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Boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking,
windsurfing, bird watching, fishing, hiking, tennis, golf, horseback
riding, swimming, and relaxing on the beach are just a few ways to spend
your days.
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Tours
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The flora is as
vivid as the birds. Purple-and-yellow poui trees and spectacular orange
immortelles splash color over the countryside - something is blooming
virtually every season.
Watch for the Mot-Mots and Hummingbirds flitting through the trees at
any time, but hire a guide if you truly want to discover a new world.
TobagoTobagoNatureTours.com
Reliable, well organised and well-informed
sightseeing and nature tours to Main Ridge, Little Tobago, Hillsborough, Buccoo marsh etc. Tours are individualised
by Peter Cox (no coaches or buses
except by request)
"I recommend Peter Cox [Tobago nature
tours] a local nature guide who we met last year, if you go to
Tobago and require a tour gude for birding or wildlife contact
him you will find no one better
;-)
Steve Kirby Nature Photographer |
Tobagoharris-jungle-tours.com
Harris Mc Donald will inform you,
entertain you and educate you about Tobago´s culture and tradition. He
will show you the historical sites, hidden trials and unique tours of
the protected rainforest.
King David's
Tobago Tours
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Bike  |
Summit-to-sea-level
runs on sheer trails, barreling through dense jungle and emerging on
white-sand beaches.
Tobago Mountain bike
Tobagomountainbike.com
Slow Leak mountain bike tours around
Tobago - fun and challenging. Web site contains tour descriptions,
anecdotes and tour guide profiles.
mountainbikingtobago.com/
Now, for the Experienced rider, we have some trails that will literally
keep you hanging off the edge of your seat and give you a major
adrenaline rush. One trail in particular, offers a rough single track
ride, starting just off the main road at elevations of 1000 to 1500
feet above sea level. This trail runs along the edge of a ridge, slowly
descending down the mountain for approximately two miles through steep
terrain with the occasional rutted section. Riders can appreciate the
dramatic views of the ocean and beach below as well as the surrounding
hills. The trail eventually takes you to a secluded beach |
Golf  |
Tobago has two excellent golf
courses.
The Tobago Plantations Golf & Country Club located in the
island's prestigious Lowlands area. For the past few years this has been
the course of choice for the PGA Seniors Tour.
Amid rolling
greens and mangroves are stunning ocean Atlantic views or views
of Tobago’s capital in one direction and the Atlantic Ocean in the
other. (Lowlands, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago.
PHONE: 868/631-0875)tobagoplantations.com
Mt. Irvine
is world famous for its views
and great elevations. (Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel,
Shirvan Rd., Mt. Irvine, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago.
PHONE: 868/639-8871)
The 127 acre
golf course overlooks the Caribbean Sea, with the hotel [mtirvine.com]
behind it enjoying spectacular views of Buccoo Reef.
At one
time considered among the top 100 courses it is now a bargain at less
than USD$50 for a prime time round. |
Hiking and Birding
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Natural areas include
Little Tobago and St. Giles islands, both major seabird
sanctuaries. Rain forests of the Main Ridge were set aside for
protection in 1764, creating the first such preserve in the western
hemisphere
Some 200 varieties
of birds have been documented on Tobago: look for the yellow
oriole, scarlet ibis, and the comical motmot -- the male of the
species clears sticks and stones from an area and then does a dance
complete with snapping sounds to attract a mate.
Bring along water to
drink and insect repellent. You may want to dress in long pants
and a long sleeved shirt, but it is not absolutely necessary |
Birds of Trinidad & Tobago
The 3 top books to brings & links to 100's of fotos
Little_Tobago in our imageserver
Tobago Bird Watching at simplytobago.com
RooksTobago.com
David Rooks - Tobago's best known
ornithologist, nature lover and tour guide - web site contains
biography, bird list and tour itineraries.
TobagoTobagoBirding.com
Darren Henry of Tobago, dendrologist and
birding tour guide - web site has bio data, bird photos and lists, plus
tour information. Tours include short 2 hour trips and full day tours.
Arnos Vale Waterwheel.
Arnos Vale Estate, Franklyn Rd., 868-660-0815. |
Water Sports
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All beaches in Trinidad and Tobago
are open to the public.
Daily 2½-hour tours by glass-bottom boats let you snorkel at the reef,
swim in a lagoon, and gaze at Coral Gardens -- where fish and coral are
as yet untouched. Most dive companies in the Black Rock area also
arrange snorkeling tours.

Kayaking is available at many hotels
on Tobago.
Kayaking workshops are located on Man O War Bay in
Charlotteville.
Across the street from the Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel is the beach known
for surfing [best in July and August] and for windsurfing [ best in
January and April]
The water here is shallow and
directly over coral reef, which can create problems.
- Ron's Watersport-
divetnt.com
- Tobago
Sea Kayak Experience -seakayaktobago.com
-
Tobago Sea
Kayak tours at tobagoguide.com all arranged through Tobago Trip
Planners Ltd. (Lowlands, Tobago)
-
TobagosailTobago.com
Tobago trimaran fun day sail charters
on the Natural Mystic. Tours depart Mt.Irvine bay and sail up the
Caribbean coast to secluded Cotton Bay. Max. 10 passeners. On board
BBQ.
Kalina Kats
(Scarborough, Tobago, Trinidad
and Tobago. PHONE: 868/639-6306) has a 50-foot catamaran on which
you can sail around the Tobago coastline with stops for snorkeling
and exploring the rain forest. The romantic sunset cruise with
cocktails is a great way to end the day.
- Hew's Glass Bottom Boat
Tours
(Pigeon
Point, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago. PHONE: 868/639-9058) are perfect
excursions for those who neither snorkel nor dive. Boats leave daily
at 11:30 AM.
- Frank's Glass Bottom Boat &
Birdwatching Tours
(Speyside,
Trinidad and Tobago.) Tobago Travel (Scarborough, Trinidad and
Tobago. PHONE: 868/639-8778)
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BEACHES
in Tobago
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The mountains in the northeast fall fast as you move to
the southwest of the island, where you will find a relatively flat coral stone
platform. This combination, along with a multitude of fringing coral
reefs, has given the island sand that varies in shade from darkish brown
to pure white of Pigeon Point.
Tobago's southern shoreline is usually referred to as the windward
coast. Rip tides and strong undercurrents make some of the most
attractive-looking beaches unsafe for swimming. There are plenty of
sheltered bays to take a dip in the cool Atlantic. Some - such as King's
Bay - have changing facilities, but at most you'll share the sand only
with fishermen
In fact, it isn't difficult to find a
beach all to yourself on Tobago, mostly because the island thankfully has no
large scale tourism in effect.
- Arnos Vale, north coast, beyond Plymouth
Secluded bay within a protected cove with a nice beach and very good
snorkelling. Located within Arnos Vale Hotel grounds
- Bacolet Beach
across from the
Blue Haven Hotel
- Canoe Bay,
south coast, off Milford Road. Peaceful,
relaxing beach good for families with small children, with calm,
shallow water, pleasant beach and lawned areas with thatched
sunshades. Admission TT$12, children under 12 half price, under 5s
free
- Castara, north coast, midway along island
Golden sand, with calm waters by a remote fishing village. Known for
beach bars/restaurants scene & liming locals. The approach road
deserves a photo
stop.
- Coco Reef The
beach at the Coco Reef Hotel is man made but very pretty.
Non-residents are charged TT$125 per couple (about £12) to go on
this beach. The hotel is very nice and worth a visit by itself.
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Englishman's Bay.
mile-long, somewhat wild
beach is usually completely deserted. North Side Rd., east of Castara
Bay. A small wooden signpost off a
small tarmac road in the rain forest will point you down a sun
splashed tunnel of bamboo. A Sunday Times report rated it one
of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Excellent snorkeling. You'll
likely find a handful of others and a single food vendor.
- Grafton Beach Resort Gem of a beach with white sand,
cleaned every morning. Sunshades with thatched with dried palm
fronds. Among the larger waves for Caribbean side of the island.
Also see Stone Haven Bay below
- Great Courland Bay,
Near Fort Bennett. North
Side Rd., east of Castara Bay marina attracts the yachting crowd.
Leeward Rd., northeast of Black Rock as do the high-end hotels along
the long sandy beach.Plenty
of watersport facilities.
- King's Bay,
Halfway
between Roxborough and Speyside Steep green hills protect this bay
on all sides making the swimming easy.
A landscaped path climbs to a waterfall with a rocky
pool. Locals will offer to guide you.
- Little Rockley Bay,
Just west of Scarborough. lined with coconut trees, this scenic
stretch runs along the old coast road, with crashing waves and
stunning Atlantic views. It is near Ocean Point Hotel.
- Lover's Beach.
Reachable only by boat from Charlotteville, once here
you will enjoy pink sand and its seclusion. Be sure to shop the
price for significant savings
- Man O'War Bay, North of Speyside Charlotteville .
Long stretch of golden, sandy beach. Good for snorkelling. Changing
facilities and lifeguards, other secluded, walkable coves. Among the
most accessible, quiet and empty beaches on the island
"Man -o-War
Bay is a large horseshoe shaped bay that fronts the
village of Charlotteville. As you come down the steep
road of an evening or very early morning you may see
pairs of parrots flying in front of you. There is
a super place to snorkel just a 10 minute walk and
several steps down to the beach from here, at
Pirate's Bay, ask a local how to find it.
If you want to explore, take a walk out to the site of
the old Fort Campbell. It is left a ways.Last but
not least, if you spend the night at a guesthouse here
expect to hear roosters crowing very early in the
morning."
Kwoub at virtualtourist.com [2004] |
- Mt. Irvine Beach [Surfer’s Beach]
across the street from Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel
Shirvan Rd., Mt. Irvine Watch or
join the surfers and windsurfing. Find picnic tables surrounded by
painted concrete pagodas and a snack bar. Local fisherman sell their
catch here. Good snorkelling and anchorage.
Facilities
of loos and showers can be used for a small fee. Excellent
snorkeling. Beach vending are restrained
- Mt Irvine Back Bay, The many nice coves
amid the rocky coastal outcroppings, between from Mt Irvine and
Stonehaven Bays.
-
Parlatuvier.
North side of the Island
via the road from
Roxborough is this village beach used by fishermen. Larger waves,
strong currents and sea shelf close to shore
-
Pigeon Point Beach. One of Tobago most beautiful and popular
beaches. An iconic beach scene which has graced the front
pages of many Caribbean holiday brochures.
Ever popular, snack, gift and souvenir shops, changing facilities
and watersports operators, including an excellent windsurfing
outfit. Can hire a cabana for the day. Admission costs about
USD$3 (TT$18), which gets you a day-glo wrist band and
the right to use the loos. Guards & admission means you won't be
bothered by roaming vendors. However, they do rent jet skis at the
far end which tampers with the tranquility. Masses of cruise ship
passengers can drop in unexpectedly as well since everyone who comes
to Tobago needs to see this pretty spot.
- Pirate’s Bay, eastern end, out of
Charlotteville
Secluded, stunning bay backed by lush greenery, within walking
distance of Charlotteville along a dirt track, and steep descent,
200 steps down to the beach.
- Sandy Beach,
at the end of the Crown Point
Airport runway, this beach is abutted by several hotels
- Stone Haven Bay,
across
from Grafton Beach Resort Famous as a nesting spot for
endangered giant leatherback turtles.
- Store Bay ,
boats depart for Buccoo Reef and Nylon pool here.
Known for its signature food (Crab 'n' Dumpling & Shark 'n' Bake)
more than its small sandy cove. Shower and changing
facilities, plus lifeguards Near the airport, just walk around the
Crown Point Hotel to the beach entrance.
A popular beach for the locals on weekends.
"A
small lifeguard serviced beach with a number of
facilities. Popular with both locals and tourist alike.
Here you can find everything from changing rooms to
local food and souvenir stalls. But be prepared to meet
lots of touts wanting to sell you a boat tour. They are
generally nice, but after the third or fourth one,
you’re starting to get annoyed."
Blondina
at virtual tourist |
- Turtle Beach.
8 mi from the airport between Black Rock and
Plymouth. Southern end of Great Courland Bay Great Courtland
Bay. Watch great turtles
lay their eggs here at night between February and June. Larger waves
for Caribbean side of island.
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Fishing
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The best months for
off shore angling are November to May.
Year round there is Lake fishing at Tobago
Plantations Golf course, which has been stocked with Tarpon, Snook,
Mangrove Snapper, Mullet and Tilapia for catch and release recreational
fishing.
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Diving:
Scuba & Snorkel
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Tobago offers some of the best diving in
the Caribbean, and indeed the world. It is a renowned divers paradise for
the experienced diver, and also a good place to learn. There are also
plenty of interesting reef and coral dives for the less experienced
diver, and for the beginner there are excellent diving schools where you can get your PADDY Open Water diving
certificate in the course of 4 or 5 days.
Diving on Tobago tends to be centered
at Speyside, almost diametrically across the island from the airport.
This is a world-class diving
home to the
world's largest brain-coral, and the
enormous number of manta rays that are frequently encountered.
You may enjoy some of the best drift
diving in the world. |
The entire island has some of the best diving sites in the
Caribbean. There are three wrecks located around its shores, but the one
usually considered the best is the 'Maverick Ferry', which used to
travel between Trinidad and Tobago. The ferry is 350 feet long and has
been sunk in 30 metres/100 feet just off Rocky Point, Mt. Irvine. The
top of the wreck is at 15 metres/50 feet. The wreck has an abundance of
marine life, including a 4 foot jewfish, a member of the grouper family.
The wreck was purposely sunk for divers, and so all the doors and
windows were removed.

Tobago offers many wonderful
spots for snorkeling. Although the reefs around Speyside in
the northeast are becoming better known, Buccoo Reef, off the
island's southwest coast, is still the most popular, which has led to
damage by the ceaseless boat traffic and by the thoughtless visiting
divers who take pieces of coral as souvenirs. There's also good
snorkeling between the shore and Little Tobago Island and near
the Arnos Vale Hotel and the Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel.
Also recommended are Pirate's Bay in
Charlotteville, Englishman's Bay and Great Courland bay.
The waters around the island are home to many species of tropical fish,
rays, sharks, and turtles. The
Orinoco River
pours rich nutrients into Tobago's waters, creating an underwater
landscape that's healthy and vibrant. Plankton feeders such as the giant
manta ray cruise these waters feasting on this smorgasbord. Depending on
the season, visibility can vary from 30 feet to 100 feet, with algae in
the water and manta rays around several months of the year.
Scuba
Adventure Safari
diveTobago.com
Diving and ecological tours in the Caribbean.
Ocean
Point Dive Services
Dive Services for all levels of divers to all Dive Sites on the island!
Manta
Dive a PADI Resort providing scuba trips and courses all over
Tobago.
R&Sea Divers
Sunsplash
Scuba -walax.com/scuba
Tobago Scuba
Tobago
Dive Experience -trinidad.net/tobagodive/"....because when you get down - you can't beat the experience...."
Milford Road, Canaan, Tobago
Wild Turtle Dive
frontierdiverstt.com Frontier Divers is a PADI dive
facility offering a wide range of undersea adventure options, and
PADI certification courses.
www.underseatobago.com Dive with Derek and
Evelyn Chung
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Pigeon Point
beach is a favorite among the locals and visitors.
For about two dollars, guests enter through an old coconut
estate for fantastic opportunities to snorkle, swim, and play
along the beach.
Glass bottom boats are available for hire and will take you out
on the waves and still keep you dry. Public amenities are
sufficient, offering changing rooms, food concession, restrooms,
and hotels. Coco Reef Resort and Spa is only 1 mile away,
but there are no large luxury hotels here. Enjoy the small town
charm of the nearby town of Canaan and visit its craft shop. |
Tobago
public
holidays |
2006: 02 January, 30 March, 14 & 17 April,
30 May, 15 & 19 June, 01 & 31 August, 24 September, 21 (Divali)
& 24 ( Eid-Ul-Fitur) October to be announced, 25 & 26 December.
Please note that Carnival Monday and Tuesday are not public
holidays. |
Annual Events |
The Tobago Heritage Festival, with its rich folk
traditions, the annual sailing regatta, village harvests, Easter
goat races, Carnival, and the calypso and steelband shows are just
some of the Island events that visitors can enjoy! |
JAN: Harvest Festivals
are traditional celebratory occasions in Tobago’s Island life,
and are
centered around the four mainstream Christian Churches; Anglican
(C of E), Roman Catholic, Methodist and Moravian |
Feb - Tobago Carnival,
concurrent with Trinidad |
MARCH
Annual Carnival Lovers World-Wide Beach Party &
Lime held at Store Bay. |
MARCH – Leatherback Turtle nesting season begins
and runs to July. The beaches at the Grafton Resort,
Courland Bay and Turtle Beach are the nesting areas
for the giant turtles, and staff at the nearby hotels will
wake residents to see turtles laying eggs, or to watch the
hatchlings run to the sea. |
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Held in March each year is the
Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament
based out of Charlotteville in the North east |
APRIL Easter Monday Goat Races and
recreational/sporting activities, Mt Pleasant Recreation
Ground. 18 Apr - Goat Races & Crab Races, and other recreational
activities, Buccoo |
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MAY The competition for the
Angostura
Yachting World Regatta is fierce. This is an annual event, held in
May, and includes a full week of race activities.
The atmosphere is very mild and laid back on land, but on water it
is very competitive. |
June/July St
Peter's Day , Man
O' War Bay Charlotteville fisherman's fete |
JULY- Tobago Heritage Festival, cultural displays of
music, storytelling, dance, food and local traditions. 27 Jul-01
Aug - Great Fete Weekend, Pigeon Point and Crown Point, popular
beach party with live pop/soca/rock music and top local DJs
with huge sound systems |
01 Aug - Emancipation
Day, Emancifest held at Store Bay
Beach Facility. tba - Carib Great Race, hugely popular 85 mile
powerboat race starting in Trinidad and ending in Store Bay,
Tobago with big beach party. 31 Aug - Independence Day, public
holiday with military parade and fireworks in Scarborough.
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SEPT: Trinbago Wheelers
Tobago International Cycling Classic, a two division event,
one for international/ professional cyclists and a second
division open to all cyclists. |
Sep-Oct - Tobago Fest,
mini carnival with parade of bands, local heritage and fetes,
ending with a beach party at Store Bay.
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T 'n' T MEANS DYNAMITE DRIFT DIVING from lynnseldon.com
"The Guyana current moves slowly up the eastern coast of South
America, divides around Trinidad, and washes the south and east coasts
of Tobago. Fed by the Orinoco river, the waters are warm and rich with nutrients, making
it ideally suited for a wide range of marine life. " |
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