Scarborough Port Guide

Perched high above the town, Fort King George is a must-visit 18th-century British fort located just a 10-minute drive from the pier, offering sweeping views of the coastline and housing the Tobago Museum.

For beach enthusiasts, Pigeon Point Beach is a famed peninsula featuring iconic thatched-roof jetties and calm waters, located about 25 minutes west of the port.

Nearby, visitors can take a glass-bottom boat tour out to Buccoo Reef and the legendary Nylon Pool, a shallow in-ocean sandbar perfect for swimming and snorkeling, reachable within 30 minutes from the dock.

Located roughly 25 minutes west of the port, Crown Point is the island's main tourist hub, known for its vibrant beach bars, restaurants, and quick access to popular beaches.

Nature lovers often venture northeast to Argyle Waterfall, Tobago's highest cascading waterfall, situated approximately 45 minutes from Scarborough near the edge of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve.

The tranquil fishing village of Castara lies on the leeward coast about 40 minutes away, offering scenic bay views and a quiet glimpse into local island life.

Cruise ships dock directly at the Scarborough Deep Water Harbour, located right on the edge of downtown Scarborough. Passengers can easily walk off the ship directly into the lower town area.

The immediate port area offers basic tourist facilities, including local craft stalls, taxi dispatch stands, and information kiosks. While lower downtown is walkable, transportation or organized tours are required to reach popular beaches and natural attractions across the island.

The official currency is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD), which trades at approximately 6.8 TTD to 1 US Dollar. US dollars are widely accepted at most tourist sites, beach spots, and taxi services, though change may be returned in local currency.

ATMs and bank branches are available in downtown Scarborough within walking distance of the cruise terminal. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and larger shops, but cash is recommended for small vendors, local markets, and taxis.

Scarborough is generally considered safe for cruise visitors, with a welcoming atmosphere and low rates of serious crime against tourists. Standard travel precautions should be observed, such as keeping valuables secure and staying in well-traveled areas.

Exploring independently during the day is easy, though hiring a licensed taxi driver or booking an organized excursion is recommended when heading to remote rainforest trails or secluded beaches.

Scarborough enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, with daytime temperatures usually ranging between 80°F and 88°F (27°C to 31°C). The dry season runs from January through May, offering sunny days and comfortable sea breezes ideal for cruising.

The wet season spans from June to December, characterized by brief afternoon showers that quickly clear up. Tobago lies just south of the main Caribbean hurricane belt, making severe storms less frequent, though light breathable clothing and sun protection are essential year-round.

Official taxis are readily available at the cruise pier and are recognizable by license plates starting with the letter 'H'. Fares are typically fixed for popular routes, but it is always wise to confirm the price with the driver before departing.

Passengers can book a guided Tobago Island Tour or hire a private taxi driver for a customized full-day island excursion. Public buses and shared route taxis operate throughout the island, though they may be less predictable for cruisers adhering to a tight ship schedule.

The Scarborough Port Vendor's Mall and downtown streets offer a variety of local souvenirs, including hand-carved wooden items, woven straw hats, and local batik textiles. Food items like Tobago spicy pepper sauces, island rum, and local sweets make excellent gifts.

While prices in formal stores are fixed, gentle bargaining is sometimes acceptable at open-air market stalls. Duty-free shopping for spirits, jewelry, and perfume is available near the port facility.