The Ultimate Guide to Mount Irvine Bay, Tobago: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a beautiful yet lively beach in Tobago, Mount Irvine Bay Resort Beach should be at the top of your list. With its golden sand, stunning ocean views, and relaxed island vibe, this beach strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re here for a full beach day, a sunset cocktail, or the famous Friday night bonfire, Mount Irvine Beach offers an experience you won’t forget.

Why We Keep Returning to Mount Irvine Beach

We absolutely love this beach and find ourselves coming back again and again. My husband even jokingly calls it “Barbados” because of its stunning scenery and atmosphere. Unlike some private resort beaches in Tobago, Mount Irvine Bay Beach allows public access, so anyone can enjoy its beauty. It’s connected to Mount Irvine Bay Resort up the hill, but hotel guests and beachgoers alike are welcome to soak up the sun here.

What to Expect at Mount Irvine Bay Beach

1. Beach Setup & Amenities

Chairs & Umbrellas for Rent: Available for a fee and only until about 5pm when they pack it away for the nice. We found it more practical to buy our own from Pricemart in Trinidad.
Washroom Facilities: Officially reserved for resort and restaurant guests, but if you’re dining at 1763, you can access them.
Parking: Limited on-site parking as pictured below (fitting fewer than 10 cars), with overflow parking lining the roadside on busy days.
Soft Sand & Coral Shoreline: The sand is incredibly soft but sinks beneath your feet, making it tricky to walk gracefully. It has been windy recently and there is a lot of natural debris throughout the beach (such as broken tree branches, leaves, and so on). Near the water, you’ll find washed-up coral and shells, great for beachcombing but a tough on bare feet.
Trees: The trees throughout the beach offer natural shade opportunities.

Beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent

2. The Beachside Dining Experience at 1763 Restaurant & Bar

One of the biggest highlights of Mount Irvine Beach is 1763 Beach Bar & Restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails with an unbeatable ocean view. Whether you’re lounging on the sand or grabbing a seat at the bar, there’s an option for everyone.

The bartender is superior and you can’t go wrong with any cocktail order. I pretty much always order my favourite, rum punch. The espresso martinis are also incredible.

Dining Options:

Beachside Service: Order from your lounge chair, and they’ll bring food and drinks directly to you—though drinks come in plastic cups here. I highly recommend ordering the fish and chips!!
Restaurant Seating: If you prefer a proper glass for your cocktail, sit at the bar or restaurant side.

Insider Tip: If you’re planning a full beach day, opt for beachside service. But if you’re just stopping by for a meal or a drink, the bar is the best spot to soak in the views.

3. Swimming & Water Conditions

Mount Irvine Beach has a slight hill leading into the water, meaning that once you’re swimming, you may lose sight of the entire shoreline. It makes the beach feel even more secluded when you are swimming. See picture below for reference.

There’s a small drop-off when stepping into the sea, so be careful your first time entering the water. It does get very deep quickly, so don’t venture out too far. You will notice locals stick close to the shore and near the cove areas.

We found an early morning swim here is amazing. The calm waters are crystal clear and you can see schools of fish swimming about. Depending on the day, the waves can get quite rough and swimming would not be advisable. There is no lifeguard on duty here, so make your own judgement call.

4. Breathtaking Sunset Views

One of the most magical experiences at Mount Irvine Beach is watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. As the day winds down, the golden sunlight reflects off the gentle waves, creating a picture-perfect scene. The sky transforms into a mesmerizing blend of deep oranges, fiery reds, and soft purples, making it a dream spot for photographers and sunset lovers alike.

5. Further Up the Beach

You can actually walk along the shoreline down to the next beach, Mount Irvine Bay Beach Facility where Anchor Bar and Grill is located. It might be a tricky walk depending on the tides as you do have to go through some pretty rocky areas – but I have seen many people do it.

You can usually hear the music from Anchor which is a well known local and tourist hangout.

Garbage on the Beach

One of the best spots on the beach is tucked away on the far left side where it is a shaded, sandy area with tree cover. Unfortunately, a lot of trash accumulates at this part of the beach. It’s disheartening to see the litter left behind in Tobago. We clean it up when we sit in this area. I’m not sure if the resort having a garbage can closer to this spot would make this problem any better or not.

Friday Night Fish Fry & Bonfire

One of the best Tobago nightlife experiences happens right here at Mount Irvine Beach – a bamboo bonfire. Every Friday night, 1763 Restaurant & Bar hosts a bonfire, fish fry, and live DJ. Everyone is welcome – it is not limited to resort guests.

We usually grab a sunset drink at the bar and then head to the beach to enjoy the bonfire once its lit. The lighting of the bonfire is on island time so you never really know when it’s going to start. But best to plan to be there between 7 and 8pm to catch the peak.

If you are planning to attend the fish fry for dinner, call to reserve a table ahead of time.

Weekend Market Vibes & Fun Encounters

Things You Might See at Mount Irvine Beach:

A young boy selling chow (every weekend, without fail!)
A local artist selling vibrant paintings
A coconut carver making intricate sculptures
A swimming goat (Yes, goats can swim and it’s actually part of their exercise routine. We met one named Happy Feet who was about to be in his first race – I hope he won!)

Final Thoughts: Why Mount Irvine Beach is a Must-Visit in Tobago

Mount Irvine Beach is the perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and top-tier beachfront dining. Whether you’re drawn in by the golden sand and crystal-clear waters, the lively Friday night bonfire, or simply the chance to sip a perfectly mixed piña colada with an ocean view, this beach has something special to offer.

It’s a place where Tobago’s laid-back charm meets the energy of a beachside escape, making it one of our absolute favorites. Whether you spend the day lounging under the sun, swimming in the warm Caribbean Sea, or discovering local art and food vendors, Mount Irvine Beach delivers an experience you won’t forget.

Planning a trip to Tobago? Add Mount Irvine Beach to your itinerary—you won’t regret it!