Stretching from just outside of Scarborough all the way up to Charlotteville, Windward Road offers beautiful views of Tobago’s coast and countryside. While driving the entire length of the 25-mile (40-kilometer) road usually only takes around 90 minutes, it’s worth taking your time to soak in the scenery and make stops along the way.
While it’s tempting to want to head straight to the sandy shores of Charlotteville, there are so many stops worth making along the way, from the fish market in Barbados Bay to Argyle Falls. Whether you opt to rent a car and drive yourself around the island or sign up for a private tour of Tobago, you’ll probably end up spending a fair amount of time on this scenic thoroughfare.
-
If you’re driving yourself, go slowly—parts of the road can be narrow and there’s a lot to take in.
-
For those planning to check out Argyle Falls, it’s about a 10-minute hike from the parking area.
-
Traffic jams are not uncommon, so be prepared for the likelihood of delays.
If you don’t have a rental car, you can access Windward Road either by taxi or as part of a guided tour. Shared maxi taxis also run between Scarborough and Charlotteville throughout the day; while they are a good alternative if you’re on a tight budget, you might not see as much scenery.
The best time to visit Tobago is between January and May when the weather is at its coolest and driest, or in October when Scarborough hosts the annual Tobago Carnival. Windward Road is beautiful throughout the year, but rain can compromise visibility; avoid visiting during July and August if driving this scenic stretch is a priority for you.
While many travelers only make it as far as the popular coastal town of Speyside, it’s worth driving up to the end of Windward Road to visit Charlotteville. This quiet fishing community on Man-O-War Bay is less developed than some of the other areas on the island, and it has lovely beaches with clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling.
