Arguably Tobago's best asset is its natural resources - recognised a long time ago and resulting in the oldest Forest Reserve in the Western Hemisphere. Tobago has that classic desert island Robinson Crusoe feel - undisturbed, verdant and impressive. The island is carpeted in thick, green rainforest and graced with a backbone of rugged hills - offering spectacular views of the blue bays and numerous small beaches that lie beneath them. There are waterfalls, rivers and nature trails through the rainforest where a staggering array of wildlife exists - particularly birds. The famous (and loud) cocrico bird can be heard in the hills - it is named after its distinctive call and it is uncanny how its name sounds exactly like its call. There are also trips to Little Tobago - an excellent day trip for bird watchers (as the island is a Bird Sanctuary) , snorkelers or those who just want to absolutely get away from it all. There are good glass bottom boat tours over some of the best reefs in the Caribbean. A number of tour companies exist and will gladly take you to all the best spots.

Like many of the islands in the Caribbean, Tobago has rich, colourful history and culture - this provides a whole host of places to visit . Listed below are the recommended places of interest and a quick browse though them will give you a clear idea of what to expect when you go sightseeing in Tobago. The list is subdivided into geographical areas so you can get a feel of what each one has to offer:

Please try our new Interactive Tobago Skyview.

SCARBOROUGH

BOTANIC GARDENS
Seventeen acres of tropical trees and shrubs that run from the Claude Noel Highway at the northern end of Scarborough southward. Exotics like the African Tulip can be found here. There are entrances at either end.

FORT KING GEORGE
This fort, built in the 1780's is perhaps Tobago's best preserved historical site. The approaches to the fort take you past the current hospital facilities, the prison and onto the grounds. There are several cannon emplacements, barracks and officer's mess and even sculptures, although these are more recent artifacts. The grounds are excellently manicured and offer magnificent views of the coast. It is a popular venue for art displays having also a souvenir shop on the compound.

TOBAGO MUSEUM
The museum, located in the Barrack GuardHouse of Fort King George, has artifacts from Tobago's early history on display. Amerindian artifacts, military relics and documents from the colonial period are also on display. Opens Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Telephone 1 (868) 639-3970.

SOUTH TOBAGO

BUCCOO REEF/NYLON POOL/NO MAN'S LAND
This reef is among one of the better known ones in Tobago and is certainly among one of the more accessible. A major feature of the excursion is Nylon Pool a veritable tranquil paradise in the ocean. This unique feature of the reef complex allows swimmers to enjoy their own private swimming pool. Depths are no greater than 7-10 feet at high tides. Whole day visits to No Man's Land, a sandy spit jutting into the lagoon with barbeque and beach party is an excellent option. Several day cruise operators and reef tour providers exist. Coastal and Night cruise options may also be assessed. Seek the advice of your concierge staff or Tourism Bureau for service providers and rates.

COURLAND MONUMENT, PLYMOUTH
Tobago has had a slightly different colonial history than Trinidad and the Courland Monument reflects this. Courland, now part of Latvia, still maintains links with the island through regular gatherings of descendants of settlers. The monument, designed by Janis Mintks, is a striking memorial that commemorates the 17th century settlers after whom the near by bay is named.

ARNOS VALE WATER WHEEL AND NATURE PARK
At the site of an former sugar plantation/factory this magnificent Water Wheel, the powerhouse of plantation operations stands. The site has been restored and redeveloped to include a restaurant, dinner theatre and nature park, gift shop and museum can also be found onsite. Excellent for viewing birds, mot mots are known to frequent and young iguanas frolic in the leaves. Opens daily from 8:30am-10:30pm.
Telephone: 1 (868) 660 0815 or 639 2881/2.

ADVENTURE FARM AND NATURE RESERVE, ARNOS VALE
A 12 acre estate in the raw. Located just along the Arnos Vale Main Road this estate allows the nature lover to experience nature as it is. Birds, citrus orchards, iguanas; why not pick your own fruit while there. Guided tours and admission fees apply. Inquiries: 1 (868) 639-2839. Hours Monday -Friday, 7am-5pm.

FORT BENNETT, BLACK ROCK
Affords a sweeping view from the Grafton/Black Rock area. The ruins are preserved and makes an excellent spot for some quiet contemplation or an early morning view of the sun rising.

GRAFTON CALEDONIA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BLACK ROCK
The former owner took to feeding the birds in the area after the destruction of much of the forested habitat by hurricane Flora in 1963. Upon her death the family were instructed by terms of her will to establish the sanctuary. Mot mots sometimes gather at 4pm, the old feeding time, and allow themselves to be hand fed. Nature trails have been established visitors are welcome from 6am-6pm. Admission: Free.

KIMME MUSEUM
German sculptress, Luise Kimme, has taken Tobago and its people to heart. This love is best seen in her work.. Graceful figures adorn several sites in Tobago, notably the Museum at Fort King George. Viewing on Sundays or by appointment. Inquiries: 1 (868) 639 0257. Visit her website at http://luisekimme.com

PIGEON POINT
For those of you who seek the Caribbean idyll we offer you Pigeon Point. This is beach in its purest form. Incidentally it happens to be Tobago's most famous beach, only being matched by Maracas Beach in Trinidad. Entrance fee applicable. Adults $2.00, Children under 12, $1.00. Facilities provided: Change rooms, shaded seating areas, restaurant and bar. Opportunity to play beach sports with like minded individuals or take any reef/cruise tour from its picturesque jetty.

STORE BAY
The very popular Store Bay, end point for The Great Race, a power boat race from Trinidad to Tobago each August, and easily accessible has given this beach mythic proportions. The cuisine available at this area is a must. Several restaurants dot the surrounding area from the excellent cuisine of Kariwak Village to the eponymous In Seine but more significant is the curry crab and dumplings served by Miss Jean and Miss Esme. Facilities have been recently refurbished and lifeguards are posted.
Rates quoted are in U.S. dollars and are subject to change.

NORTH & EAST TOBAGO

THE WITCH'S GRAVE
According to folk legend Gang Gang Sara was a witch who flew to Tobago centuries ago but was unable to return because she ate salt, more likely a meal containing salt. The tale goes that she climbed a silk cotton tree (shown right) and attempted to fly and fell to her death. -Gang is a diminutive used to denote age and can be applied to women who are grandmothers, the double prefix suggests that she was ancient-. The site of the grave is located in Golden Lane, which is a district known for its belief in superstition, ask any villager and you will hear the local folk superstition. This is an independent activity, all terrain/wheel vehicle rental suggested.

ENGLISHMAN'S BAY, LITTLE ENGLISHMAN'S BAY
Another excellent beach in Tobago. Characterised by fairly loose powdery sand and a deep bay, a short stroll through the trees and you are there. The water is active and blue, good surf. Activity levels, in terms of number of visitors range from moderate to you and nature. Close by there is Little Englishman's Bay which like its bigger relative also offers good bathing and a bit of quiet seclusion. This can be an independent activity, all terrain/wheel vehicle rentals suggested.

CASTARA, PARLATUVIER, BLOODY BAY, L'ANSE FOURMI
These villages are picturesque hamlets that have stunning scenery. One route option would to drive from Roxborough through the Rainforest and view the panorama of the Caribbean Sea and forests just at the crest over looking Bloody Bay, the scene of a naval battle that was so fierce that it was reputed that the waters turned red. Continue on to Parlatuvier and onward to L'Anse Fourmi where the villagers are curious but quietly welcoming. A tertiary road leads to Charlotteville though it is seldom used. Interesting little nooks and bays dot the drive along this route, feel welcome to take a dip in anyone that strikes your fancy. This can be an independent activity, all terrain/wheel vehicle rentals suggested.

MAIN RIDGE FOREST RESERVE
This reserve is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere being established in the 1760s as a means to preserve the watershed of the island. Local tour operators offer rainforest excursions into the reserve primarily along the Gilpin Trace trail. Nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers walk into relatively undisturbed forest and feast on the flora and fauna there. Recommended group activity suggested local tour operator be contacted for excursion planning. Inquiries: Concierge/Front Office Staff.

FIRST HISTORICAL CAFE
At just about the right spot along the way as you go along the Windward Road, you may get the urge to slake your thirst. The First Historical Cafe allows you to do just that and more. This colourful roadside cafe with its brilliant painted bamboo decor, gravel floors and seaward views gives you a taste of Tobago's history and culture. It is like walking into a time capsule. A must for all visitors. Have a chat with the proprietor and get a guided tour of the walls, which are adorned with the historical and cultural facts.

RICHMOND GREAT HOUSE
This plantation great house has been restored by its present owner and has further been expanded to accommodate guests. The main house is filled with antique furnishings and object d'art African collected over a lifetime of travel and study. The grounds include a restaurant, conference/meeting facilities and afford impressive views.