Crown Point

Crown Point is the main tourist zone on Tobago, occupying the flat southwestern tip of the island around A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB). The area is a low-rise sprawl of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and beach bars serving the bulk of the island's international visitors. It lacks the rustic charm of Tobago's north-coast villages but makes up for it with convenience — the airport, two of the island's best beaches (Store Bay and Pigeon Point), and the highest concentration of dining and nightlife are all within walking distance.

The climate is tropical year-round, with average highs of 30–32°C and cooling trade winds from the northeast. The area is flat and easily walkable, though most visitors rent cars or use taxis to explore the rest of the island. Crown Point can feel overly touristy compared to the rest of Tobago, but it remains the practical base for first-time visitors and those without a car.

By Plane

A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB) is in the heart of Crown Point. The airport receives flights from Port of Spain (Caribbean Airlines, multiple daily), London (British Airways via Antigua, Thursdays and Mondays; Virgin Atlantic, Thursdays direct), and seasonal European charters. Caribbean Airlines runs a weekly direct flight to New York JFK on Sundays. Taxis from the airport to hotels in Crown Point cost TT$10–20; most properties are within 5 minutes' drive.

By Car / Road

Crown Point is at the end of the main road from Scarborough (10 km, 15 minutes). From Charlotteville on the northeast coast, the drive is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via the coastal road. Rental cars can be arranged at the airport or through hotels.

Crown Point is flat and walkable — most hotels, beaches, and restaurants are within a 10–20 minute walk. Local maxi taxis run between Crown Point and Scarborough (TT$3–5). Taxis to other parts of the island are available from stands near Store Bay and Pigeon Point. Car rental agencies have offices near the airport.

• Store Bay — A popular local beach with firm sand, bigger waves, and a more authentic vibe than Pigeon Point. Beach vendors sell food and drinks. Free to access.

• Pigeon Point Heritage Park — Tobago's most famous beach, with white sand, calm turquoise water, the iconic thatched-roof pier, and facilities including cabanas, a bar, and snack bars. Admission TT$50 (free after 5 PM).

• Fort Milford — A small, partially restored colonial-era fort near the Pigeon Point entrance with views over the coast.

• Glass-bottom boat to Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool — Tours depart from Store Bay and Pigeon Point (TT$100–150 per person). Snorkel over the Buccoo Reef and wade in the shallow, crystal-clear Nylon Pool sandbar.

• Beach hopping — Walk between Store Bay and Pigeon Point (20 minutes along the coast) to sample both beaches in one day.

• Store Bay food stalls — Sample local street food right on the beach, including bake and shark, roti, and fresh coconut water.

• Water sports — Kayaking, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding are available at Pigeon Point during peak season.

Crown Point has Tobago's best restaurant selection. The Pasta Gallery is widely recommended for Italian-Caribbean fusion at reasonable prices. Pizza Boys offers reliable takeaway pizza. Seahorse Inn is an upmarket option with a varied international menu. Buccaneers on Grafton Beach serves burgers and bar food right on the sand. Street food vendors at Store Bay sell bake and shark (TT$15–25), doubles (TT$5–8), and fresh fish. Budget travellers can eat well for TT$40–80/day; mid-range dining runs TT$100–200.

Crown Point has the island's liveliest bar scene. The bar at Pigeon Point serves cocktails with a beach view. Store Bay has casual beach bars with rum punch and Carib/Stag beers. Live music (soca, reggae, calypso) plays at various venues on weekends. Puncheon rum is strong (70%+ ABV) — pace yourself. Mauby and ginger beer are popular non-alcoholic options.

• Budget: Guesthouses and Airbnb apartments in the Crown Point area (TT$200–400/night). Tobago Coconut House and similar hostels cater to backpackers.
• Mid-range: Tropikist Beach Hotel and Resort — beachfront property with pool (US$100–160/night). Blue Waters Inn Annex has comfortable rooms near Store Bay.
• Upscale: Le Grand Courlan Spa Resort — an adults-only boutique hotel with spa and beach access (US$200–350/night). Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort is a larger resort nearby with an 18-hole golf course.

Small shops and vendors sell beach supplies, souvenirs, and local crafts near Store Bay and Pigeon Point. Pigeon Point has a small craft market. For more substantial shopping, head to Scarborough (15 minutes by taxi). Local hot sauces, pepper jams, and handmade jewellery make good souvenirs.

• Scarborough — 15 minutes east by car; the island's capital with Fort St George and the local market.
• Bon Accord — Adjacent to Crown Point; quieter residential area close to Buccoo Reef.
• Black Rock — 20 minutes north; Grafton Beach and a laid-back surf scene.
• Castara — 45 minutes north; a peaceful fishing village with community tourism and snorkelling.