Kayaking, Snorkelling and Birdwatching

[Iain G]

Good day to all. I would like to know if the kayaks that are free of charge at BWI are OK to use for day trips or is it better to go to the specialised kayaking place in Charlottesville (sorry, I forget the name of the place).

Also could someone tell me where the best snorkelling bit is from the BWI beach ie looking out to sea is it to the left, to the right or in the middle?

And one final question: how far in advance should we book a birdwatcher guide (one of the very good ones)?

Thanks in advance.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Iain

I imagine that 'day trips' in a kayak are not something to be considered with less than an experienced guide. Those waters around the northern end of Tobago can be very tricky. Without question, your best bet is to contact Clark Weissinger of Tobago Sea Kayaks.

The best spots in Batteaux Bay may have changed quite a bit in the past year, since last year's hurricane and the severe rain run-off over the last rainy season. Don't worry, though, the staff at the BWI will soon put you straight.

If you want a GOOD guide - such as Newton George (who lives not far from the BWI), then the earlier you contact him the better. Don't leave it until you're there to make the first approach. He'll pencil you in then arrange final details just before you go or even after you get there, subject to weather, etc.

[Duane Kenny]

Hey Iain. I'm here to help. Our kayaks are the opened top, heavy duty plastic kind with seats inside, great for a short trips but they can go a good distance also. Tobago Sea Kayaking Experience has the more full on adventure type where you actually sit inside and they have a rudder which you steer with internal pedals. They are pretty easy to use but are more adept for a full day trip. Charlottesville is a much better venue for day trips with Kayaks as their is much more coastline to explore and most of it has nothing on it. Clark who runs the shop in Charlottesville is on vacation in the UK till about the middle of next month. So don't go till after that. See his website at http://www.seakayaktobago.com

In my opinion the best snorkeling is to the right of the beach, especially off the point. I have seen turtles, spotted leopard rays, and the odd 2 foot nurse shark (don't worry they are really mellow and lie on the bottom).

As to book a guide, you can organize once you get her most times but if it's the busy season then booking in advance is recomended. Here is Newton George's email, [email protected]. Drop him a word or two and he can help you with that part of your trip.
If you need any more help my email is [email protected]. Have a great week and keep smiling.
Duane

[Duane Kenny]

P.s. when I was talking about the coast line of Charlottesville having nothing on it, I should have clarified. I meant that much of the coastline is rainforest and beaches, with little secret coves. It's paradise! The have some great snorkeling off of Lovers Bay (Pink sand beach) that can only be accessed by Kayak. I would definitely recommend it.
Duane