Distances and walking safety in Tobago

[Annemari Kivivuori]

Hi!

I tried to look through all the forums, but I did not find any answer to the question currently burning me.

We are going to Tobago to our honeymoon in the middle of september. We are staying near Scarborough (at half moon blue hotel). I am amazed by the amount of transportation questions going on here.

Is it impossible to walk anywhere in Tobago? We are young and outdoorsy and in fit and used to walking and running a lot. It seems to me like a waste of beautifull sceneries to hop in a taxi for 20 minutes ride to some beach or to the city.

We have had Mediterranian holidays before this one and midday in Turkey was no problem to us. So am I thinking too much of myself or do you think we manage to burn calories as well as sightseeing a bit?

Cheers,

Annemari

[Lisa Keith]

Hi Annemari

Bacolet Beach is within walking distance from Half Moon Blue, and even Scarborough itself wouldn't take you TOO long. Just make sure that you take a drink. The hot sun can take it's toll on you before you know it. I would say though, that Bacolet is really the only beach within walking distance.

When we first came to Tobago, we walked everywhere, but we were based on the south end of the island, so most things were within walking distance. It's safe to walk, as long as you behave as though you would anywhere else! Don't walk alone late at night, don't flash money around, don't wear lots of jewellery. Tobago is safe enough, and yes, you'll see much more of it walking, than you would in a taxi.

Congratulations on the upcoming wedding. I hope you'll have a great time in Tobago. I'm sure you will!

Best regards,
Lisa.

[Annemari Kivivuori]

Thank you for answering and also for congratulations. Quess they'll be needed, a lifetime together is a long way to go...

It is nice to know that we can do this as usual, for longer trips we well probably take a taxi.

Anxiously waiting to see the island,
Annemari

[David Watkins]

Hello Annemari,the point is that if you are at Crown Point,Lowlands,Scarbro' you can walk to almost everywhere in that area,however if yo are "up country"you can walk(guided) in the rain forest or along the beaches.One has to be cautious walking the roads because of the slightly erratic local(and visitor)driving abilities!!!!!
Anyhow enjoy your visit,and make certain that you say Hello! to Castara
David

[Ronald]

Hello Annemari

I'm in Tobago for the moment and I hope you will have same nice weather when you are here.

Walking distance Scarborough - Bacolet Beach is only about 30 minutes. It's a hot walk if the sky is clear, but I don't have any problems. As you are young and fit, you will be swetting of course, but so what, you are going to the beach. Alkways take a small bottle of water with you.

When going to Bacolet Beach, remember that the beach bar belongs to hotel Blue Heaven, all prices are therefore hotel-prices. But, beside the road in front of the stairs which are going down to the beach, there you find a small local place. Buy water, soft drinks and so on there, it might cost at least twice more at the beach bar. The water for example is imported!

Bacolet Beach is nice, it's a flat beach. But I've been told that not swim outside the cliffs because there migh be strong currents there on-off.

As David say, you can walk nearly everywhere, but take care of the drivers, they aren't all good drivers! You can also rent a bike in the Crown Point area and take the road at the Carribean side, from Crown Point via Bucco, Mt Irvine, Black Rock and Arnos Vale. After Arnos Vale the road has very sharp hills! Get a map and have a look.

But, all roads have pot holes and the roads are also narrow.

Good luck, write back if you have more questions
Ronald

[Gabriele]

Ciao Annemari. Ronald in the previous reply has probably made a typing mistake, adding a zero to the time to reach Bacolet beach from the hotel where you will be staying: it's only a few hundred meters away (maybe 5 minutes walk). Bacolet beach is on the Atlantic side, some days the water is more 'live' than on the caribbean side. however, has always been a safe and pleasant water ( live in Bacolet and with my children we swim regularly). Running: there are several trails you will enjoy in Tobago. From your hotel accomodation you may reach the Top of the hill (fort george) through a 'short cut'. I will be glad to give you enough trails details to explore and enjoy when you will be on the island. Taxi, bus or bicycle are great alternatives even in combination with the running to take you almost everywear and remember it's a good size island but is not gigantic! A presto!
see you

[Annemari Kivivuori]

Thank you everybody for quick answers.

Come to think of it, I would also like to ask something else. Usually when we go on holiday, I take my older clothes with me and give them to charity at the end of the holiday. This way I get more room for suveniers and a better conscience.

Does anybody know whether there is somekind of charitycenter in Tobago? I know Tobagonians are not so poor people, but normally there is this kind of activity everywhere. I would really appreciate the information.

Annemari

[Gisela Grell]

Hi Annemarie,

sorry I don't know about a charity center in Tobago but I'm sure the churches will have something like this. As you said the people in Tobago are not poor but surely appreciate nice clothes.
I normally leave some clothes to friends when I go there. It works like: "Hey this shirt is really nice" and at the end of my holidays I leave it for the one who told me. Sometimes I bring clothes for the children of my friends and they are all happy about that.

When you are there and walk around you will get in touch with many people because of their wide open heard and mind. You will surely find somebody to leave your clothes and become friend with.

Enjoy your time on Tobago and have a big wedding party!
Cheers