Snorkelling at Charlotteville?

[Neil Roberts]

We are planning another trip to Tobago for next year and a week at Charlotteville is very tempting. Could somone advise / comment on what the snorkelling is like from the village beach. Many thanks, Neil Roberts.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Neil

There is reasonable snorkelling directly off the village beach. However, by far the best idea is to walk to Pirate's Bay beach (or get a fisherman to run you out by boat) where you will be able to use the reef at the mouth of that bay. If you're a really good swimmer you could swim it. If memory serves me correctly, the reef starts almost at the end of the village pier and curves across the mouth of Pirate's Bay.

If you're staying in Charlotteville and like snorkelling, get a fisherman to take you round the Cambleton headland to Lover's Bay. There is some magical snorkelling there - arguably the best on the island.

[Paul Williams]

Hi Neil
I have to endorse all that Steve says above but a very good option with regard to going to Lovers Bay which was by far the best snorkelling we encountered on our recent trip is to go on a sea kayak with Clark from Tobago Sea Kayaking Experience not only will he take you to the best spots but he will also snorkel with you and point out the special things.
It is a really wonderful way to see the parts of Man of war bay that are not normally accessible.

[Joanne Green]

Dear Steve--

How hard is it to find a fisherman to take you over to Lover's Bay? Do you just approach one of them on the beach? How much do you pay them? I take it that they stay with you, rather than dropping you off and returning for you. Is that the case?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Joanne

To be honest, it's many years since I've done it personally and I've got no idea of cost nowadays. However, it should be very easy indeed. Just wander along the beachfront to the area around the fishing co-operative - that's where all the fishermen will be. You just negotiate what you want. Generally they drop you then come back later, but I see no reason why they wouldn't wait if you only intend staying there an hour or two.

As Paul says, going with Clark Weissinger of Tobago Sea Kayaks is a brilliant way.

[Neil Roberts]

Thank you both for the advice. I assume that this sea kayaking nonsense is based at Charlotteville and isn't one of the 'extreme' type of experiences, involving huge distances, huge waves, huge sharks, Ray Mears, etc.? It is now several years since I left the S.A.S.!! Best wishes, Neil.

[Steve Wooler]

Neil - it is far from nonsense. It happens to be an extremely pleasant way for people of any physical ability to experience the beauty of Man O' War Bay. Yes, if you were to ask Clark to take you outside the Bay you would need to be very fit and experienced, but not within the calmer waters of the main bay.

[Marc Jones]

I'm desperately trying to book with Clark but he doesn't seem to have as much success with email as I would have hoped!

Admittedly he runs on Tobago time but the internet is a global medium baby.

[Steve Wooler]

Not in Tobago, it ain't. I've known telephone cables to be down for several months.

He's there, because I've had correspondence with him this week. Are you sure you've got the right email address - [email protected]

[Marc Jones]

Yes mate. I had one reply but then tried making a booking and he slipped off the radar.

I have two weeks to go, no panic yet

[Steve Wooler]

I would just send him a reminder. That's Tobago for you.

[Diana Clarke]

Whilst staying at Cholston villas I have on several occasions made a swim from the pier round to Pirates Bay. The reef comes out quite far but the snorkling is great I have seen many fish and have felt quite safe. I am going back there in January and will try taking a fishing boat to Lovers Bay.

[Neil Roberts]

Dear Diane, My wife, who is the swimmer of the family, is now looking forward to that swim; for me it will either be the walk or a boat! Thanks for the info. Kind regards, Neil

[Neil Roberts]

Sorry, I've just seen that I've got your name wrong. I really should wear my specs all the time! Vanity, vanity! Neil.

[Kevin Hampson]

Hi Neil,
I was round at Pirates Bay in October, really good snorkleing at both ends of the beach, no bother from the beach vendors and the boat trip from Charlotville is only a couple of quid which is well worth it.

Only two minor points to look out for, there is not a lot of shade so take plenty of sun cream and at high tide there is not a lot left at the ends of the beach so keep an eye on the incoming water.

Regards
Kevin

[Neil Roberts]

Dear Kevin, thanks for the info. We only had time for a very brief visit to Charlotteville when we visited Tobago for the first time last July and we are really looking forward to spending some relaxing days there next year. As you can imagine, all the background information really helps to whet the appetite. Best wishes, Neil.

[Kevin Hampson]

Hi Neil,
this was the first year we have made it to Pirates Bay, last year there was a land slip on the on the path and we didn't want to risk it. Having got there in October I can tell you it's well worth a visit.

While your in Charlottville try the shrimp at Sharon & Phebs its really good and the hot pepper sauce is home made and the best I've had.

Enjoy your Holiday.

Kevin