Guide to Little Tobago island: when to visit and what to see
You won't be surprised to hear that Little Tobago is named due to its diminutive size. Its nickname, Bird of Paradise Island, is trickier to decipher considering the eponymous bird is nowhere to be found here. In the early 20th century, a British politician named Sir William Ingram purchased the island and introduced several nesting pairs of birds-of-paradise from their native New Guinea. While the birds didn’t last, the moniker stuck.
Despite the lack of birds-of-paradise, Little Tobago is still one of most popular spots for birdwatching in Tobago, especially seabirds. With little infrastructure and no permanent residents, this rugged island offers a unique opportunity to get off the beaten track.
Keep reading to find out more about visiting Little Tobago island.
How do I get to Little Tobago island?
The entire island is a protected sanctuary, so you can only visit with an authorised guide. Many tour operators run boat trips from Speyside on the mainland. The journey takes around 20 minutes, taking you through Tyler’s Bay and past Goat Island out into the Caribbean Sea.
A glass-bottom boat trip is a great way to see Tobago’s astounding marine life. Spot vibrant coral reefs and brightly coloured tropical fish along the way, with a stopover at Angel Reef for snorkelling. Birdwatching enthusiasts looking for a tailored experience may prefer to book a specialist tour with a skilled guide.
On the island, there are few roads and no cars. Instead, your guide will take you along one of the several hiking trails, pointing out unique plants, trees and animals as you walk. Walk the hillside trail to the Little Tobago Lookout, a small, covered observation platform overlooking the cliffs ideal for spotting nesting seabirds.
When should I visit?
The best time to visit Little Tobago, and Tobago in general, is during the dry season, which runs from January to May. The drier weather makes it easier to enjoy birdwatching and many seabirds nest during these months.
The breeding season for red-billed tropicbirds is a particularly rewarding time to visit. Hundreds of individuals can be seen soaring around the island from December to July.
What facilities are available?
There are no facilities on Little Tobago island, so be sure to bring appropriate clothing and shoes for walking, along with sunscreen, snacks and plenty of water.
Bear in mind that the island is a protected sanctuary, so all litter must be taken back to and disposed of on the mainland.
What wildlife can I see?
The island’s arid conditions and tropical dry forest provide the ideal habitat for a variety of native and migratory seabirds. Some of the Caribbean’s largest seabird colonies reside here, with impressive flocks of terns, boobies, tropicbirds and frigatebirds.
In fact, the red-billed tropicbirds and magnificent frigatebirds here featured in the BBC documentary The Trials of Life with David Attenborough.
The following birds can be seen on Little Tobago:
- Red-billed tropicbird
- Brown booby
- Red-footed booby
- Sooty tern
- Magnificent frigatebird
The island is also home to several species of reptiles, including green iguanas and various types of geckos and snakes.
Head to the mainland to see some of Tobago’s other amazing bird species, including the Trinidad motmot, rufous-tailed jacamar and six varieties of hummingbird. The UNESCO listed Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a must-visit destination to see some of these birds in their natural habitat.