Sailing & Watersports: Tobago Sea Kayak Experience

RSR Reviewed in January 2004 by Jill Wooler

I was making my way up from the beach at Pirates Bay, Charlotteville, having spent a blissful morning swimming and snorkelling. Rounding a bend in the track, I saw Steve approaching. "I've booked you in for a three hour session of sea kayaking around Man O’ War Bay this afternoon". He expected me to be delighted but I had planned on having a refreshing shower and a generally lazy afternoon. Also, I knew nothing about kayaking – I hadn’t even tried it on a river or a lake! However, after mulling the idea over whilst having lunch, I decided that I would give it a try as I love anything to do with the sea. Also, the idea of viewing such a beautiful coastline from the sea was highly appealing.

Clark Weissinger of Tobago Sea Kayak Experience, operating from Charlotteville, is a highly experienced and professional ACA-certified instructor. He soon put my mind at rest about being a novice by saying that they offer different programs adapted to differing levels of experience. For example, Adventure Sea Kayaking is a six hour trip for the paddler looking for broader experience. As a novice, the program that Clark decided on for me was Discover Sea Kayaking which is geared for the beginner and is designed to introduce you to the sport of kayaking. This relaxing three hour trip around Man O’ War Bay takes in some of the most beautiful scenery in Tobago.

First of all I was given about 15 minutes basic paddle instruction on the beach with another couple who had had previous experience of kayaking in Canada. We were then issued with lifejackets before we set off in a two-man kayak each. I sat in the front and Clark was in the back, taking overall control from behind. As soon as we paddled away from the beach I knew I was going to enjoy this sport. Clark was doing most of the work, keeping us on course and we shifted at a very good rate through calm waters. The scenery was absolutely stunning with different views of the rugged coastline emerging with every stroke of the paddle.

After about half an hour, we made our first stop at Lovers Beach, which is only accessible by sea. Having guided us safely ashore, Clark announced that we could take the opportunity to snorkel in this beautiful bay, distinguished by its amazing multi-coloured grains of sand. I hadn’t had a chance to collect my snorkelling gear from the apartment but Clark had some gear on board which I was able to borrow. I didn’t have to venture too far before I saw an abundance of many varieties of beautiful, colourful fish that were absolutely amazing and unforgettable!

From Lovers Beach we paddled out into the bay again and continued our exploration of the Man O’ War coastline. Passing Cambleton Bay, we continued on for a while until we finally stopped paddling to gaze upon the lovely coastline of Hermitage Bay. Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end and all too soon, it was time to turn back. By now, the sun was low in the sky and its rays were turning the beautiful clear waters of the Caribbean into molten gold which shimmered at every stroke of the paddle. It was a beautiful, peaceful evening, the silence only broken by the rhythmic splash of the paddles in the water.

For me, the Tobago Sea Kayak Experience was beautiful and unforgettable. No cars, no engines, no roads, no stress, just peace, silence, tranquillity and breathtaking scenery. I would recommend this trip to anyone, novice or experienced.

Tobago Sea Kayak Experience is ‘dedicated to providing unique fun and quality sea kayak adventures’ They offer ‘full and half day trips for both the novice and experienced paddler, which may be combined with hiking trips led by their friendly and courteous guides who are knowledgeable in both the rainforest eco-system and ocean environment’.

Jill Wooler

14th March 2002

2005 Update

Clark has re-introduced tours from Pigeon Point, operating out of the Conrado Beach Resort. The tours take in the protected waters of the Bon Accord Lagoon.

Programs

Discover Sea Kayaking

Geared for the beginner and is sure to ‘tune you in’ to the sport of kayaking. The relaxing 3 hour trip around Man O War Bay allows you to take in some of the most beautiful scenery in Tobago. (US$35.00)

Adventure Sea Kayaking

A 6 hour trip for the more spirited adventurer looking for a broader experience and includes a visit to the ruins of a 19th century sugar plantation, a guided Rainforest tour, lunch and time for snorkelling. (US$55.00)

Play in the Bay

An instructional program designed to be both educational and enjoyable. The course covers strokes, sweeps, draws, braces and rescues while exploring parts of Man O’ War Bay. (US$40.00)

Big Water Experience

For the experienced paddler only. An exhilarating open water paddling experience to either Iguana Bay or L’Anse Fourmi Bay, 4 to 5 hours of paddling along Tobago’s rugged and beautiful northeast coast. Lunch included. (US$65.00)

Contact Information

General questions and reports about this service should be posted in our Tobago discussion forum. Please contact the firm direct for information about prices and availability.

Tobago Sea Kayak Experience

Charlotteville
Tobago
West Indies

Telephone: (868) 660-5514
Cell: (868) 771-4247

Email: email now
Website: www.seakayaktobago.com