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Trinidad and Tobago🇹🇹 | townsScarboroughFort King George, ferry port, Rockly Bay | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Scarborough
🏆 Top picktown ranked #1
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

Fort King George is the reason most people climb Scarborough’s hill, and the view over Rockly Bay is worth the sweat. What gets overlooked is that this is Tobago’s working capital, so it runs on office hours, not beach hours. Scarborough sits on the south coast of Tobago, in Trinidad and Tobago, and it has the ferry terminal, the main bus hub and the banks. Arrive by ferry from Trinidad and the sea can be rough, which is why locals book the sailing in advance and bring a jacket for the cold cabin. Hostels and nightlife are thin here, because the beach resorts and guesthouses sit farther west, so most backpackers pass through for errands and sleep elsewhere. That keeps it cheap, calm and short on fellow travelers, though the bus station is a decent place to strike up a chat. Shops close early, and Sundays are very quiet. The smarter move is to do your cash and supplies before lunch. The market has stalls selling fresh fish and ground provisions.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Trinidad and Tobago Travel Guide.


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #1 town in Trinidad and Tobago
The unique appeal for travelers

Scarborough earns its place on a Tobago route as the island’s practical hinge, not as a place to linger. Almost every bus line meets at the terminal, so it is where you swap coasts, stock up and fix problems. Travelers usually give it a half day or a morning, and slow travelers who like real local life find that enough. The Scarborough Market and its neighbors feed the town’s lunch crowd, and small cookshops nearby serve roti, pelau and fish with the sort of portions that suit a hungry hiker. History fans get Fort King George, a hilltop garrison with cannons, old barracks and a lighthouse-like calm, plus the Tobago Museum inside the old barrack guardhouse. The town has no real party scene, and that suits solo travelers who want a quiet evening, a clean-ish pavement and a chance to hear how … read more 👉
Scarborough earns its place on a Tobago route as the island’s practical hinge, not as a place to linger. Almost every bus line meets at the terminal, so it is where you swap coasts, stock up and fix problems. Travelers usually give it a half day or a morning, and slow travelers who like real local life find that enough. The Scarborough Market and its neighbors feed the town’s lunch crowd, and small cookshops nearby serve roti, pelau and fish with the sort of portions that suit a hungry hiker. History fans get Fort King George, a hilltop garrison with cannons, old barracks and a lighthouse-like calm, plus the Tobago Museum inside the old barrack guardhouse. The town has no real party scene, and that suits solo travelers who want a quiet evening, a clean-ish pavement and a chance to hear how Tobagonians talk when no tourists are listening. If you want white sand and snorkeling, use Scarborough as a gateway and sleep up the coast. If you want to understand how the island functions, give it a morning.

💡 HighlightsMust-see experiences and standout moments

  1. Fort King George: The 18th-century British fort on the hill above town is the main sight, with restored cannons, a former officers’ quarters and wide views over the bay. Go in the early morning for cooler air and better light. Entry is usually free or about US$1 to 3, and 1 to 1.5 hours is plenty.
  2. Tobago Museum: Inside the fort’s old barracks guardhouse, it holds Amerindian pottery, colonial relics, maps and natural history displays. It is small, so visit before lunch when the air is cooler. Expect roughly US$2 to 4 and about 45 minutes.
  3. Scarborough Market: The covered market is where you can see local produce, fish and spices at work. Friday and Saturday mornings are the liveliest. Browsing is free, snacks cost US$1 to 5, and 45 minutes is enough.
  4. Botanic Gardens: The Botanic Gardens near the
… read more 👉
  1. Fort King George: The 18th-century British fort on the hill above town is the main sight, with restored cannons, a former officers’ quarters and wide views over the bay. Go in the early morning for cooler air and better light. Entry is usually free or about US$1 to 3, and 1 to 1.5 hours is plenty.
  2. Tobago Museum: Inside the fort’s old barracks guardhouse, it holds Amerindian pottery, colonial relics, maps and natural history displays. It is small, so visit before lunch when the air is cooler. Expect roughly US$2 to 4 and about 45 minutes.
  3. Scarborough Market: The covered market is where you can see local produce, fish and spices at work. Friday and Saturday mornings are the liveliest. Browsing is free, snacks cost US$1 to 5, and 45 minutes is enough.
  4. Botanic Gardens: The Botanic Gardens near the fort have shaded lawns and trees, good for a rest in the hottest part of the day. They are free and need about 30 minutes.
  5. Rockly Bay waterfront: A short stroll along the harbor shows the ferry traffic, fishing boats and the working side of the town. Late afternoon is cooler, it costs nothing and takes 30 minutes.
Scarborough’s cheapest sights are the Botanic Gardens, the market and the waterfront, all free to enter, while Fort King George and the museum cost only a few dollars. Day trips from Scarborough reach Argyle Waterfall, Fort Bennett and Plymouth’s Fort James, and the reefs at Buccoo and Pigeon Point.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Scarborough

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🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Scarborough

Scarborough is Tobago’s capital, and it is small enough that you can see the lot on foot in a morning, which is the smart way to do it since the hills will punish anyone who tries to park a car on them.
  • Downtown and the waterfront: The compact grid around the Scarborough Port and the Esplanade is where ferries, maxi taxis and offices all collide. It is loud, sweaty and efficient. Go before noon, because many shops shut by late afternoon and Sundays are close to silent. Experienced travelers eat here at lunchtime, when the market stalls sell roti, doubles and fresh juice at local prices.
  • Scarborough Market and Mall area: The covered market on Wilson Road is the place for produce, spices and a plate of provision and fish. It runs on a morning rhythm, so late arrivals find the best mangoes gone.
… read more 👉
Scarborough is Tobago’s capital, and it is small enough that you can see the lot on foot in a morning, which is the smart way to do it since the hills will punish anyone who tries to park a car on them.
  • Downtown and the waterfront: The compact grid around the Scarborough Port and the Esplanade is where ferries, maxi taxis and offices all collide. It is loud, sweaty and efficient. Go before noon, because many shops shut by late afternoon and Sundays are close to silent. Experienced travelers eat here at lunchtime, when the market stalls sell roti, doubles and fresh juice at local prices.
  • Scarborough Market and Mall area: The covered market on Wilson Road is the place for produce, spices and a plate of provision and fish. It runs on a morning rhythm, so late arrivals find the best mangoes gone. Go on Saturday for the biggest crowd and the most chatter.
  • Fort King George hill: A steep walk up from town, it holds the 18th-century fort, cannons, a lighthouse and wide views over the harbor. The climb is why locals look amused at tourists in midday sun. Walk it early or take a short taxi up and stroll down.
  • Bacolet and Rockly Bay: The coast just east and south is greener and quieter, with a few bars and beach spots and almost no nightlife to speak of. Taxis are the sensible way to reach them.

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

8:00 AM: Scarborough Market
Start with a slow market morning. Walk the covered stalls for fruit, fish and fresh provisions, and pick up a bake with cheese or fish for breakfast. It is busiest early, so go before the heat builds, and then walk uphill toward the old part of town.
9:30 AM: Botanic Gardens
An easy stroll through the shaded gardens warms you up for the hill. Few travelers stop here, yet it is quiet, green and good for a short rest. Follow the path toward the fort entrance.
10:30 AM: Fort King George
Spend about an hour with the cannons, barracks and views over the bay. Read the plaques, then step into the museum within the old guardhouse for pottery and colonial items.
12:30 PM: Lunch near the terminal
Walk back downhill and eat at one of the local cookshops. Roti, stewed fish or pelau … read more 👉
8:00 AM: Scarborough Market
Start with a slow market morning. Walk the covered stalls for fruit, fish and fresh provisions, and pick up a bake with cheese or fish for breakfast. It is busiest early, so go before the heat builds, and then walk uphill toward the old part of town.
9:30 AM: Botanic Gardens
An easy stroll through the shaded gardens warms you up for the hill. Few travelers stop here, yet it is quiet, green and good for a short rest. Follow the path toward the fort entrance.
10:30 AM: Fort King George
Spend about an hour with the cannons, barracks and views over the bay. Read the plaques, then step into the museum within the old guardhouse for pottery and colonial items.
12:30 PM: Lunch near the terminal
Walk back downhill and eat at one of the local cookshops. Roti, stewed fish or pelau is filling and simple. Take your time, because the midday heat is strong.
2:00 PM: Rockly Bay waterfront
Saunter along the harbor to watch fishing boats and ferry activity. It is off the main tourist track, and you see how islanders actually move goods and people. Sit in the shade and sip a coconut water.
4:00 PM: Local neighborhood wander
Finish with a loop through the side streets behind the market, where small shops, church halls and schoolchildren give a sense of normal town life. Then catch a bus from the terminal back to your guesthouse before the shops close.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

The dry season from January to May is the easiest window for Scarborough, with sunny days and little rain.
  • Dry Season (January to May): Highs of 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F), lows near 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F), and the least rain. Daylight runs about 11.5 to 12.5 hours. Prices for rooms and ferry seats are at their highest, and ferry tickets sell out near Carnival and Easter.
  • Wet Season (June to December): Warmer and stickier, with highs of 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F) and heavy afternoon downpours that usually pass within an hour. Crowds thin and room rates soften. Hurricanes rarely hit Tobago directly, but storms can cancel ferries.
  • Events: Tobago Heritage Festival runs in July and August, with village performances that bring in visitors. Book beds ahead then. Easter weekend also brings the Goat Race
… read more 👉
The dry season from January to May is the easiest window for Scarborough, with sunny days and little rain.
  • Dry Season (January to May): Highs of 29 to 31°C (84 to 88°F), lows near 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F), and the least rain. Daylight runs about 11.5 to 12.5 hours. Prices for rooms and ferry seats are at their highest, and ferry tickets sell out near Carnival and Easter.
  • Wet Season (June to December): Warmer and stickier, with highs of 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F) and heavy afternoon downpours that usually pass within an hour. Crowds thin and room rates soften. Hurricanes rarely hit Tobago directly, but storms can cancel ferries.
  • Events: Tobago Heritage Festival runs in July and August, with village performances that bring in visitors. Book beds ahead then. Easter weekend also brings the Goat Race festival at Buccoo, a short ride away.
Book the ferry early for any holiday weekend, and plan market visits for mornings before the heat builds.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: highly recommended for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The best budget base near Scarborough is the Crown Point and Store Bay area, about 20 to 30 minutes by road to the west, while staying in town itself suits early ferry departures. Hostels are scarce on Tobago, so most budget beds are small guesthouses and apartments at roughly US$30 to 60 a night, and dorm-style beds are uncommon.
Crown Point has the widest choice, the most restaurants, and the airport nearby. It is lively in the evenings, with some noise from bars on weekends, but streets are lit and people are out walking, so it feels comfortable after dark. Route taxis run along the main road … read more 👉
The best budget base near Scarborough is the Crown Point and Store Bay area, about 20 to 30 minutes by road to the west, while staying in town itself suits early ferry departures. Hostels are scarce on Tobago, so most budget beds are small guesthouses and apartments at roughly US$30 to 60 a night, and dorm-style beds are uncommon.
Crown Point has the widest choice, the most restaurants, and the airport nearby. It is lively in the evenings, with some noise from bars on weekends, but streets are lit and people are out walking, so it feels comfortable after dark. Route taxis run along the main road to Scarborough during the day, and thin out at night.
Scarborough itself has fewer places to sleep, but rooms are cheaper and the location helps if you are catching the ferry to Trinidad or heading out early to the east coast. It is quiet after dark, and the center empties after shops close, so it suits travelers who want sleep rather than nightlife. Taxis are easy to find in the morning but you should arrange evening rides ahead.
Book ahead around Carnival, Easter and the Heritage Festival, when the limited stock fills quickly.

🚌 Getting aroundTransportation options and practical tips

A ride in a shared route taxi or maxi around Scarborough costs about US$0.50 to 1.50, paid in cash to the driver in Trinidad and Tobago dollars, and small bills help. The town is compact and hilly enough that walking covers the center, while the rest of Tobago needs wheels. Public buses exist, but they are infrequent, so patience is the real fare.
  • Walking: The port, market, shops and bus terminal sit within a 10 to 15 minute radius. The fort hill is steep, so go early. Experienced travelers walk downtown and save their energy for the beach.
  • Route taxis and maxis: Shared cars and minivans run fixed routes to places like Crown Point and Roxborough, usually US$1 to 3 depending on distance. They wave down easily and stop on request. Services thin out after dark, and Sundays are slower, so do not
… read more 👉
A ride in a shared route taxi or maxi around Scarborough costs about US$0.50 to 1.50, paid in cash to the driver in Trinidad and Tobago dollars, and small bills help. The town is compact and hilly enough that walking covers the center, while the rest of Tobago needs wheels. Public buses exist, but they are infrequent, so patience is the real fare.
  • Walking: The port, market, shops and bus terminal sit within a 10 to 15 minute radius. The fort hill is steep, so go early. Experienced travelers walk downtown and save their energy for the beach.
  • Route taxis and maxis: Shared cars and minivans run fixed routes to places like Crown Point and Roxborough, usually US$1 to 3 depending on distance. They wave down easily and stop on request. Services thin out after dark, and Sundays are slower, so do not count on them for a late return.
  • Public buses: The PTSC buses leave from the terminal near the port and cost roughly US$0.50 to 1.50 on most routes. They are cheap and timetables are loose, which means asking the driver or locals is more reliable than any posted schedule.
  • Private taxis: Taxis wait near the port and market. The Crown Point airport run takes about 25 to 35 minutes and costs around US$20 to 30. Agree the price before you get in, as meters are rarely used. Sharing with other travelers cuts the cost.
  • Rental car: From about US$45 to 70 a day. It makes sense if you want remote beaches and the rainforest in a single day, and drive on the left. Fuel is cheap, but roads wind, so allow extra time.

👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

A backpacker in Scarborough can expect to spend roughly US$82 a day in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$35 to 60 (high season); US$30 to 45 (low season)Dorm beds are rare on Tobago, so this means a basic guesthouse room or a shared apartment. Budget US$40 as a typical high-season figure.
MealsUS$15 to 25Doubles and roti from stalls and market vendors cost about US$2 to 5, while sit-down restaurant meals run US$10 to 15.
Local transportUS$3 to 8Maxis and route taxis cost US$1 to 3 a ride. Private taxis cost more, from US$10 up depending on distance.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 20Fort King George and many beaches are cheap or free, while waterfall guides, boat trips and reef tours cost US$10 to 25.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 10Water, snacks, a beer (about
… read more 👉
A backpacker in Scarborough can expect to spend roughly US$82 a day in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$35 to 60 (high season); US$30 to 45 (low season)Dorm beds are rare on Tobago, so this means a basic guesthouse room or a shared apartment. Budget US$40 as a typical high-season figure.
MealsUS$15 to 25Doubles and roti from stalls and market vendors cost about US$2 to 5, while sit-down restaurant meals run US$10 to 15.
Local transportUS$3 to 8Maxis and route taxis cost US$1 to 3 a ride. Private taxis cost more, from US$10 up depending on distance.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 20Fort King George and many beaches are cheap or free, while waterfall guides, boat trips and reef tours cost US$10 to 25.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$5 to 10Water, snacks, a beer (about US$2 to 4) and the occasional sunscreen purchase.
Total Daily BudgetUS$82Based on US$40 accommodation, US$20 meals, US$5 transport, US$10 activities and US$7 extras, rounded to the nearest dollar for planning.
Eating lunch at the market and carrying a refillable water bottle cuts daily costs more than any other habit.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Scarborough

Scarborough works well as a base because Tobago is small, and most worthwhile sights are within an hour by road, though public transport demands patience.
Fort King George and Botanic Gardens:
The fort sits on the hill above town, with cannons, restored buildings and views across the bay, and entry is only a few dollars. It takes 1 to 2 hours, and you can walk up from the center. First-timers often go at noon and regret the climb, so go before 10 a.m.
👉 Explore Fort King George
Argyle Waterfall:
About 40 to 50 minutes northeast by maxi and shared taxi, this is a three-tier waterfall reached by a short forest path with a local guide. Expect US$3 to 8 for entry and guide, plus US$3 to 5 in transport each way. Swimming is best in the dry season, when the pools are clear.

Pigeon Point and Buccoo … read more 👉
Scarborough works well as a base because Tobago is small, and most worthwhile sights are within an hour by road, though public transport demands patience.
Fort King George and Botanic Gardens:
The fort sits on the hill above town, with cannons, restored buildings and views across the bay, and entry is only a few dollars. It takes 1 to 2 hours, and you can walk up from the center. First-timers often go at noon and regret the climb, so go before 10 a.m.
👉 Explore Fort King George
Argyle Waterfall:
About 40 to 50 minutes northeast by maxi and shared taxi, this is a three-tier waterfall reached by a short forest path with a local guide. Expect US$3 to 8 for entry and guide, plus US$3 to 5 in transport each way. Swimming is best in the dry season, when the pools are clear.

Pigeon Point and Buccoo Reef:
From Scarborough, a route taxi reaches Crown Point in 30 to 40 minutes for US$1.50 to 3. Pigeon Point beach has an entry fee near US$3 to 5, and glass-bottom boat trips to Buccoo Reef run about US$15 to 25. Go on a weekday, since weekends fill with local families.
👉 Explore Pigeon Point
Charlotteville and Speyside:
The northeast coast takes about 1.5 hours each way by road, and the buses are infrequent, so a shared taxi or rental car makes more sense. Snorkeling and quiet bays are the draw. Budget US$25 to 50 including transport and lunch, and leave early to be back before dark.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Scarborough is a small, mostly calm administrative town, and most problems are petty and avoidable. Keep phones and cash out of sight in the market and near the port, where crowds make pickpocketing possible. Downtown empties after shops close in the evening, so walk with company or take a taxi rather than wandering dark side streets, particularly if you are alone. Solo travelers generally report few problems in daylight, and locals are usually helpful with directions.
Leave valuables locked in your room and never leave belongings on the beach while swimming. Hustlers occasionally offer tours or taxis at inflated prices, so agree fares first and decline politely. Rental car break-ins can happen at remote beaches, so lock up and take nothing visible. Swim only where there are calm conditions … read more 👉
Scarborough is a small, mostly calm administrative town, and most problems are petty and avoidable. Keep phones and cash out of sight in the market and near the port, where crowds make pickpocketing possible. Downtown empties after shops close in the evening, so walk with company or take a taxi rather than wandering dark side streets, particularly if you are alone. Solo travelers generally report few problems in daylight, and locals are usually helpful with directions.
Leave valuables locked in your room and never leave belongings on the beach while swimming. Hustlers occasionally offer tours or taxis at inflated prices, so agree fares first and decline politely. Rental car break-ins can happen at remote beaches, so lock up and take nothing visible. Swim only where there are calm conditions or lifeguards, as currents can be strong in some bays.

FAQFrequently asked questions about Scarborough

Scarborough is worth a half day rather than a long stay, as most visitors use it as a practical hub. Fort King George and its harbor views take 1 to 2 hours, and the market is best on Saturday morning. The better beaches and reefs lie 30 to 40 minutes west at Crown Point, so many travelers sleep there instead.
One day is enough for Scarborough itself, covering the fort, market and a lunch of roti or fish. If you use it as a base for Tobago, plan 3 to 5 days for the waterfalls, Buccoo Reef and the northeast coast. Ferry connections to Trinidad run about 3 to 4 hours, so build in transit time.
Scarborough can be done as a day trip from Crown Point or other Tobago resort areas, with route taxis taking about 30 to 40 minutes and costing US$1.50 to 3. From Trinidad it is possible but tiring, as the ferry takes around 3 to 4 hours each way, so a flight of about 20 minutes to Crown Point is easier. Staying overnight on Tobago makes for a far more relaxed visit.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Trinidadian and Tobagonian towns near Scarborough

Explore more nearby:

  • Sangre Grande—East-coast gateway, produce market, rum shops| 80 km away
  • Arima—Carib heritage, Northern Range birding, doubles market| 86 km away
  • Chaguanas—Doubles stands, Indian Caribbean museum, sweet shops| 106 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Come in the morning, ideally on a Friday or Saturday, when the market is loud and the fort is still cool. By mid-afternoon the town empties and the heat flattens everything. I would bring small bills for snacks and buses, and leave Sunday for the beach, since Scarborough practically shuts.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Trinidad and Tobago. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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