Tobago

Well, what can I say that has not been said already? Like so many before me, I quickly became enchanted by the spirit of Tobago, mainly because it is one of the very few unspoilt Caribbean islands. The pace of island life is soooo relaxed it has a time scale all its own. If you are looking for big ritzy hotels with lots of night life, then Tobago is probably not for you. This is not to say that Tobagonians do not know how to enjoy themselves, they do, but it is all a little more subtle.

If you stay an all-inclusive hotel, chances are you will leave without ever getting to know the true Tobago.

Self-catering does not have to mean slaving over a hot stove, but having the freedom to eat at one of the many excellent and inexpensive restaurants. Or, while waiting for the sunset, you could buy an incredibly fresh red snapper, just landed by the local fisherman. Simply bake in foil with a little white wine and herbs. Fish never tasted better!

Trinidad and Tobago are rightly famous for their local rums. Combine with your favourite mixer and add ‘Ocean Air’ views for the perfect Caribbean sundowners.

The beaches are various and beautiful, each having its own character. Englishman’s Bay is a perfect sloping horseshoe backed by palms trees and occasionally visited by green parrots. Arnos Vale Bay is wonderful for snorkelling. Pigeon Point is an excellent area for families with great amenities, including windsurfing in a huge lagoon, sheltered by Buccoo Reef.

Trinidad and Tobago have a great diversity and abundance of bird life. In early summer you may be lucky enough to see a turtle struggle ashore to lay eggs. The rain forest covers a large area of the north of the island and has its own special flora and fauna, plus waterfalls, etc. A good guide can show you many things which you might otherwise miss. The Tobagonians are rightly proud of their island and are very willing to share the delights with tourists, pointing out the best places to go.

Useful Information

• Size: 27 mile long by 7 miles wide. Approx. 116 sq.miles
• Capital: Scarborough
• Currency: Trinidad & Tobago dollar (TT$)
• Credit Cards: Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. Cash machines are provided at many places; banks, hotels and even some supermarkets.
• Airport: Crown Point. Flights from the UK by British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and XL Airways.
• Time Difference: GMT -4 hours
• Electricity: 115 volts
• Weather: Tobago is a very green island, so you can expect rain showers at any time during the year, but with temperatures in the 70s and 80s °F and the Atlantic coastal breezes, this never seems to be a problem. Most rain falls at night. The winter is their ‘dry’ season.

For additional visitor information on Tobago, we recommend www.myTobago.info