should i stay in one location for my first tobago visit?

Barrett · Post by **Barrett** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 6:29 pm

Hi- i would appreciate advice on my upcoming trip to tobago. My fiance and i will be there for 6 days and we are unsure if we should try and stay on two different parts of the island or pick one location, either way we are renting a jeep....but just unsure if we would get more out of staying two places or just feel ragged out?? we will be arriving from maho bay in st. johns- we do not want to be in the 'hotel district'....but also would enjoy having some sort of 'nitelife' somewhat accesable.... even if it is a tin drum band in a garage with home made brew....we are very low key!!!! we mainly just want the most authentic experience while having some creature comforts. any advice would greatly be appreciated- esp. people's fav. locations on the island. thanks so much,
barrett

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Thu Jan 12, 2006 8:59 pm

Hello Barrett

Welcome aboard!

I won't comment on specific properties because so much depends upon your budget and preferences. However, I feel with only 6 days on the island you would be best to choose one place, rather than splitting your time.

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:29 pm

Hi Barrett,I agree with Steve,make one base and,as you will have a vehicle take a couple of day trips out.As for night life-well there is not a lot of that on Tobago except in the Crown Point area,and that is not very exciting.Away from the "touristy"area "liming"is the main form of night entertainment and as for home made brew (bush rum)steer clear!!
David ,in damp Castara!

Joanne Green · Post by **Joanne Green** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 2:14 pm

Hi Barrett==

If you want a fairly "authentic" tobago experience, you should definitely stay in Castara! You have the oportunity to stay in a working fishing village. The setting is drop-dead gorgeous and there's a wide variety of accommodations available. When we were there, there was only one other Yank, so we had a great time meeting people from all over the world. There's a number of restaurants to choose from. You'll find entertainment in the form of steel bands or African drumming (Ancle at the Naturalist provides that with his weekly BBQ), or just listening to loud music at the bar on the main road. Do a search & you'll find all sorts of reviews of both accommodations and life in general in Castara. Also, being placed about halfway up the Caribbean side, the location was good. Make sure you get a jeep with automatic transmission. Unless you're used to driving on the left, trying to shift with your left hand, while trying to navagate the narrow roads can be rough. Feel free to email me with questions.

Joanne Green

Gisela Grell · Post by **Gisela Grell** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 4:31 pm

Hi Barret,,
as David and Joanne mentioned Castara would be the best place to go if you wnat to know the REAL Caribbean live. They have a lot of nice guest houses or appartements and you can reach the whole island from this place in a few hours. I know that Tobago is not a big island but the streets ar somehow to need to get used to it. You can't go very fast and should take your time exploring the island.
6 days are not much but a nice start to know the island.

Have a nice holiday wherever you decide to stay

Cheers

Barrett · Post by **Barrett** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 2:56 am

Steve, Joanne, David, and Shorty-
thanks so much for the info, i appreciate this site so much. i have never come across such a neat way to communicate with people form timbukto and so on!!!! that all love tobago! i am not one to really get on the computer and just chit chat about this and that with whomever.......
however i get it now, this bond you create when bouncing back and forth opinions and thoughts- its great
I just got back to my computer for the first time in days and i am frantic, as i leave in 5 days!!!!!!! i will look into castara after i post this- i have no idea if that is near the water or not.....could you guys tell me if there is good snorkling and nice beaches?
also any names of places yall have stayed while there?????
thanks again,
barrett

Dr Stefan Rustscheff · Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:06 am

I heartily agree that Castara is the place to stay in, or near. I always rent a villa above Englishman´s bay. There are 9 villas to choose from at a price of USD 130-250 per night. Mr Brian Taylor (Alibaba) and King David are two good tour operators for fishing and excursions in the village. Search on the net for, for example, Parrot estate or simply "villa Englishmans bay". Or stay in castara proper at, for example, Sandcastles.
Snorkelling in englishmans bay is the best on the island.
Welcome!

Roland Siebenhorn · Post by **Roland Siebenhorn** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:40 am

Hi Barrett,

I strongly suggest to fix your accomodation before you arrive Castara,
as the choice is limited. Remember, Castara is still a small fishing village and not very touristy. There are two beaches in Castara, the big main
beach and the little bay, reachable via a steep road. I can recommend
the Alibaba's Sea Breeze appartments on this bay. It's 30 seconds from
the beach and you have a great seaview from the balconies.
Here's Alibaba's website:
http://www.alibaba-tours.com
Feel free to visit my homepage for some pics of Castara:
http://www.locki.net/tobago/bilder.php
Have a nice holiday!
Roland

Sue J · Post by **Sue J** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:03 pm

I would vote for Ali Baba's too. The location is fantastic - with a view over the whole bay (take your binoculars for being nosey!), and only steps from the lovely sandy beach.

You can snorkel straight off the beach in front of the apartments - the coral is in pretty good condition and there are a wide variety of fish. There are even fish and coral identification books as part of the inhouse 'library' at the apartments.

Since you are only coming for a few days, I would suggest that you stock up at the Penny Savers supermarket when you arrive (see elsewhere on the site for full info). Supplies in Castara are pretty limited, and by the time you're all relaxed the last thing you will want is to have to go find whatever it is you are missing. In terms of kitchen things, Ali baba's apartments are really well equipped, so you would be able to buy fish to cook at the fish market in the village as well as sampling the local restaurants.

Whatever you do, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

David Watkins · Post by **David Watkins** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:09 pm

Hello again Barrett,you should definitely book ahead as there is not a great deal of accomadation here.Castara is a working fishing village so it is indeed right on the sea.In Heavenly(Little)Bay the reef starts practically on the beach and you will see all sorts of fascinating creatures including sting rays and over the last couple of weeks a juvenile turtle seems to have made its home here.
Enjoy your stay,and if you do make it to Castara look me up at the Naturalist for a beer!
Regards David.

myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

should i stay in one location for my first tobago visit?

should i stay in one location for my first tobago visit?

thanks guys...and yet another question!!!

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