myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

I'm making the most of this superb website by asking a few questions ready for our holiday there on July 15th. So here's another one for you experienced Tobago/Coco Reef visitors if you don't mind sharing your experience again.
My husband Chris and I are keen to explore the island rather than stay at the resort all of the time - we thought we would take our light hiking shoes and wondered if you could suggest any decent walks from Coco Reef? Thanks all, Sue

Hi Sue

I'm sad to say that light hiking shoes will not be necessary while at the Coco Reef. The only "walks" in the immediate area are flat and uninteresting. A walk up to the end of Pigeon Point is probably about the only choice and the maximum elevation throughout the 20 minute journey will be 2 feet.

If you hire a vehicle, you could drive up the Caribbean Coast a little way there are various walks and if you're really into walking, a rainforest tour is a must. However, don't think the walks will be like home. I love hiking, but sadly the heat in Tobago seldom makes it an enjoyable experience after around 9am in the morning.

Sorry if my reply is not what you wanted to hear.

Hi Sue,

Whilst not wishing to contradict my learned friend Mr Wooler, I would suggest that a pair of light hiking boots, or trainer-style walking shoes would be a useful addition to the luggage, if you are keen on going 'off the beaten track'.

There are few places to hike in the area around the Coco reef, as Steve suggests, that would mean venturing off of the pavements, so all terrain sandals are more than adequate. If you do go to Pigeon Point, don't stop at the retail outlets and bars as most people do, but venture on past the wind-surfing school, to a stretch of deserted (if rather litter infested) beach. It's a nice stroll and so few people see this side of the resort.

There are a few rough tracks to Kylgwyn beach, reached from Peackock mill or Old Milford Rd, where up-graded footwear comes in handy due to the mix of unmade and sometimes muddy surfaces. Another deserted beach, where the birds, lizards and a few local fishermen are the only company you'll have.

Without question, if you are keen to explore, the central ridge and rain forest are an absolute must and a hire car or escorted excurson (try YES tourism on Pigeon Point Rd) are you're best means of getting there. If you are also into bird watching, then you'll really be missing out if you don't get this far up-island.

I do agree with Steve that the mid-day heat is not condusive to hiking, but a hat, plenty of water to drink and wearing 'breathable' clothing have enabled us to endure the heat throughout the day.

Hope that this helps
Happy hiking

Steve Pitts

Hi Steve

You are far from contradicting me - but I confess my wording was misleading. My point, which you correctly reiterated, is that Sue will not require hiking boots while attempting any walks FROM or immediately around the Coco Reef Resort. Sandals or trainers would be adequate for anything in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. However, I should have confirmed that they would be a good and sensible addition to Sue's luggage if they hired a vehicle and got away from the area around the hotel.

Thanks both Steves! Useful information as always - will report back on our exploring when we return! Sue