Pigeon Point, one of the finest beaches on the island

Photographer: Martin Farinha

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Our Picks for Tobago's 10 Best Beaches

It’s not just a cliché: Tobago really is a beach-lover’s paradise. If you find a single beach in Tobago that doesn’t tempt you to take a quick dip or a soak in the sun, please tell us about it. Even so, a few beaches really stand out. We’ve picked 10 of our favourites for their accessibility, cleanliness, facilities (like toilets and changing rooms), on-site refreshments (bars, restaurants, vendors), safety, ambience, and the quality of the swimming. So if you can't take in every single one of the island's fantastic beaches, here are our top picks.

Pigeon Point

Location: Crown Point

This is probably Tobago’s most famous beach, just a few minutes from ANR Robinson (formerly Crown Point) International Airport. There’s a little journey to get there (which is fine if you have a vehicle, or don’t mind a little walk), and an entry fee (TT$18), but you’re sure to recognise the distinctive cabana at the end of the jetty. Protected by Buccoo Reef, the calm waters make it ideal for families – but stay within the red markers while swimming. The beach scores high for accessibility, cleanliness, amenities, safety, and clear shallow water: swimming and snorkelling are a dream. The shape and scope of the beach means that even when it's crowded, you often feel you still have some space and privacy. Food and beverage vendors are on hand; Renmar’s, the beach bar, has a surprisingly large range of drinks and cocktails. Glass-bottom boats leave from here to Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool, and watersports are well catered for. Watersports businesses operate from the far end. There are toilets and showers, and lifeguards on duty.

Englishman’s Bay

Location: west/Leeward coast, off Northside Road

This quiet secluded beach is one of Tobago’s best kept secrets (but not for much longer!): half a mile or so of powdery sand, hugged by lush vegetation and hidden from the main road – you could easily find yourself one of just a few people there. Its tree-framed, crescent-shaped bay exudes a beguiling tranquillity, with the crashing surf and squawking parrots often the only sounds to be heard. Deep, clear water offers good swimming and snorkelling but beware: it shelves away steeply. Craft shopping and restaurant onsite serving delicious local food.

Castara

Location: west/Leeward coast, off Northside Road
Quiet and unspoilt beach in a friendly fishing village. Enjoy the sight of fishermen bringing in their nets ("pulling seine") or bread baked in old-fashioned dirt ovens. Facilities, stores and craft stalls. Accommodation nearby.

Pirate’s Bay

Location: north Tobago, between the Leeward and Windward coasts
One of Tobago’s most stunning and unspoilt bays, though it takes a little effort to get there. From Charlotteville’s eastern tip, a half-mile long, coastline-hugging dirt road brings you to a 157-step descent to the beach. No facilities.

Mt. Irvine

Location: southwest/Leeward coast, off Northside Road
A pair of beaches offering excellent facilities and some of the island’s best snorkelling. The Mt. Irvine Beach Hotel side, open to the public, offers refreshments and all beach amenities. Mt. Irvine Bay, a short walk away, is a popular watersports and snorkelling spot: coral, sponge and reef fish species abound here. Snorkelling gear, canoes and hobie cats can be hired onsite.

Speyside & Blue Waters

Location: northeast/Windward coast
Unlike other Windward Coast beaches, Speyside and Blue Waters are protected by nearby coral reef systems and islands. Both offer tranquillity, great snorkelling and the chance to join a glass-bottom boat tour to Angel Reef, Goat Island and Little Tobago.

Store Bay

Location: Crown Point
Tobago’s second most popular beach, after Pigeon Point, near hotels and the airport. Fine golden sand descends into crystal clear water. Many glass-bottom boat operators begin Buccoo Reef trips here. The water is good for swimming, and there are lifeguards, showers and toilets (small fee), food and beverage vendors. The beach experience here ranks high for accessibility, cleanliness, amenities, safety, and idyllic water. The beach is usually busy, and the one disadvantage could be the number of vendors (for beach chairs, reef tours, jewellery, etc.). But their zeal can generally be neutralised by a friendly “no thanks”. Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool glass-bottom boat tours leave from here through the early afternoon. There's also excellent craft shopping.

Canoe Bay

Location: Cove Estate, Lowlands (southwest)

This is a private beach with an entrance fee. Tobago’s calmest and shallowest bathing beach, perfect for young families. Rarely crowded, with excellent facilities including bar and beachfront cabanas. Beware mosquitoes at sunset and rugged approach road. It is one of the calmest beaches in Tobago, perfect for children since there are practically no concerns about aggressive tides or currents. Changing facilities are available, and a bar which also provides food.

Bloody Bay

Location: west coast, off Northside Road
Don’t let the name fool you: this is one of the most unspoilt and peaceful beaches in Tobago. The golden sand, clear blue water and the odd fisherman may be your only company. This quiet, no-frills beach scores for its great swimming and cleanliness, but if you need on-site amenities like food or changing rooms, you’ll need to look elsewhere or bring your own supplies.

Back Bay

Location: near Plymouth, accessed via a cliffside trail

This is a beautiful and often deserted beach. There’s even a little pool that nature seemed to make just for two, where water flows in and out with the tide. It has great natural beauty and placidity, but because of the isolation, with no amenities or lifeguards, we strongly advise you to go with a group.

Lifeguards are typically on duty 9am–5pm or 10am–6pm where available, but not at all beaches.
Red flags indicate unsafe bathing areas