Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago Travel Guide

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.

Main image
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.
Local Time
2:39 AM
GMT-4
Weather
Overcast 82°F
Overcast
Population
17,000
Infrastructure & Convenience
Compact and walkable, ferries and taxis frequent, decent tourist facilities and English signage common.
Popularity
Primary gateway to Tobago tourism; attracts beachgoers, divers and eco-travellers rather than mass urban tourism.
Known For
Fort King George, harbourfront, craft market, Tobago museums, ferry connections, seafood, diving, nearby rainforests
Scarborough is overlooked by Fort King George, an 18th-century British fort turned popular historic site and viewpoint.

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

All Attractions ›

Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • 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.
Hidden Gems
  • 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.
Day Trips
  • 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.

Dry Season
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.
Wet Season
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.
Hot Season
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.

Best Time to Visit Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

February

Weather

2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

March

Weather

2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

Weather

2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

May

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

June

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

July

Weather

2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

August

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

September

Weather

2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

Weather

2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.8h daylight

November

Weather

1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

December

Weather

1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

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.

By Air

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.

By Train & Bus

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 Tobago’s main town and is easy to explore on foot within the waterfront and market area. Distances on the island are short but the terrain varies, so taxis and local buses are useful for longer trips. Taxis are commonly used and can be arranged at the ferry and airport; bus services are inexpensive but less frequent. Carry small change for fares and check return schedules if you’re catching a ferry or flight.

Where to Stay in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago #

Budget
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.
Mid-Range
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.
Luxury
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.

Where to Eat in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago #

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.

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.

Nearby Cities #