Peaceful and green with idyllic scenery, Tobago is situated at the southern tip of the Caribbean Islands off the coast of Venezuela, close to its sister nation of Trinidad. It is 21 miles long by 7 miles wide and is a wonderful island for relaxing, hiking or enjoying wildlife, be it diving to see the fabulous underwater corals and tropical fish or savouring the spectacular variety of birds (200 species) that can be seen on the island.
Tobago boasts beautiful white-sand beaches, azure seas as well as waterfalls, lagoons and tropical rainforest. In the north the island rises to around 1890 feet. Here you will find the Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the western hemisphere’s oldest protected forest reserve, protected by law since 1776. In contrast, the South West is mainly flat or undulating. The two are divided by grassy upland areas but mangroves and swamps can be found in the south near the sea. Surfers favour Mount Irvine Bay (especially during the winter months). The underwater landscape includes rich and colourful reefs, clear, calm waters and various aquatic creatures. The island’s fauna includes 12 species of mammals, five species of turtles, lizards, frogs, bats, snakes (all non-poisonous) and 133 species of butterflies – amongst them the impressive Blue Emperor.
The deep open ocean is home to larger creatures such as marlin, sharks and dolphins. The north is the quieter part of the island. The south-west is busier and here you will find bars, fast food outlets, souvenir shops and water sports facilities. Local crafts and arts make great items to bring home: Wood carvings; jewellery made from natural products like shells, stones and seeds; leather sandals or beach wear can all be purchased here. Why not sample local flavours such as Benne balls, Buljol or Coconut Bake? If you don’t want to dive or snorkel, why not try a trip on a glass-bottomed boat at Buccoo Reef? The calm atmosphere and variety of things to see makes Tobago ideal for families or couples. Phone us for information about weddings in Tobago!
A few of the many other attractions:
Diving:
Wreck and reef diving (for all abilities), diveable all year round but the best time to dive is May to July (visibility can be reduced during rainy season (April to October). Tobago’s waters are rich in marine life and here you will find some of the best diving in the Caribbean.
Turtles:
Endangered Leatherback turtles lay their eggs between March and August on Turtle Beach and Grafton Beach – in order to protect the species tours must be conducted by a certified guide.
Entertainment and Nightlife:
Buccoo open-air party (known as Sunday School) music, dancing, food and bars. Crown Point/Scarborough area boasts a variety of bars and night clubs. For family entertainment, how about karaoke or cafes and restaurants with live music?
Dining:
There are many restaurants and roadside barbecues to choose from to cover all budgets. We can recommend the restaurant at Kariwak and Enchanted Waters. For a very special ambience, try the restaurant at Stonehaven Villas.
Things to do:
Golf is available at Mount Irvine and Tobago Plantations Golf Courses. Water sports (diving, sailing, game fishing, surfing, windsurfing and powerboat racing) are available throughout the Island. Mountain biking and bird watching are popular pastimes. Visit the protected rainforest with many species of birds, plants and wildlife. For bird watching try the Main Ridge Forest Reserve or the Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary. Explore Tobago’s culture and heritage by visiting the museums and art galleries. Tobago Carnival Regatta in February features yacht racing and heralds parties and games – all part of the fun of the occasion. Join in the fun of the Big Goat Race at Buccoo village (Monday and Tuesday after Easter). Late July brings the Tobago Heritage Festival, which lasts a fortnight. Tobago Fest is a mini carnival that takes place in September.
Places to see:
- From Fort King George you can look across the Capital, Scarborough. Here you can see historic buildings, beautiful gardens and a fine arts centre.
- Visit Little Tobago – a beautiful little island off Speyside with wonderful views of Tobago itself and Goat Island and home to a sanctuary for Atlantic seabirds.
- Pigeon Point – white beach, tranquil azure sea, great for swimming – all this plus a thatched roof over the jetty.
- The Botanical Gardens – 18 acres of beautiful trees, greenery and views of the sea.
Should you wish to be immersed within the rainforest and experience eco-friendly tourism, we can recommend Eco-Villas.
