Argyle Waterfalls - A Warning

[Steve Wooler]

I have received an email from a good friend on Tobago. He owns a guest house and took some guests on an island tour yesterday. They visited the Argyle Waterfalls, but left a bit later than normal, after the normal guides had left. On they way out they were intimated by men demanding money.

This confirms other reports I have heard about Argyle. For your own safety, I must therefore advise visitors that they should ONLY visit this waterfall during the peak hours of the day, when the presence of the guides will give you some degree of protection. Never visit in the early morning or late afternoon. Reports indicate that the villains concerned may even lock the gates and/or block the road to prevent you leaving the parking area before paying them off.

The matter has been drawn to the attention of the police, but I sadly confess that they have been aware of this problem for some time and I am not confident that much will be done. Hence my warning here.

[Glen O]

Thanks for the warning Steve. Wouldn't know quite what to do if confronted with such a situation and no one else was around. We'll be sure to go when guides are on duty and will go with us.

Glen

[GazHorton]

hi steve

new to this foram, basically because we are visiting tobago feb 2011. Agyle waterfalls was one of the many places we would like to of seen, but after reading your warning ( if it still applies ) we don`t think it is worth the risk, to be honest like a few places we have read about on tobago. Were thinking that we might spend most of our time in the hotel. Witch is a great shame.

thanks gary and helen

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Gaz

Thousands of tourists visit Argyle Waterfalls every year and the number of 'incidents' are few and very far between. However, my warning above remains. The critical thing is to follow the advice given - i.e. only visit the falls during NORMAL daytime hours. Like so many 'security warnings' it comes down to common sense. Going to isolated spots at quiet times of the day when there's nobody else around can be asking for trouble anywhere in the world.

If you are at all nervous, I I would advise you to book an organised tour with an established guide. If you use any of the tour guides recommended on this site you will have an enjoyable day with a small handful of other guests. My advice: if you have arranged your holiday through a large UK tour operator, avoid tours recommended by the tour operator's local rep - you will probably pay way overthe going rate and be herded around like cattle. The nature of Tobago does not suit large tour parties - so avoid any tour that comprises over 6-8 guests plus tour rep/driver.

[GazHorton]

Thanks once again steve for being so prompt, we have always taken our selves sight seeing when ever we have gone any place by hiring a car, i guess that we will take more care than normal.
we are staying at the half moon,they do hire but do you know if there is another car hire co close by to compare prices.

Thanks Gary and Helen

[Patrick Dankou]

Hello Gary,
all reputable car rental companies in Tobago deliver and pick up vehicles free of charge.