Englishman's Bay, Tobago

Englishman's Bay is one of Tobago's best-loved quiet beaches, on the Caribbean side of the island in the north. The national tourism site calls it a must-visit beach, describing calm, relaxing water and friendly locals who will happily give directions if you get lost. It is the kind of bay that rewards the journey, because the roads along the north coast wind through forest and past fishing villages before opening onto the sand. There is no admission fee, no resort and little commercial development, and the atmosphere is far from the busier beaches near Crown Point. That is the appeal: a lazy morning of swimming, reading and watching the light on the water. Tobago's tourism site also highlights neighbouring bays that make the north coast so rewarding, including Castara with its community feel, Parlatuvier with fishing boats pulled up on the beach and Pirate's Bay, which can be reached by pirogue or a hike down the hill. Englishman's Bay works best as one stop on a longer day exploring the coast.

Getting there is part of the pleasure. From the south-west, the drive to the north coast takes a good part of a morning on narrow, winding roads, and the tourism site recommends driving around the island for the scenery. If you do not want to drive, a taxi, a guided island circuit or one of the day trips that visit the bays will do the driving for you. Whichever you choose, leave time for photograph stops where the road looks out over the water.

Facilities at a quiet bay like this are limited, so plan to be self-sufficient. Bring water, snacks, sun protection, a hat and a towel, and carry out whatever you bring in. Check the water conditions before you swim, and keep children close. If you are looking for a lively bar and watersports, go to the southwest instead; this is a place to slow down. Weekdays are likely to be quietest, and early in the day is best for calm water and soft light.

Make a day of the north coast. Castara has a welcoming village feel, and the tourism site notes a Thursday night bonfire and the chance to join fishermen for a morning pull seine, while Parlatuvier offers fresh fish from the fishermen and the jetty for fishing. Lunch in a village is part of the experience, so carry a little cash. Many visitors combine the bay with a rainforest walk at Main Ridge or a stop at Argyle Falls on the other side of the island.

If you only have one day for the north coast, build it around the bay rather than rushing between stops. Arrive in the morning, swim, read and eat what you have brought, then move on to a village for a late lunch before driving back in daylight. The winding roads are slower and more tiring after dark, and the best light for photographs of the coastline is in the morning and late afternoon.

Leave no trace, take your rubbish with you and respect the quiet that makes the bay special. Children enjoy the calm water and the walk along the sand, and photographers find the green hills behind the bay a rewarding backdrop whatever the weather.