updated Ferry info.

[Elizabeth Anderson]

Greetings:

Brand new here. Trying to get to Tobago from Trinidad (and back) for a few days at the end of April/beginning of May and air is booked solid. Wondering if anyone has an update on how the fast ferry has been running.

Thanks in advance

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Elizabeth

Welcome aboard!

No sooner had I started typing this than an email shot in from Yes Tourism saying they had just seen your post and telling me that the airbridge is indeed fully booked for that weekend, due to the Tobago Jazz Festival. Sadly the same applies to the ferry. So, although the fast ferry is running fine, but it looks like you might be a little late for tickets I'm afraid. Tobago will be FULL that weekend.

You can get more information on the ferries from our article and links provided at menu: Tobago/Getting To Tobago/Ferry.

[Clyde Alleyne]

Elizabeth, for sure all flights and ferry tickets are booked solid from Wednesday onwards because of the Jazz Festival. You MIGHT have some luck if you investigate ferry tickets to Tobago for Monday or Tuesday, returning to Trinidad mid-week the following week. Otherwise you are definitely out of luck for travel/return immediately before/after the weekend.
Clyde

[Annie Reardon]

Hello- First trip to Tobago May 16! Flying into Trinidad arriving POS at 9:30 pm.

Departing next morning for 10 a.m. ferry.

Question- how do I buy ferry tickets when there's a requirement to purchase at least 2 hours ahead?

Also, any recommendations for overnight in Trinidad? Just enough time for sleeping so extras aren't a necessity!

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Annie

Sorry, never made the ferry crossing and its relatively unusual for visitors to cross that way, so not something that I've seen any comment on. I don't know if our Ferry article (Tobago/Getting To Tobago/Ferry) or links on that page shed any light on the mater.

As regards overnights, we normally recommend Leo's Place. See Tobago/Getting To Tobago/Air Services/Overnight Accommodation).

Hope this helps.

[Annie Reardon]

Hi again- I had researched all the info on your site...Leo's Place seems to be THE place, but it is already booked for that date. Other mentions have been Sadila, and Airport Suites, but don't really have too much info on them.

I chose the ferry because I really hate (read- am terrified of) flying, but do to travel times on return, have to fly TOB to POS!

The ferry seemed like an adventure of sorts, too!

Am staying at Sea Breeze 5 days and Top River Pearl 5 days....CAN'T WAIT!!

Thanks again!!

[Brian Taylor]

hi annie

not an expert in buying tickets (I usually let ali do that) I know that you can buy them at certain post offices in tobago, too. maybe the same applies for trinidad.... where is cleyde when you need him? cleyde? where are you? any input? (hope I did not spell that name wrong, by the way)

otherwise you might like to ask yes tourism (not to buy the tickets, just if they know how to do it).

the ride is on the boat is quite nice sionce we have the fast ferries running. unfortunately not much space outside, but outback you can join the smokers to get some non'aircondition air... walk with long sleeves, the aircon is a bit cold sometimes (I usually walk with a blanket...but I am here since years now, maybe I am too soft already )

hope you reach safe and well...

steph

[Annie Reardon]

Hi steph!

Can't wait to meet you and spend time in your beautiful place on the bay!

I'll do more research with the site you mentioned.

See you in 12 days!

annie and cait

[Brian Taylor]

wow, so soon. time is running so fast, I always keep my eyes on the next two days at the time

have a safe trip
steph

[Clyde Alleyne]

Annie, if my calendar serves me correctly, you're flying in on a Wednesday and then plan to take the Thursday 10 am ferry sailing.
First, your question:
* Can you buy a ferry ticket just before sailing?
Yes, you can buy a ferry ticket at the port on the same morning that you sail. It's done all the time. Its a "regular" work day and not the beginning of a long weekend or anything like that, so the passenger load for the ferry will be relatively normal and therefore there will be lots of room on the ferry. To be sure, you should be at the port at least by 8AM to buy your ticket as there will inevitably be a longish line of passengers buying last minute tickets. BUT I suggest that you overnight in Port of Spain itself, as the rush hour traffic into Port of Spain is horrendous. If you were staying near the airport for example, it can take upwards of 1 1/2 hours to get from the airport to the port at that hour of the morning.

But I would recommend that you NOT take the ferry to Tobago. It's not because the ferry ride itself is terrible, quite the contrary, the ride is quite pleasant (although for the types prone to seasickness I would recommend Dramamine before sailing for the POS-Tobago leg). Since you will be coming on holiday I will assume that you would probably have 2 suitcases plus a carry-on. That would be very cumbersome for you to handle as there are no porters and no baggage carts at the port to assist with baggage. The ferry service is best travelled light, with just a single piece of carry-on sized luggage for this reason. This would be how the locals travel - unless someone was taking a car over, in which case the car could be loaded up with as much as it could carry.

It would be much better for you to find somewhere close to the airport and catch one of the Tobago Express flights over in the morning. Just bear in mind the baggage allowance differences between international flights and Tobago Express. Read this thread for some earlier discussion on that point. http://www.mytobago.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4398

I'm afraid I can't help with an accommodation recommendation, as I have never had a need for this type of overnight accommodation. Hope this helps.

Clyde

[Annie Reardon]

Clyde,

Thank you for your thorough information. It is starting to sound like the flight over would be the best thing to do. I guess I will look into to that next.

So the only problem is a place to stay, near the airport. Perhaps I'll post in a different forum to hopefully get some possible choices.

Thank you so much!

Annie

[Clyde Alleyne]

You're welcome, Annie. I'm glad to be able to help. The flight to Tobago is short and rarely bumpy so its not too scary! I'm sure you'll have a great time in Tobago.
Clyde