Home to an astounding amount of plants and animals (including several endemic species), Main Ridge Forest Reserve is one of the best and most reliable places to see wildlife in Tobago. This helpful guide tells you everything you need to know.
Located in north-east Tobago, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is one of the oldest protected forests in the world. The area was designated as a crown reserve by the British government in 1776 and has remained safeguarded ever since, becoming a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2020.
As well as being a beautiful destination in itself, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a haven for wildlife watching — especially for seeing unique species of bird only found in Tobago, such as the white-tailed sabrewing hummingbird. The best way to see some of the incredible birdlife is to head out into the rainforest and explore its many hiking trails with a local guide.
Keep reading to find out more about visiting the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago.
How do I get to Main Ridge Forest Reserve?
Getting around Tobago is easy due to its compact size — the island is 50km long and 16km wide, with coastal roads taking you from west to east. The drive to Main Ridge Forest Reserve takes about 1 hour from Tobago’s capital, Scarborough.
If you are visiting the reserve on an organised tour, transport will be included — the tour operator will collect you from your hotel in the morning and drop you off later that day. Various UK tour operators, including Naturally Tobago, offer guided group itineraries to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
Alternatively, taxis can be found almost anywhere on the island. Your hotel will happily book a taxi to and from the reserve for you if needed.
Self-driving is another option, with the added benefit of more independence and no time restrictions. Rent a car from Scarborough and take note of the local road rules — cars drive on the left in Tobago.
When should I visit Main Ridge Forest Reserve?
The best time to visit the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from January to May. The cooler weather is better for birdwatching and more species can be seen during the drier months. But bear in mind that this is peak travel time, with higher amounts of tourists visiting the reserve and the island overall.
Off-peak season runs from June to December, when the weather is warmer and wetter with tropical rainstorms. There’s still plenty to see and do, like hiking and wildlife watching, and the island will be less busy.
What facilities are available?
As you’d expect for a large area of untouched rainforest, there are scant facilities available at the reserve. The visitor centre provides shade, seating, bathrooms and limited parking, but no restaurant, so bring your own food and refreshments if you plan to spend a full day in the reserve. Most organised tours include lunch and water.
How can I explore?
The best way to experience the Main Ridge Forest Reserve is to hike some of its famous trails with a certified local tour guide, who can teach you more about Tobagonian flora and fauna as you walk.
Best Main Ridge Forest Reserve walks
Gilpin Trace
Length: 3.5km
The Gilpin Trace trail is the most popular of the marked trails in the reserve, and for good reason. This trail takes you through the heart of the ancient forest, allowing for plenty of opportunities to spot some of its avian treasures, including six species of hummingbird and the rufous-vented chachalaca, Tobago’s national bird.
Argyle waterfall
The Argyll Waterfall is the the highest waterfall on Tobago, and tumbles 54 meters into a deep pool.
Length: 1.9km
This short and easy trail takes you to Argyle, the highest waterfall on the island, which stands at 54m. The entrance fee to visit the waterfall includes a guide who will help you spot birds and reptiles along the way. Once at the falls, you can take a cooling dip in one of the natural rock pools.
What wildlife can I see at Main Ridge Forest Reserve?
Tobago ranks fifth in the world for bird diversity per square kilometre with over 260 species of birds — and most reside in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. This protected rainforest is paradise for birdwatching, with the opportunity to see a variety of mammals and reptiles too, including the rare ocellated gecko not found anywhere else on Earth.
Birds that can be spotted in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve include:
- White-tailed sabrewing hummingbird
- Rufous-tailed jacamar
- Trinidad motmot
- Blue-backed manakin
- Collared trogon
Read our guide on the top ten species to spot in Tobago.