Things to do in Tobago
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Philip
Things to do in Tobago
A very nice family enquired recently, whether I could give them some suggestions on things to do in Tobago. Below are some of my suggestions, which I hope my help other travelers. For the sake of clarification, I live in Trinidad, and visit tobago regularly.
If you like Golf there are two courses. The new one at the Hilton is superb, according to reports. Mount Irvine is also a challenging championship quality course. Its not like playing in England where you have to battle through the masses, it quiet and relaxing. Carts and Club rental is available.
Renting a car is also a must, to enjoy the beauty of Tobago. A trip along the North coast to the rain forest is a wonderful drive. There are some great beaches if you don't mind a bit of a hike. Also along the south side of the Island, a trip to Charlotville is worth while. Charlotville is a small fishing village, in the north east corner of the Island.
The tour to Buccoo Reef is in my opiniion a must. You get boats at both Store Bay, (near the airport) or at Buccoo, near mount Irvine. You are taken to the reef, (the boat is glass bottom) from there you go to the edge of the reef and you can swim with hundreds of tropical fish. It is not deep about 4 feet, and you are provided with a snorkle / mask / and shoes. Also you go to Nylon pool a shallow coral sand bank in the sea. you can swim there. On the way back you enjoy a rum punch and conclude this is what we work hard for. A great half day out. Please though be nice to our reef.
Scuba diving is also worth consideration. whether your a beginner or an expert. You can arrange this at the hotel or many other places. Beginners normally get a quick lesson in the hotel pool, and then go to one of the reefs. There is a reef at store bay, which you can walk out to, and dive to about 30 feet. Ideal for the novice.
If you feel for some local partying, Sunday School is a great place to go. It occurs believe it or not on Sunday Evenings at Buccoo Village, and basically it is a street party with Trini music, beer dancing. local food and snacks Both locals and tourists are in abundance.
Also there is a casino to the west of Scarborough. Hardly Las Vegas, but a night out nevertheless.
Horse Riding, if your into it is available at a few places, you will see signs on the road. One I have been to with my kids (they are too small to ride but they like to harrass the horses chickens ducks and dogs) is Looking Out Stables, in the hills above, Mount Irvine. They have about 8 or so ex race horses, and do rides to the beach etc. There are other stables too.
At store Bay you have to try Miss Jeans curry crab and dumpling a local dish. Hard work to eat. The crab is still in the shell. but well worth the mess and the effort. If you like curry and you like crab, you will love it together.
That should keep you busy enough after all Tobago is a place to relax and unwind. Enjoy our Island and let me know if I can assist you with anything else.
Philip
If you like Golf there are two courses. The new one at the Hilton is superb, according to reports. Mount Irvine is also a challenging championship quality course. Its not like playing in England where you have to battle through the masses, it quiet and relaxing. Carts and Club rental is available.
Renting a car is also a must, to enjoy the beauty of Tobago. A trip along the North coast to the rain forest is a wonderful drive. There are some great beaches if you don't mind a bit of a hike. Also along the south side of the Island, a trip to Charlotville is worth while. Charlotville is a small fishing village, in the north east corner of the Island.
The tour to Buccoo Reef is in my opiniion a must. You get boats at both Store Bay, (near the airport) or at Buccoo, near mount Irvine. You are taken to the reef, (the boat is glass bottom) from there you go to the edge of the reef and you can swim with hundreds of tropical fish. It is not deep about 4 feet, and you are provided with a snorkle / mask / and shoes. Also you go to Nylon pool a shallow coral sand bank in the sea. you can swim there. On the way back you enjoy a rum punch and conclude this is what we work hard for. A great half day out. Please though be nice to our reef.
Scuba diving is also worth consideration. whether your a beginner or an expert. You can arrange this at the hotel or many other places. Beginners normally get a quick lesson in the hotel pool, and then go to one of the reefs. There is a reef at store bay, which you can walk out to, and dive to about 30 feet. Ideal for the novice.
If you feel for some local partying, Sunday School is a great place to go. It occurs believe it or not on Sunday Evenings at Buccoo Village, and basically it is a street party with Trini music, beer dancing. local food and snacks Both locals and tourists are in abundance.
Also there is a casino to the west of Scarborough. Hardly Las Vegas, but a night out nevertheless.
Horse Riding, if your into it is available at a few places, you will see signs on the road. One I have been to with my kids (they are too small to ride but they like to harrass the horses chickens ducks and dogs) is Looking Out Stables, in the hills above, Mount Irvine. They have about 8 or so ex race horses, and do rides to the beach etc. There are other stables too.
At store Bay you have to try Miss Jeans curry crab and dumpling a local dish. Hard work to eat. The crab is still in the shell. but well worth the mess and the effort. If you like curry and you like crab, you will love it together.
That should keep you busy enough after all Tobago is a place to relax and unwind. Enjoy our Island and let me know if I can assist you with anything else.
Philip
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Allan & Maria in Tobago
Things to do in Tobago
Thanks Philip for your ideas. We went to Buccoo Reef on the trip you suggested and did indeed see some colourful fish. Oe bit of advise to anyone else booking this trip is that on our trip with Fun Sun we were not provided with footwear and if you have some waterproof shoes to wear, do so, as one of us picked up some good grazes as the water is so shallow.
Another idea for those who enjoy wildlife is to visit Arnos Vale Hotel where at 4pm they feed the birds from the hotel terrace. They use various types of feeder to entice various types of hummngbird, motmots, woodpeckers and cocrico as well as the usual doves and a blue bird whose name we can't remember! We spent a lovely hour up there. Tea/coffee, basic sandwiches and cake are provided for a rather steep TT$44 but we guess you're paying for the "entertainment" laid on! We found afterwards that you could pay for just the drink so would recommend that you skip the sarnies/cake! We're off this afternoon for a trip on Cocomotion - a speedboat which takes you out along the coast dolphin/ray/turtle spotting and snorkelling. Will post a review on this later too.
Also, those interested in watching the turtles lay eggs on the beaches, we found that the Seahorse Inn (food review to follow)will take your details and phone you at your hotel during the nights you are in the area if a turtle lands and starts egg-laying (you will have about 1.5 hours between start and finish of laying to get there!). However it seems this is not a particularly regular occurence. We have not received a call the last 4 nights and they said they had only had 2 turtles land so far on that beach (Grafton/Grand Courlan area) and neither had laid. We also called in at the Rex Turtle Beach and asked there. The guy we spoke to didn't seem very knowledgeable but said they had had a turtle lay eggs the previous night.
Overall, our advice is, just hire a car and explore - we've found some great beaches and petrol is very cheap though the hire we have hired is costing us TT$250 per day (Econocar by the airport).
Hope this helps some fellow holidaymakers.
Another idea for those who enjoy wildlife is to visit Arnos Vale Hotel where at 4pm they feed the birds from the hotel terrace. They use various types of feeder to entice various types of hummngbird, motmots, woodpeckers and cocrico as well as the usual doves and a blue bird whose name we can't remember! We spent a lovely hour up there. Tea/coffee, basic sandwiches and cake are provided for a rather steep TT$44 but we guess you're paying for the "entertainment" laid on! We found afterwards that you could pay for just the drink so would recommend that you skip the sarnies/cake! We're off this afternoon for a trip on Cocomotion - a speedboat which takes you out along the coast dolphin/ray/turtle spotting and snorkelling. Will post a review on this later too.
Also, those interested in watching the turtles lay eggs on the beaches, we found that the Seahorse Inn (food review to follow)will take your details and phone you at your hotel during the nights you are in the area if a turtle lands and starts egg-laying (you will have about 1.5 hours between start and finish of laying to get there!). However it seems this is not a particularly regular occurence. We have not received a call the last 4 nights and they said they had only had 2 turtles land so far on that beach (Grafton/Grand Courlan area) and neither had laid. We also called in at the Rex Turtle Beach and asked there. The guy we spoke to didn't seem very knowledgeable but said they had had a turtle lay eggs the previous night.
Overall, our advice is, just hire a car and explore - we've found some great beaches and petrol is very cheap though the hire we have hired is costing us TT$250 per day (Econocar by the airport).
Hope this helps some fellow holidaymakers.
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John
Things to do in Tobago
Bet you cant wait to get back to sunny Sussex we had no rain now for 2weeks or more around 12-16deg so thats nice spring sunshine. Pleased to read your report we are Off in May have you been to Little Tobago yet? will be interested if you do. We intend to do some Bird watching and also two day trip to Asa Wright and Caroni on Trinidad. Your Car sounds cheep did it include CWD ??. Enjoy the rest of your stay.
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Jorg Kilian
Dear Allan & Maria,
you just said that a certain reef-tour-operator did not supply you with shoes to walk on the reef - this is wise. The problem is that the coral reef is very sensitive. Tourism can be a threat to the reef e.g. if visitors walk on the reef or break out corals. Reefs are in danger worldwide and the Buccoo Reef already suffered - but we should give further generations the chance to enjoy the beauty of the coral reefs. So please enjoy it with your eyes, don't walk on it and don't break out any corals - and better go with a reef-tour-operator who does not provide shoes...
you just said that a certain reef-tour-operator did not supply you with shoes to walk on the reef - this is wise. The problem is that the coral reef is very sensitive. Tourism can be a threat to the reef e.g. if visitors walk on the reef or break out corals. Reefs are in danger worldwide and the Buccoo Reef already suffered - but we should give further generations the chance to enjoy the beauty of the coral reefs. So please enjoy it with your eyes, don't walk on it and don't break out any corals - and better go with a reef-tour-operator who does not provide shoes...
- Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak

- Posts: 4856
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Buccoo Reef
Hi Allan & Maria
May I not only endorse Jorg’s comments, but actually take the issue a lot further.
Buccoo Reef has been largely destroyed by visitors and locals touching the reef in their ignorance. I speak with the authority of someone who first visited Buccoo Reef in the 50s when it was one of the wonders of the world. I last visited the reef in the early ‘80s. I kid you – I broke down in tears when I saw the destruction that had occurred and what a shadow it was of its former glory. That was 20 years ago and I have not visited the reef since because the situation has got worse, not better.
Each strand of coral takes over a hundred years to grow. Anyone walking on, or touching, that coral kills it immediately. It’s as simple as that. Visitors should also remember that coral can be poisonous and some types of coral can even give you third-degree chemical burns. So, apart from the fact that you shouldn’t want to destroy the coral, if you scratch yourself, you could end up spending several days of your holiday in bed. But at least you won’t be dead, like the coral that scratched you.
I know that Buccoo is now a protected marine park, but as far as I’m concerned, nobody should be allowed near the reef other than a small number of knowledgeable, licensed and regularly-inspected glass-bottom boat operators. Nobody – either local or visitor – should be allowed in the water anywhere near the reef. Without these restrictions, future generations will never have the opportunity to see the wonders of a live, vibrant coral reef.
You mentioned that you went to Buccoo Reef with “Fun Sun” and say that they did not provide you with footwear. Your following sentence implies that they allowed you to swim immediately adjacent to, or on, a shallow area of the reef. Please, please confirm whether this was the case.
All the local tour operators know that contact kills the coral, so I am keen to name and shame those who put greed before the environment (and I hasten to add that although I have a beard, I do not wear sandals except when in Tobago and I am NOT an eco-nut). Please confirm whether or not this tour operator gave your party any warning that touching the coral would kill it. Was the tour operator aware that you were swimming close enough to the reef to make contact with it? Your help would be much appreciated.
Incidentally, I’m unable to find any trace of a “Fun Sun” and assume you mean “Sun Fun”. Perhaps you would confirm this point as I would hate to accuse the wrong firm of being irresponsible.
Thanks for your other feedback – I’m sure it will be of use to many.
May I not only endorse Jorg’s comments, but actually take the issue a lot further.
Buccoo Reef has been largely destroyed by visitors and locals touching the reef in their ignorance. I speak with the authority of someone who first visited Buccoo Reef in the 50s when it was one of the wonders of the world. I last visited the reef in the early ‘80s. I kid you – I broke down in tears when I saw the destruction that had occurred and what a shadow it was of its former glory. That was 20 years ago and I have not visited the reef since because the situation has got worse, not better.
Each strand of coral takes over a hundred years to grow. Anyone walking on, or touching, that coral kills it immediately. It’s as simple as that. Visitors should also remember that coral can be poisonous and some types of coral can even give you third-degree chemical burns. So, apart from the fact that you shouldn’t want to destroy the coral, if you scratch yourself, you could end up spending several days of your holiday in bed. But at least you won’t be dead, like the coral that scratched you.
I know that Buccoo is now a protected marine park, but as far as I’m concerned, nobody should be allowed near the reef other than a small number of knowledgeable, licensed and regularly-inspected glass-bottom boat operators. Nobody – either local or visitor – should be allowed in the water anywhere near the reef. Without these restrictions, future generations will never have the opportunity to see the wonders of a live, vibrant coral reef.
You mentioned that you went to Buccoo Reef with “Fun Sun” and say that they did not provide you with footwear. Your following sentence implies that they allowed you to swim immediately adjacent to, or on, a shallow area of the reef. Please, please confirm whether this was the case.
All the local tour operators know that contact kills the coral, so I am keen to name and shame those who put greed before the environment (and I hasten to add that although I have a beard, I do not wear sandals except when in Tobago and I am NOT an eco-nut). Please confirm whether or not this tour operator gave your party any warning that touching the coral would kill it. Was the tour operator aware that you were swimming close enough to the reef to make contact with it? Your help would be much appreciated.
Incidentally, I’m unable to find any trace of a “Fun Sun” and assume you mean “Sun Fun”. Perhaps you would confirm this point as I would hate to accuse the wrong firm of being irresponsible.
Thanks for your other feedback – I’m sure it will be of use to many.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Allan
Dear Steve & Jorg,
We actually share your sentiments on Buccoo Reef. The trip was with Sun Fun as you guessed. Where we moored up was shallow water over rocks and Maria grazed her knees and ankles on rocks rather than coral but we didn't consider the area to be suitable for snorkelling as it was so shallow and you couldn't help knock any coral that was there. Also the waves made it difficult to keep steady for amateurs like us! The trip out was fine with good views through the glass bottom of the boat but we agree that the reef has clearly been damaged over the years by being over-visited and as such was a bit disappointing.
On a more positive note, we also took a trip out with Cocomotion (based at Mt Irvine Bay). This was a fast speedboat which took us along the coast to just past Castara where we anchored up in an unnamed bay and snorkelled with the boat's captain. This was excellent as he managed to point out a green turtle resting on the ocean bottom to us, and also a large moray eel, as well as a very rare type of golden hamlet fish. He came into the water with us which really enhanced a great afternoon. The reefs we visited were deep enough (10-15ft in the main) for us not to do any damage to them, but the sea was so beautifully clear we had no problem spotting some wonderful fish and coral. The cost was US$60 per person including a drink and carrot cake on board and 2 stops for snorkelling. Apparently they also often spot dolphin but we were unlucky. Add to this the feeling of moving along movie-star like in a speedboat....
Steve - perhaps you might like to post this part of our mail as a separate report as we highly recommend this trip.
We actually share your sentiments on Buccoo Reef. The trip was with Sun Fun as you guessed. Where we moored up was shallow water over rocks and Maria grazed her knees and ankles on rocks rather than coral but we didn't consider the area to be suitable for snorkelling as it was so shallow and you couldn't help knock any coral that was there. Also the waves made it difficult to keep steady for amateurs like us! The trip out was fine with good views through the glass bottom of the boat but we agree that the reef has clearly been damaged over the years by being over-visited and as such was a bit disappointing.
On a more positive note, we also took a trip out with Cocomotion (based at Mt Irvine Bay). This was a fast speedboat which took us along the coast to just past Castara where we anchored up in an unnamed bay and snorkelled with the boat's captain. This was excellent as he managed to point out a green turtle resting on the ocean bottom to us, and also a large moray eel, as well as a very rare type of golden hamlet fish. He came into the water with us which really enhanced a great afternoon. The reefs we visited were deep enough (10-15ft in the main) for us not to do any damage to them, but the sea was so beautifully clear we had no problem spotting some wonderful fish and coral. The cost was US$60 per person including a drink and carrot cake on board and 2 stops for snorkelling. Apparently they also often spot dolphin but we were unlucky. Add to this the feeling of moving along movie-star like in a speedboat....
Steve - perhaps you might like to post this part of our mail as a separate report as we highly recommend this trip.
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Allan
John,
Return to Sussex is sadly approaching fast. In answer to your questions, we paid an additional TT$50 per day for CDW on the car. This limits liability to TT$30,000 instead of a maximum of TT$100,000 and we decided it was worth taking this as there are plenty of potholes out here to negotiate! This was through Econo-car at the airport. The car has been fine although I previously had one of their vehicles which got us everywhere but rather noisily and not v quickly! However speaking to other tourists it seems to be a problem with most hire cars on the island, whatever the company!
Ref Little Tobago, we went yesterday and enjoyed it - excellent for seeing the tropic birds and frigate birds as well as boobies, though at a distance. We were shown a baby tropic bird in a nest close up, as well as a baby shearwater. There were also plenty of other local birds coming in to the water provided by guides as there is no water source on the island and especially at this time of year, the birds would suffer and fly to the main island if this wasn't done. The whole area is generally rich in birdlife so I'm sure you'll enjoy it. We also did some good snorkelling on the way back by boat, in the rain in fact as it poured down yesterday for a change (though still v hot!)
Return to Sussex is sadly approaching fast. In answer to your questions, we paid an additional TT$50 per day for CDW on the car. This limits liability to TT$30,000 instead of a maximum of TT$100,000 and we decided it was worth taking this as there are plenty of potholes out here to negotiate! This was through Econo-car at the airport. The car has been fine although I previously had one of their vehicles which got us everywhere but rather noisily and not v quickly! However speaking to other tourists it seems to be a problem with most hire cars on the island, whatever the company!
Ref Little Tobago, we went yesterday and enjoyed it - excellent for seeing the tropic birds and frigate birds as well as boobies, though at a distance. We were shown a baby tropic bird in a nest close up, as well as a baby shearwater. There were also plenty of other local birds coming in to the water provided by guides as there is no water source on the island and especially at this time of year, the birds would suffer and fly to the main island if this wasn't done. The whole area is generally rich in birdlife so I'm sure you'll enjoy it. We also did some good snorkelling on the way back by boat, in the rain in fact as it poured down yesterday for a change (though still v hot!)
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M Doolan
Buocco Reef Snorkelling\
My partner and I have just returned from Tobago on September this year. We took a glasss bottom boat out from Pigeon Point. I have always considered myself a good swimmer. We were provided with footwear and snorkel and mask. We were also told not to stand on the coral and I was very conscious of this. However, I do feel this is an accident waiting to happen. The sea was really choppy the day we went out and I got into real trouble. I kept swimming and swimming and was getting nowhere. The guide on the boat was loking after some non swimmers. Gary, my partner knew I was in trouble and he was trying to help me. However, neither of us could even walk against the current and we were struggling to get back to the boat. I started to panic and I kept scratching my legs and feet on the coral - and boy did it hurt! Gary, being concerned for me and trying to help me, also got hurt by the coral. Fortunately, as there were another two boats in the same vicinity the guides from these boats helped me to get back to my boat. I didn't enjoy the experience and stayed on board for the rest of the tri[. If you do go at this time of the year - please be careful.
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Steve Davis
We arrived back from Tobago today - we also went out on a glass bottom boat from Pigeon Point. I felt that the guide/driver was a little on the casual side when it can to safety - so much so, that my girlfriend wouldn't go into the water to do the snorkelling. I did and felt the water to be fine and totally enjoyed it, especially as this was my first time in doing so! I would most recommend a trip out there, but do check the weather first...just go on a good day and you will be fine.
Also, we to took a trip out on the 'CocoMotion' speedboat and snorkelling trip. This is still $60 US and TOTALLY WORTHWHILE!!! The captain knows the area very well, knows the fish, provides anyone who wants one with a floatation device, which allows you to do all the snorkelling without all the swimming - we both did this trip and were in excellent care! Didn't see anyone dolphins though. More info on the CocoMotion is available by calling Mono (captains wife) on 639-2449
Also, we to took a trip out on the 'CocoMotion' speedboat and snorkelling trip. This is still $60 US and TOTALLY WORTHWHILE!!! The captain knows the area very well, knows the fish, provides anyone who wants one with a floatation device, which allows you to do all the snorkelling without all the swimming - we both did this trip and were in excellent care! Didn't see anyone dolphins though. More info on the CocoMotion is available by calling Mono (captains wife) on 639-2449
- Steve Pitts
- Tobago Anorak

- Posts: 710
- Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2003 11:18 am
- Location: Bristol U.K
Security whilst in Tobago
Having just returned from my fifth (and I'm sure not last) visit to the Island, I would like to offer some advice on security, based on my experiences.
Two years ago (2nd visit) my friend had his video camera snatched whilst we were at Canoe bay resort. A teenage guy just ran past our group, who were chatting by one of the cabannas on the beach, and grabbed the camera bag from the table. There were four of us, not two metres from the bag. I gave chase, but had seconds thoughts as I was being seriously outpaced by a much fitter, much younger robber who had three mates waiting in the bushes. This was an opportunist theft although some planning must have gone into its execution as Canoe bay is off the beaten track.
In April of this year we returned for a fortnights holiday. Mid-way through the visit we came into contact with a young man who was a friend of our host, who owns a property on Tobago. Our teenage daughter befriended the lad and they listened to some of her CDs for about an hour. When this guy left us, my daughter realised that four of her CDs were missing.
Despite our feelings of disbelief, our host later visited the guy and recovered the CDs from his parents house.
My latest visit (18th -25th Sept) was planned as a fishing rtip with a couple of very good friends.
We visited BUCCOO one morning to fish the beach for Bonefish and snook. the beach was deserted. We were the only people on it in either direction. We walked about half way around the beach (approx 500 meters from the village pier) and dumped our rucksacs down on the sand in a pile. My two mates wandered off along the beach to fish and I began to cast out to sea, in front of the pile of bags, one of which contained my video camera and digital stills camera. At no time was I more than 3 or 4 meters from the bags, although I must admit, I did have my back to them for around five minutes.
I turned to notice that my red bag (the other two were bright yellow) had dissapeared. The feeling of horror that came over me was one which I hope never to experience again. As I ran over to the bags, I noticed that there were marks in the sand consistant with something being dragged and these lead into the mangrove and sea grape bushes at the back of the beach.
I cautiously followed the tracks and discovered my bag, which had been up-ended, with the contents strewn upon the sand. Both cameras were there along with some items of fishing tackle. Total value would have been around £1,500. Nothing was missing. I guess that whoever had rifled the bag was looking for cash. One thing is for certain; we were followed along the beach by someone making their way through the almost inpenitrable undergrowth, in a concerted effort to rob us.
Now I know that you will say 'how stupid to leave a camera on a beach' and I have come to that conclusion myself.
But what saddens me the most is that out of five trips to Tobago, I have been witness to three separate thefts or attempted thefts, all conducted when I or my friends have been near to our own property.
In future, I will not take a video camera or any other valuables to Tobago with me. I will lock all the doors to our accomodation and our car whilst out and about and I will treat ALL young local men with extreme suspicion. I am sure that most are law abiding and friendly, but my experiences have lead me to believe that there is a high proportion who do not respect other people's property or are out to rip-off or steal from tourists.
A few years ago, Tobago was thought to be the last unspoilt Island in the Caribbean and it saddens me deeply to observe that it appears to be heading the same way as many of the others.
Please, please, if you are visiting Tobago, don't leave yourself open to becoming a victim of petty crime. It will ruin your holiday. Please keep all your valuables (minimum amount possible) on your person and don't leave any bags or items unattended, especially on the beaches where you never know who is waiting to prey on you as you go off for a swim or a walk.
Be safe, not sorry.
Steve Pitts
Two years ago (2nd visit) my friend had his video camera snatched whilst we were at Canoe bay resort. A teenage guy just ran past our group, who were chatting by one of the cabannas on the beach, and grabbed the camera bag from the table. There were four of us, not two metres from the bag. I gave chase, but had seconds thoughts as I was being seriously outpaced by a much fitter, much younger robber who had three mates waiting in the bushes. This was an opportunist theft although some planning must have gone into its execution as Canoe bay is off the beaten track.
In April of this year we returned for a fortnights holiday. Mid-way through the visit we came into contact with a young man who was a friend of our host, who owns a property on Tobago. Our teenage daughter befriended the lad and they listened to some of her CDs for about an hour. When this guy left us, my daughter realised that four of her CDs were missing.
Despite our feelings of disbelief, our host later visited the guy and recovered the CDs from his parents house.
My latest visit (18th -25th Sept) was planned as a fishing rtip with a couple of very good friends.
We visited BUCCOO one morning to fish the beach for Bonefish and snook. the beach was deserted. We were the only people on it in either direction. We walked about half way around the beach (approx 500 meters from the village pier) and dumped our rucksacs down on the sand in a pile. My two mates wandered off along the beach to fish and I began to cast out to sea, in front of the pile of bags, one of which contained my video camera and digital stills camera. At no time was I more than 3 or 4 meters from the bags, although I must admit, I did have my back to them for around five minutes.
I turned to notice that my red bag (the other two were bright yellow) had dissapeared. The feeling of horror that came over me was one which I hope never to experience again. As I ran over to the bags, I noticed that there were marks in the sand consistant with something being dragged and these lead into the mangrove and sea grape bushes at the back of the beach.
I cautiously followed the tracks and discovered my bag, which had been up-ended, with the contents strewn upon the sand. Both cameras were there along with some items of fishing tackle. Total value would have been around £1,500. Nothing was missing. I guess that whoever had rifled the bag was looking for cash. One thing is for certain; we were followed along the beach by someone making their way through the almost inpenitrable undergrowth, in a concerted effort to rob us.
Now I know that you will say 'how stupid to leave a camera on a beach' and I have come to that conclusion myself.
But what saddens me the most is that out of five trips to Tobago, I have been witness to three separate thefts or attempted thefts, all conducted when I or my friends have been near to our own property.
In future, I will not take a video camera or any other valuables to Tobago with me. I will lock all the doors to our accomodation and our car whilst out and about and I will treat ALL young local men with extreme suspicion. I am sure that most are law abiding and friendly, but my experiences have lead me to believe that there is a high proportion who do not respect other people's property or are out to rip-off or steal from tourists.
A few years ago, Tobago was thought to be the last unspoilt Island in the Caribbean and it saddens me deeply to observe that it appears to be heading the same way as many of the others.
Please, please, if you are visiting Tobago, don't leave yourself open to becoming a victim of petty crime. It will ruin your holiday. Please keep all your valuables (minimum amount possible) on your person and don't leave any bags or items unattended, especially on the beaches where you never know who is waiting to prey on you as you go off for a swim or a walk.
Be safe, not sorry.
Steve Pitts
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Anthony P
Hi Steve
Welcome back and I hope that you had a brilliant trip, other than the incident above. It so saddens me that these sort of opportunist thefts seem to be on the increase, compared to years ago. The authorities on Tobago must get a grip on this situation, or the island will start to develop a very poor reputation.
Welcome back and I hope that you had a brilliant trip, other than the incident above. It so saddens me that these sort of opportunist thefts seem to be on the increase, compared to years ago. The authorities on Tobago must get a grip on this situation, or the island will start to develop a very poor reputation.
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Katie
