Welcome to Scarborough, the major city and cruise port in Tobago, a tiny island that is part of the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago located in the southern Caribbean, just north of Venezuela.
While Port of Spain, located on the island of Trinidad, is the country’s capital and commercial and administrative center, Scarborough offers a more relaxed, small-town feel, with a focus on natural beauty and laid-back island life.
In this guide, we’ll cover practical information on Scarborough cruise port and the 6 best things to do in Tobago for cruisers.
Visit also our cruise port guides to Port of Spain (Trinidad), Martinique, Guadeloupe, Grenada, St. Vincent, St Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Dominica
Scarborough Tobago Cruise Port
The port of Scarborough (aka Scarborough Cruise Ship Terminal) is located in the heart of the city of Scarborough, on the southern coast of Tobago, within a few minutes’ walk from downtown and its main attractions.
Although small, the terminal is well-organized and offers various facilities, including duty-free shops, local craft stores, free Wi-Fi, and a tourist information office.
A supermarket, a pharmacy, and several restaurants, cafes and shops, including Portmall Shopping Complex, are located right outside the cruise terminal.
Tour operators and taxis are readily available within the terminal and offer transfers and tours to the island’s popular attractions, including Fort King George, Argyle Falls, Pigeon Point, and others.
Getting Around Tobago
- Scarborough and Tobago are generally considered safe for tourists, especially in popular areas and attractions.
- While Scarborough downtown is easily visited on foot, the best ways to get around Tobago island include taxis, guided tours, and rental cars.
- Taxis are readily available at the Scarborough cruise terminal and are ideal for short trips or beach visits. Many taxis offer fixed rates, but it’s always a good idea to confirm the fare before starting.
- Guided tours are a convenient and informative option, especially because the island is small and most of the attractions can be covered in a day. Explore Tobago tours and activities
- While renting a car offers flexibility, keep in mind that Tobago has narrow roads and the driving is on the left side.
- The official currency in Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD), but US dollars are also widely accepted in many tourist areas.
6 Best Things To Do In Tobago Cruise Port
Tobago is known for its pristine beaches, beautiful coral reefs, and lush rainforests, which makes this port particularly interesting to nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the shores of Pigeon Point Beach, go snorkeling, hiking, or explore historical sites like Fort King George, Tobago offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler. Here’s the list of the best things to do:
1. Explore Scarborough
Scarborough, the capital of Tobago, was established in the 18th century during British colonial rule and quickly developed into a hub of administration and trade.
The city played a central role in the sugar and cocoa trades, which were the backbone of Tobago’s economy during the colonial period.
Today, Scarborough has a population of around 17,000 inhabitants, which is nearly one-third of the island’s total population. There are a few key attractions not to be missed, such as Fort King George, the Scarborough Market, and the Botanical Gardens.
1.1. Fort King George
Fort King George, built in the 1770s by the British, is one of the most well-preserved colonial fortifications in Tobago.
Originally constructed to defend the island from invaders, the fort served as a key military outpost during periods of conflict between the British, French, and Dutch.
Today, it houses the Tobago Museum, where visitors can explore artifacts from Tobago’s colonial history, including military relics, Amerindian artifacts, and old maps.
The fort also features restored cannons and offers stunning panoramic views of Scarborough, the coastline, and the harbor below.
The fort is located around 2 km/1.2 miles from the cruise terminal and can be reached by a 7-minute drive or a 30-minute walk.
Explore Fort King George tours and activities
1.2. The Scarborough Market
Only 250 meters away from the cruise port, the local market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Tobago’s everyday life.
Located in the heart of the city, this bustling market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, including tropical fruits, vegetables, and spices unique to the region.
In addition to food items, you can browse stalls selling handmade crafts, local jewelry, and souvenirs, making it a great place to pick up authentic Tobagonian items.
1.3. Scarborough Botanical Garden
Situated a 10-minute walk from the port, the garden is a popular spot for both locals and tourists who enjoy leisurely strolls, picnicking, or simply relaxing and enjoying nature.
In this beautiful garden established in the late 19th century, you can see a wide variety of tropical plants, trees, and flowers native to Tobago.
2. Pigeon Point Beach
Tobago is known for its breathtaking beaches and one of them is Pigeon Point Beach, located 14 km/9 miles (a 25-minute drive) southwest of the Scarborough cruise port.
Often considered Tobago’s most beautiful beach, it is renowned for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
It is part of the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, a well-maintained area with facilities such as restrooms, changing rooms, restaurants, and bars.
The beach is ideal for families, offering safe, calm waters for swimming and plenty of shaded areas.
It’s also a hub for water activities like kayaking, windsurfing, and boat trips to Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool.
There’s a small entrance fee to maintain the park’s pristine condition. The best way to get to the beach is on a guided tour or by taxi.
Explore Pigeon Point Beach tours and activities
3. Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool
Buccoo Reef is one of Tobago’s most famous natural attractions, known for its vibrant underwater world of coral reefs and marine life, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Located just offshore from Pigeon Point, the reef is part of a protected marine park, ensuring its biodiversity is well-preserved.
Here, you can take glass-bottom boat tours, providing stunning views of the colorful reef below.
The trip also includes a stop at Nylon Pool, a shallow, crystal-clear lagoon in the middle of the sea, where you can swim in its warm, ankle-deep waters.
It’s a perfect family-friendly experience, and local legends claim that swimming here rejuvenates the body!
Buccoo Bay is located a 20-minute drive from the port and is best visited by taxi or a guided tour.
Check out Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool tours and activities
4. Argyle Waterfall
Argyle Waterfall is Tobago’s tallest and most popular waterfall, located near the village of Roxborough on the island’s eastern side, within a 45-minute drive from the port.
This picturesque waterfall features a series of three cascades, with a natural pool at the base that’s perfect for swimming and cooling off.
Surrounded by lush rainforest, the waterfall is easily accessible via a short hike through well-maintained trails.
Local guides are available to enhance the experience by sharing insights into the flora and fauna along the way.
Explore Argyle Waterfall tours and activities
5. Main Ridge Forest Reserve
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is the oldest legally protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere, established in 1776 to preserve Tobago’s lush natural environment.
Spanning over 3,900 hectares, this UNESCO-listed reserve features an incredible array of tropical plants, wildlife, and over 200 bird species.
The forest is ideal for eco-tourists and hikers, with trails leading through dense vegetation, offering views of exotic wildlife like the blue-backed manakin and the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird.
The best way to visit is on a guided tour, so you can learn more about the flora and fauna.
The reserve is located around a 1-hour drive from Tobago cruise port.
Explore Main Ridge Forest Reserve tours and activities
6. Store Bay Beach
Store Bay Beach is one of Tobago’s most popular and easily accessible beaches, located near Crown Point, a 20-minute drive from the port.
The beach offers soft, golden sand and calm, clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing.
The beach is family-friendly and equipped with facilities like restrooms, changing rooms, and food stalls selling local delicacies, including the famous “bake and shark.”
Store Bay is also a departure point for boat tours to Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool, making it a hub for water activities and exploring Tobago’s marine life.
Explore Store Bay Beach tours and activities
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