Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago City
Town in Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
Scarborough’s harbor, Fort King George and the colonial buildings around High Street make it Tobago’s administrative heart. Travelers use it as a base for snorkeling, Buccoo Reef excursions, and morning fish markets where cassava pone and fried shark appear.
Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago at a Glance#
Costs: Moderate island prices - uS$70-150 a day for midrange stays, meals and island activities.
Safety: Generally safe with petty-crime risk - relatively safe with some petty crime; usual tourist vigilance recommended, especially after dark.
Best Time: December to April (dry season) - december-April is drier and best for beaches, diving and outdoor activities.
Why Visit Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago?#
Scarborough is Tobago’s main town where colonial history meets coastal leisure: Fort King George overlooks the harbor and provides sweeping views, while the waterfront esplanade hums with markets and seafood stalls. Excursions to Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool are close by, pairing snorkeling with relaxed island dining that highlights fresh fish and Creole flavors. Local festivals and friendly guesthouses make it a good base for exploring Tobago’s natural highlights.
Best Things to Do in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago#
Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago Bucket List#
Fort King George - Explore the historic fort for panoramic views across Scarborough and Turtle Bay.
Scarborough Esplanade and Market - Stroll the waterfront market for crafts, street food, and local life along the sea.
Tobago Museum - Visit exhibits on Tobago’s maritime history, Amerindian artifacts, and colonial stories.
Den’s Yard (local eatery) - Sample fresh seafood and authentic Tobago dishes at this popular family-run spot.
Governor’s Beach - Relax on a quieter sandy cove favored by locals for swimming and sunbathing.
Local craft stalls - Browse small-scale artisans selling woven goods, batik textiles, and carved souvenirs.
Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool - Take a glass-bottom boat trip to Buccoo Reef and swim in the shallow Nylon Pool.
Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve - Hike protected rainforest trails for endemic birds and cooler mountain temperatures.
Best Time to Visit Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago#
Scarborough is at its best in the dry season (December-May) for snorkeling, calm seas, and island hopping. The wet season (June-November) brings lush rainforests and heavier showers.
December - May
24 - 30°C (75 - 86°F)
Calm seas, clearer skies, and excellent snorkeling; perfect for island hopping and beach days with pleasant evenings and fewer mosquitoes.
June - November
24 - 31°C (75 - 88°F)
Frequent showers and occasional heavy storms; waterfalls roar and the island becomes vividly green, but outdoor plans may be disrupted.
March - May
25 - 32°C (77 - 90°F)
Hottest, muggiest months - days strong and humid, ideal for early beach starts, late swims, and cooling off in the sea.
January
Weather
February
Weather
March
Weather
April
Weather
May
Weather
June
Weather
July
Weather
August
Weather
September
Weather
October
Weather
November
Weather
December
Weather
How to Get to Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago#
Scarborough is Tobago’s main town and is served by A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) at Crown Point. Short taxi or shared minibus services connect the airport with Scarborough; the town is compact and simple to navigate on arrival.
A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB, Crown Point, Tobago): TAB is Tobago’s main airport, located on the southwest of the island close to Scarborough. Taxis and rental cars from the airport to Scarborough take about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic; shared taxis and prepaid airport transfer options are also common.
From Trinidad: You can fly Piarco (POS)→TAB on regional carriers; flight time is short (about 20-30 minutes) and TAB puts you close to Scarborough for quick onward travel.
Train: Trinidad and Tobago have no passenger rail network.
Bus / Maxi-taxi: Scarborough is served by local buses and maxi-taxi services that connect the capital with towns across Tobago. Buses run along the main coast road; expect journey times of 20-40 minutes from the airport depending on stops and traffic.
How to Get Around Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago#
Scarborough is compact and easily reached from TAB by taxi or maxi-taxi; local buses and car hire let you explore the rest of Tobago. Walking is ideal for the town centre.
- Taxi / Airport transfer (TT$60-150 (airport→Scarborough, typical)) - Taxis are the most convenient and fastest way to reach Scarborough from TAB; prepaid airport taxis and private transfers are widely available. Agree the fare beforehand or use the airport’s official taxi desk.
- Maxi-taxi / Shared minibus (TT$10-50) - Maxi-taxis provide an inexpensive, commonly used option around Tobago and into Scarborough. They run set routes and are a budget-friendly way to travel between towns; expect basic service and shared seating.
- Public bus (TT$10-40) - Local buses serve Scarborough and run along the coast road; they are cheap but can be slower due to stops. Timetables are informal-ask locals or your accommodation for the best routes and times.
- Car rental (TT$300+/day (rental)) - Renting a car is a good option to explore Tobago at your own pace; roads are generally in good condition but some rural lanes are narrow. Parking in Scarborough is available near major points of interest.
- Ferry (from Trinidad) (TT$120-250 (one-way, when available)) - Passenger ferries sometimes operate between Port of Spain and Scarborough-check current schedules and operators before planning, as services vary seasonally. Ferries offer an alternative to flying if schedules suit your trip.
- Walking - Scarborough’s centre (market, waterfront and museum) is compact and easily explored on foot. Walking is the best way to see local sights and the seafront; use sun protection and carry water.
Where to Stay in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago#
Scarborough centre / Bacolet - $30-90/night
Scarborough has a handful of budget guesthouses and small hotels. Book ahead in high season; simpler stays are close to the harbour and markets.
Coco Reef Tobago (offers varied rates) - Beachfront rooms, sometimes budget-friendly
Scarborough guesthouses - Small guesthouses near the town centre
Bacolet Bay / Pigeon Point access - $100-220/night
Mid-range resorts and family-run hotels line Tobago’s coastline near Scarborough. Expect beachfront access, on-site dining, and easy island excursions.
Coco Reef Tobago - Beachfront resort with mid-range rooms
Local mid-range resorts (various) - Comfortable beachfront options
Bacolet Bay / Golf and beach areas - $200+/night
Scarborough itself has few large luxury resorts; true upscale properties are spread around Tobago’s bays and peninsulas-book well ahead for peak seasons.
Coco Reef Tobago - One of the island’s established resorts
Other boutique resorts (Tobago) - Upscale villas and resort suites available
Shopping in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago#
Shopping in Scarborough is focused on local craft shops, small markets and convenience stores. You’ll find handmade souvenirs, spices and rum shops near the waterfront and market areas. For larger malls or brand shopping you’ll need to travel off the island or to larger towns, but Scarborough covers most everyday needs and tourist purchases.
Nightlife in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago#
Scarborough’s nightlife is low‑key: waterfront bars, casual lounges and a few restaurants with live music. Evenings are relaxed rather than club‑centric, with most venues closing earlier than on larger Caribbean islands.
