Seeking advice on a tour of Tobago

[Sally B.]

My husband and I are planning to visit Tobago next winter. We will spend three weeks, and would like to travel around the island, staying at 3 or 4 different locations. We are looking for advice on which areas would allow us to see all of the island conveniently.
We intend to start out in the Crown Point area, probably at the Crown Point Beach Hotel. We were thinking about moving on to Castara next, then to either Charlotteville or Speyside.
Our main questions are: Which (Charlotteville or Speyside) would be recommended as a base? Is there a location further down the south side (we are thinking of a clockwise circuit of the island) which would be a good place to stay? How much time would we need at each location?
We have traveled in the Caribbean a good deal and enjoy a variety of things, particularly beach sitting, snorkeling, hiking and golf, and plan to do some of all those. We like to have a water view if not a beach front location, and usually stay in self catering accomodations, although hotels are okay, at least for a few nights. We would rent a car for the duration of our stay.
Another question: are there beaches on Tobago where lounge chairs are available for those who are not staying in a hotel? (Rentals would be fine.)
We would appreciate any advice! Sally B.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Sally

Welcome aboard!

A clockwise circuit of the island would be a great idea. However, remember that the island is only 26 miles long by 7.5 miles wide, so it doesn't really matter where you base yourself. In three weeks, I would suggest that either 3 or 4 bases would be the best choice and your selection of locations would be ideal.

I would personally far prefer Charlotteville to Speyside, as villages. Mind you, we love the Blue Waters Inn in Speyside (just outside to be accurate) and it is the only decent accommodation I know of in Speyside. The two villages are only 10-minutes drive away, over a pretty 'mountain' pass so if you wanted a four-location holiday, it could be worth staying at both, so you've got Crown Point-Castara-Charlotteville-Speyside. There's nowhere between Speyside and Scarborough/Crown Point that would merit a major stop IMHO.

The only two beaches on Tobago where you pay an entrance fee and can use sun loungers are Pigeon Point and Canoe Bay.

Just one final point. If you are the sort of couple who love the wildness of Tobago, you might prefer to start your tour somewhere just outside Crown Point rather than in the area. Anywhere in the Buccoo-Arnos Vale area would leave you within a 10-20 minute drive of Crown Point, but be away from the commercialised lowland areas.

[Sally B.]

Thanks for the info. Where in the Buccoo/Arnos Vale area would you recommend? Our priority in accomodations is generally space(we require 2 beds and like to have a sitting area and kitchenette) and location over luxury. We like to be either on a beach, or up high with a water view and lovely breezes.
Also, how would you compare the Man o' War beach cottages with Cholson Chalet in Charlotteville? Both interest us, but we have not found much information on Cholson Chalet.
I'm also wondering how really busy the Crown Point area is? Is crime an issue there? If so, how much of an issue?
Sally B.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Sally

There's a host of accommodation between Buccoo and Arnos Vale. It obviously depends upon how much you wish to pay. You will find very few beachside properties for two - only luxury villas and hotels. Your best bet is to wade through our listings and try to spot likely property. We're glad to answer specific questions, but general questions like yours are very difficult to answer.

Both the Cholson Chalets and the Man O' War Bay Cottages are highly basic. The Cholson Chalets are in better condition - always immaculately painted - but have a poor location in some respects. They're on the shore line, but not beach. The MOWBC are right on the beach at a good swimming position, but you are totally paying for the location, so don't expect high levels of comfort. No, Cholson Chalets do not have a website, so it is difficult to get information on them. If you contact them and get any price info, please let me know so that I can update our records. They're one of the places we cant contact by email.

How busy is Crown Point? It's all relative. Its a lot quieter than Maryland. In fact, it's probaly as quiet as a Maryland suberb at 4am on a Monday morning.