Scarborough, Tobago

MODERATE December-May TAB - Crown Point Airport Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
Trip Profile
Budget Category MODERATE $150-250 per person
Perfect For
Beach Family Culture Outdoors Budget Friendly Romantic
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
7.0/10
Adventure
6.0/10
Relaxation
8.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
December-May
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-April | Shoulder: May-June, November
Airport
TAB - Crown Point Airport
Passport Required | No Visa Required
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
English

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When to visit Scarborough

Best months
December-May
Peak season
December-April
Shoulder season
May-June, November
Off season
July-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Scarborough quick facts

Main airport
TAB - Crown Point Airport
Language
English
Currency
Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
Typical daily cost
$150-250 per person
Budget category
Moderate

Getting around Scarborough

Scarborough is compact and walkable, though the hilly terrain can be challenging in heat. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances, while maxi taxis (shared buses) connect to other parts of Tobago.

Rental car

A rental car is helpful if you plan to explore beaches and attractions beyond Scarborough, but not necessary for staying within the town itself.

Public transit

Maxi taxis (shared minibuses) run regularly between Scarborough and other Tobago destinations, offering an authentic local experience at budget prices.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft are not available, but local taxis are plentiful and drivers often serve as informal tour guides with negotiated rates.

Local tips for Scarborough

Insider tips

  • Visit the Scarborough Market early morning on Friday or Saturday for the freshest local produce and authentic atmosphere.
  • Take a taxi or bus to avoid parking challenges in the compact downtown area.
  • Locals eat lunch late, so restaurants may be quieter between 11am-1pm.
  • The botanical gardens near the hospital offer free entry and great bird watching.
  • Exchange money at banks rather than hotels for better rates on the TTD.
  • Fort King George offers the best sunset views in town, especially from the lighthouse area.
  • Local buses (called 'maxi taxis') are inexpensive but can be crowded during rush hours.
  • Many shops close early on Sundays, so plan shopping for weekdays or Saturday mornings.
  • The harbor area comes alive in the evening when fishing boats return with their catch.

What to pack

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics
  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for hills
  • Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Light rain jacket or umbrella for tropical showers
  • Insect repellent with DEET
  • Camera for colonial architecture and harbor views
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Cash in small bills for local vendors
  • Modest clothing for visiting historical sites
  • Sandals for beach visits near town

Sample itinerary: 3 days in Scarborough

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Historic Scarborough
Morning: Start at Fort King George to explore colonial history and enjoy panoramic harbor views. Visit the Tobago Museum housed in the old barracks.
Afternoon: Walk through downtown Scarborough, browsing local shops and the public market. Have lunch at a local restaurant to sample Tobagonian cuisine.
Evening: Stroll along the harbor front as fishing boats return, then enjoy dinner with sunset views from the fort area.
Day 2 — Culture and Nature
Morning: Visit the Scarborough Botanical Gardens and take photos at the colorful houses in the residential areas. Stop by the library and courthouse for colonial architecture.
Afternoon: Head to nearby Bacolet Beach for swimming and relaxation. Alternatively, take a short taxi ride to Rocky Bay Beach.
Evening: Experience local nightlife at a rum shop or attend a cultural event if available, sampling local drinks like sorrel or mauby.
Day 3 — Island Exploration Base
Morning: Use Scarborough as your starting point for a day trip to Pigeon Point Beach or the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.
Afternoon: Continue your chosen excursion, whether beach hopping along the southwest coast or hiking in the rainforest.
Evening: Return to Scarborough for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying curry crab or callaloo soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Scarborough

The best time to visit Scarborough is December-May. Peak season runs December-April, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (May-June, November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Scarborough is $150-250 per person per person. Scarborough is generally considered a moderate destination.

Yes, US citizens need a valid passport to visit Scarborough. No visa is required for US citizens for short stays.

The main airport serving Scarborough is TAB - Crown Point Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD).

Essential items to pack for Scarborough include: Lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics, Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for hills, Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen, Light rain jacket or umbrella for tropical showers, Insect repellent with DEET, Camera for colonial architecture and harbor views, Reusable water bottle, Cash in small bills for local vendors. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Scarborough: Visit the Scarborough Market early morning on Friday or Saturday for the freshest local produce and authentic atmosphere.. Take a taxi or bus to avoid parking challenges in the compact downtown area.. Locals eat lunch late, so restaurants may be quieter between 11am-1pm.. The botanical gardens near the hospital offer free entry and great bird watching.. Exchange money at banks rather than hotels for better rates on the TTD..