Enjoy A Classic Caribbean Vacation At This Bayside Village With Small-Town Charm And No Crowds

Millions of visitors flock to the Caribbean each year, drawn by the islands' laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, fantastic food, turquoise waters, and pristine sandy beaches. Each island offers its own unique blend of experiences and cultural identity, offering travelers a diverse array of traditions, landscapes, and activities to explore. While the majority of tourists head to popular islands like Barbados, St. Lucia, and the Bahamas, there are off-the-beaten-path destinations that remain under the radar of mass tourism.

The dual-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago is the ideal paradise for those seeking a laid-back tropical vacation to beat the crowds. The Independent named Trinidad and Tobago one of the six most affordable Caribbean holiday destinations in 2024, so even budget-conscious travelers can enjoy a tropical island vacation without breaking the bank.

For a bayside escape with small-town charm, Charlotteville on the northeast coast of Tobago — the smaller, less densely populated of the two islands — may be just what you're looking for. With a population of just over 1,000, this setting offers a truly tranquil experience. The fishing village is nestled in a valley, surrounded by lush rainforest-carpeted hills, and boasts some of the most breathtaking bays and beaches. Charlotteville has so far avoided the impact of mass tourism, allowing visitors to embrace authentic island life, and offering peace of mind since it lies outside of the hurricane belt.

Tobago is known for its stunning beaches, and Charlotteville is no exception. The village sits on Man Of War Bay, a picturesque U-shaped white sand beach, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling. A 10-minute walk from Charlotteville pier, you'll find Pirate's Bay, a pristine, uncrowded beach treasured by locals and tourists alike. Though the beach lacks amenities, its rugged natural beauty made it a filming location for the original "Robinson Crusoe" movie, so bring some water and snacks along to enjoy your time there.

Lover's Bay, commonly known as Pink Sand Beach, is a small, sheltered bay accessible only by boat and famous for its pink sand, a result of crushed seashells. The best way to get here is to negotiate a price for a local fisherman to drop you off — about 150 Trinidad and Tobago dollars (roughly $22). One of the crucial things to know before vacationing in the Caribbean is that while U.S. dollars are widely accepted, you'll likely get a better exchange rate using the local currency, the Trinidad and Tobago dollar.

Just a 15-minute drive from Charlotteville, Speyside Bay is well worth the trip, renowned for its clear turquoise water and abundant coral reefs. Home to the largest brain coral in the world, Speyside offers a glimpse of marine life species such as Caribbean butterfly fish, mutton snappers, green moray eels, and blacktip sharks. Tobago Dive Experience, a highly-rated local diving company with numerous TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence accolades, offers a range of organized diving excursions starting from $95 for an afternoon dive (gear and taxes included), night dives starting at $115, and snorkeling trips for $35. They also offer a 10% discount for those who bring their own gear.

Tobago is steadily becoming recognized as an eco-tourism destination. Those seeking an authentic Caribbean island experience while considering their environmental impact will find plenty to appreciate here. The North-East Tobago Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO in 2020, includes the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. The reserve is home to more than 2,000 protected species of flora and fauna, offering visitors a chance to see wildlife like the blue-crowned motmot, white-tailed sabrewing, and blue-backed manakin. The best time to visit is during the island's dry season from January to May, when conditions are best for bird spotting and exploring nature.

No trip to Tobago is complete without sampling its local street food, an eclectic blend of Creole, African, and Indian influences. Stop by local restaurants and street food vendors to try delicacies like Tobago black cake, roti or doubles, as it's one of the unique experiences you can only have in the Caribbean. Sharon and Phebe's is a no-frills eatery serving Creole-inspired dishes, including a catch-of-the-day special. The Suckhole, a small beachside restaurant offers comfort food to eat in or take-away. Venture further out to Speyside and dine at Jemma's Treehouse, where you'll be fed generous portions of local favorites like shrimp, lobster, and callaloo.