📖 About Scarborough

Scarborough is the capital and largest town of Tobago, the smaller sister island in Trinidad and Tobago. With approximately 17,000 residents, this hillside town overlooks Rockly Bay and serves as the administrative and commercial center of Tobago. The pace of life is relaxed compared to bustling Trinidad.

The town features Fort King George, offering panoramic views, and colorful Caribbean architecture. Tobago is known for diving, beaches, and eco-tourism rather than the industry and urban bustle of Trinidad. Scarborough represents Caribbean authenticity—small-town island life, colonial heritage, and gateway to Tobago's natural attractions.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Scarborough's economy centers on government services (as Tobago's capital) and tourism support. Tourism is Tobago's main industry—eco-tourism, diving, and beach holidays attract visitors. Fishing provides local food and income. Commerce serves residents and visitors. Unlike oil-rich Trinidad, Tobago depends primarily on tourism and government transfers.

Tobagonian culture is Caribbean and relaxed—English is spoken with distinctive Tobago dialect. Christianity predominates. Music includes calypso, soca, and traditional folk. The Heritage Festival celebrates African and European heritage. Food features crab and dumpling, curried dishes, and fresh seafood. The culture is authentic Caribbean island—warm, musical, and connected to both land and sea.

📜 History

Tobago was contested more than any other Caribbean island—changing hands between European powers over 30 times. Fort King George (1777-1779) was built by the British. Scarborough developed as the British colonial administrative center.

Sugar plantations defined the colonial economy. Tobago united with Trinidad in 1889 to form a single colony, then independent nation (1962). Tobago gained internal self-government (1980). Today Scarborough serves as seat of the Tobago House of Assembly—small capital, fort heritage, and gateway to "Trinidad's paradise island."