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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

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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.

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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..