Barbados Bay, located along Tobago’s Atlantic coast, holds a unique place in the island’s colonial past. Just inland once stood Georgetown (Studley Park), Tobago’s first capital and the nearby Fort Granby, the island’s earliest military fortification. Built by the British, the fort served as a strategic defence point until the capital was later shifted to Scarborough in 1769.
The bay itself reflects the deep historical ties between Tobago and Barbados. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Barbados played a supervisory role in Tobago’s development, often treating the island as an extension of its own colony. This influence continued into the 19th century, when economic decline in Tobago led to increased migration and support from Barbados. Barbadian labourers, clergy, and administrators became integral to the island’s social and economic life.
Though today Barbados Bay is not a typical bathing beach, it remains an important landmark for those interested in Tobago’s layered history. Visitors to the bay encounter not only the natural beauty of its rugged coastline but also a window into the early struggles and connections that shaped Tobago’s identity.

• Photo captured by @lemniscate