First Holiday in Tobago... What would you recommend?

Louise W · Post by **Louise W** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 8:34 pm

We're jetting off to Tobago for our Honeymoon at the beginning of April. It's our first visit. I was wondering if any of this forums knowledgable postees have any recommendations of things you must see, do or visit. We'd love to hear the things you love most about the island to give us an idea of what me must do.

We're staying at Coco Reef and hoping to hire a car to get out and about. We love snorkelling and the odd spot of ornithology. Where would you recommend?

Thanks very much

Louise

Jane H · Post by **Jane H** » Sun Feb 13, 2005 9:55 pm

Hi Louise,

When we were in Tobago 3 years ago, we really enjoyed driving up to Speyside to Blue Waters Inn, and taking a trip across to Little Tobago with Franks Tours who are based there.

The trip across to Little Tobago was in a glass bottomed boat with several stops over reefs and interesting large corals. Then we had a guided tour round the island looking at the birds and other wildlife plus all the wonderful rainforest plants and trees. Finally, on the return trip we had the opportunity to snorkel over one of the reefs (equipment provided if you hadn't brought your own). Our guide was really knowledgable - and brought a powerful binocular telepscope so we could see some of the sea birds in close up. It was an excellent afternoon - and cost about $20 US each from memory.

We enjoyed it so much that we are planning on doing it all again when we are in Tobago again this year - 2nd 2 weeks in April!!

Have a wonderful honeymoon!

Jane

Stephen Turner · Post by **Stephen Turner** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:44 am

Hiring a car is a good idea, although taxis are also worth considering. The hotel recommend Sherman's auto rental, and they're a good choice -- they seem to be fair and honest, and they'll deliver the car to the hotel. Just pop into the social director's office in the hotel, and they'll sort it all out for you.

One good day trip is the Northside Road which cuts across the centre of the island through some spectacular scenery before descending to the beautiful Englishman's Bay on the Caribbean coast.

Another option would be to drive to Roxborough along the Atlantic coast, see the Argyle waterfall, and maybe up to the forest if you've got time.

Don't be deceived by the short distances. The speed limit is 50 km/h (30 mph), but on a lot of the roads you won't feel safe driving that fast. And you'll probably want to take some breaks. Personally, I think Little Tobago would make a very long day trip if you drove it yourself.

John Gilham · Post by **John Gilham** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 11:41 am

Is there still a shortage of petrol stations?
I seem to remember ques of traffic outside one clost to CoCo Reef and beig told there were only two filling stations.

Regards
John

Roland Siebenhorn · Post by **Roland Siebenhorn** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:00 pm

Hi Luise,

Don´t miss a full day boat trip with the Natural Mystic or Kalina Cats along Tobago´s coastline.
It is totally relaxing to sit on the boat and enjoy the nature, have a rum punch, stop in a desert bay for snorkeling and have a delicious barbecue after swimming. We did it in 2001 and booked
immediately one more trip for the day after.

Stephen Turner · Post by **Stephen Turner** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:06 pm

There are about half a dozen petrol stations. List at http://www.mytobago.info/carrental04.php

John Gilham · Post by **John Gilham** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:14 pm

Thanks Stephen

Without a car Its not really possible to get those photos that I love to get.
There is no hurry so to queue for fuel is no problem IF the garage is open.

I may give car hire a go in September.

Regards
John

Phil P · Post by **Phil P** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 1:20 pm

It may have been my imagination but petrol queues seemed to be more prevalent later in the day. I filled up three times in the morning and was able to drive straight to the pump - lucky perhaps!

Phil

Joanne Green · Post by **Joanne Green** » Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:13 pm

We had no problems with long lines at the gas stations. We ran into difficulties going up to Speyside. We were running low and planned to stop at the station in Roxborough. Imagine our dismay when we found the station closed and a sign on the door saying that they would open at 6PM. It was Saturday and the owners are Seventh Day Adventists and their Sabbath is that day. We went on to Charlottville and got filled up.

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Fri Mar 04, 2005 12:48 pm

Louisse,take a day of work and ramble through MYTOBAGO.You will get a taste of what you are in for and lots of suggestions/ideas of what to do and see.It is wonderful!
David