Little Tobago

Little Tobago is a small uninhabited island off the northeast tip of Tobago, a protected sanctuary that holds one of the most important seabird colonies in the southern Caribbean. Red-billed tropicbirds nest on its cliffs, wheeling out over the sea with their long white tail streamers, alongside brown boobies, frigatebirds and Audubon's shearwaters. The boat over from Speyside is a glass-bottom craft that crosses reef on the way, so the trip includes a look at the coral of the Speyside area, which is among the healthiest in Tobago and famous for enormous brain-coral formations. On the island a trail climbs through dry forest to a lookout above the nesting cliffs. It is a birdwatcher's and snorkeller's outing rather than a beach trip.

What you actually see

• Red-billed tropicbirds - nesting on the cliffs and soaring over the sea.
• The seabird colony - boobies, frigatebirds and shearwaters on the island.
• The reef crossing - coral seen through the glass-bottom boat, including giant brain corals.
• The forest trail and lookout - the climb to the viewpoint above the nesting cliffs.

When to go

Year-round, with the drier December-to-May window giving the calmest crossings and clearest water. Seabird activity is high through the nesting months. Trips depend on sea conditions and can be cancelled in swell.

Honest expectations

The crossing is short but the sea can be choppy, and the trip is boat-and-walk rather than a beach day; there is no swimming beach on the island. The trail climbs in heat with little shade. Reef health across Tobago varies and has suffered from bleaching and storms, so conditions are not guaranteed. Go with a reputable Speyside operator.

Nearby

Speyside and its reefs are the departure point; Charlotteville and Pirate's Bay lie around the coast.