group of 2 or more, the per-person cost drops)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private tours of Tobago with licensed guides, transfer from the gangway, and a guaranteed return to the ship. Contact your cruise specialist, and your day in Scarborough will be planned perfectly to your taste. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: be back on the ship at least 60 minutes before departure. The ship will not wait for late passengers — catching up with it at the next port is a cost you'll bear yourself.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card.
💵 Cash: the official currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD), at a rate of roughly 6.8 TTD to 1 USD. Most tours, restaurants, and shops accept cash US dollars, but change is often given in TTD — it's worth carrying a small amount of cash in both currencies.
👟 Footwear and clothing: comfortable shoes for long walks, and for waterfall or forest hikes, footwear with a good grip, since the trails can be slippery.
🦟 Insect protection: for trips to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve or Argyle Waterfall, pack insect repellent — the rainforest is natural mosquito habitat.
☀️ Sun protection: the tropical climate holds year-round, with temperatures typically between 77–90°F (25–32°C). A hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential.
🔐 Safety: Tobago is considered one of the calmer islands in the Caribbean, but it's still worth taking normal precautions — avoid walking alone in deserted areas after dark and don't leave valuables unattended on the beach.
📱 Internet: mobile data and Wi-Fi are available at the port and in Scarborough; coverage can be patchy outside town, so it's worth downloading offline maps in advance. For the latest events schedule and more information, check the official tourism portal at visittobago.gov.tt.
🚕 Taxis without meters: Tobago taxi drivers agree on a fare in advance, since there are no meters — confirm the price before getting in.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant sites.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals