Off the north-east tip of Tobago, a short boat ride from Speyside, lies Little Tobago, a forested island of about a square mile that has been a wildlife reserve for generations. In the early twentieth century a collector released birds of paradise here, and although those birds are long gone, the island is still a superb place for seabirds, with red-billed tropicbirds, frigatebirds and other species nesting and wheeling over the cliffs. The trip is usually run as a glass-bottom boat outing, so on the way across you look down through the floor at coral and reef fish, and the crew often adds a snorkel stop on the reef beside the island. It is a morning that combines birds, boats and clear water, and it is among the most scenic excursions on Tobago's Atlantic coast.
Speyside is the departure point, a quiet fishing village at the north-eastern end of the island, and the journey from the south-west resorts takes a good hour by road. Many visitors therefore treat the boat trip as the anchor of a north-east day, combining it with a lunch in the village and a stop at the rainforest or a waterfall on the way back.
The crossing to Little Tobago is short, and because the glass-bottom boat has a viewing window in the hull you see sea fans, brain coral and shoals of reef fish without getting wet. If conditions allow, the crew will anchor near the reef for snorkelling, and masks and fins are normally provided.
The island itself is the real draw for bird lovers. Seabirds nest on the cliffs and glide over the water, and the walking trails that cross the island, where landings and walks are permitted, offer views over the coast. The history is part of the story: the birds of paradise brought here were introduced to a safe island, and the failed experiment is a reminder of how delicate island ecosystems are.
Seas can be lively on the exposed Atlantic side, so the timing of departures follows the weather and operators will not sail if conditions are unsafe.
Get tickets for a morning departure, when the water is calmer and the light is best for the reef. Bring a swimsuit, reef-safe sun protection, a hat, a towel and a camera in a waterproof pouch. If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy beforehand. It pairs well with a visit to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, which sits on the same side of the island, and with an overnight in the Speyside area if you want to see the reef at its quietest.
Ask when you book about snorkel gear, what the trip includes and whether a landing on the island is part of the programme.
What to expect
The experience
A boat trip from Speyside to Little Tobago with a glass-bottom viewing window and, weather permitting, a reef snorkel stop.
Best time
Mornings, when the sea is calmer and the reef is clearest.
How long
Around three to four hours including the crossing.
Tips
Take sea-sickness tablets if you need them, wear reef-safe sun protection and bring a towel and a waterproof pouch.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Seabird lovers and reef fans who want a scenic Atlantic-coast morning.
- Families
- Good for older children who are comfortable on a boat and in the water.
- Couples
- A beautiful, remote-feeling outing away from the busy south-west.
- Pair with
- The Main Ridge Forest Reserve or Argyle Falls.
- Time needed
- Half a day, plus the drive from the south-west.
Good questions
Where does the boat leave from?+
From Speyside on Tobago's north-east coast, roughly an hour by road from the Crown Point area.
Will I see birds of paradise?+
No. The birds released in the early twentieth century did not survive, but the island is still a good place for seabirds such as tropicbirds and frigatebirds.
Can I snorkel?+
Usually yes, weather permitting, and gear is normally provided. Check when you book.
Is the sea rough?+
The Atlantic side can be lively, so departures depend on conditions and the crew will not sail if it is unsafe.
Is it suitable for children?+
Generally for older children who are happy on a boat. Check age limits when you book.
