myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 05 March 2003

Just back from 10 days staying at The Sugar Mill and Montgomery House in Arnos Vale (absolutely beautiful and both reviewed under the Villa Listings by Steve).

The following comments may be helpful for visitors, especially those with young children.

Beaches

We were surprised by how rough the sea was. The Atlantic coast looked mostly unsuitable for swimming for children when we were there. Even on the Caribbean side there were quite big breakers most days, with a strong undertow, definitely not suitable for young children. The exception was Paradise Beach, only accessible by boat (15 minutes from Castara) but quite beautiful, very protected shallow water and safe for children. We also went to Canoe Bay (access by car) , safe shallow water but we thought (personal opinion) not particularly attractive and rather tacky, run down facilities.

Travelling around

We found a hire car made a great difference and we enjoyed trips all round the island. The drive up to Speyside was beautiful and the roads generally excellent although local driving was occasionally a bit unconventional (!).

Guided Tours

We used “King” David, based at Castara (http://www.kingdavidtobago.com). He was charming and knowledgeable, reasonably priced and reliable. We especially enjoyed our trip to the Rain Forest. Our two girls (aged 3 and 5) coped very well with a 4 wheel drive trip into the forest and a 40 minute adventure on foot spotting humming birds, parrots, the “sensitive plant” (the leaves fold when you touch it) and swinging on vines like Tarzan and Jane. The children also enjoyed the boat trip (our 5 year old caught a fish!), swimming over the side of the boat and the trip to Paradise Beach, completely deserted and with barbecued fish for breakfast.

Eating out

Lots of choice and the myTobago listings really helped. We particularly enjoyed Amadeus, Shore Things and The Seahorse Inn (setting beautiful, food good, service slow but friendly!). Jemma’s Kitchen at Speyside looked fun but was full of tour buses the day we were there. The Blue Waters Inn just down the road was un-crowded and has a beautiful private beach (Batteaux Bay) and good reasonably priced food. They also have glass bottom boat tours (and snorkelling and diving) from the hotel

Car hire

Lot’s of choice but we had excellent service from KCNN’s Rentals ([email protected]). or (868) 682 2888). The owner, Charmaine met us with the car on arrival and collected from the airport on departure. Very friendly, personal service and a reliable air-conditioned car for about $50 US per day all inclusive.

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 06 March 2003

Your comments were really helpful Jeremy. We are planning our first trip to tobago with boys aged 9 and 11. Thje nature/rainforest trip sounds like something they would really enjoy helen

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 06 March 2003

Jeremy thanks for your comments, they were most helpful. We leave for Castara in 2 weeks time with our 5 year daughter and 3 year old son. I was interested in your comments on the boat trips, were these arranged tours or trips provided by the local fisherman? If the latter, was it a case of being being ferried to a beach and being picked up later or did you stay with the boat for the whole trip? What would you expect to pay. Steve, this is a fantastic site I have found it most helpful.I realise that it must be an enormous amount of work for you, so many thanks.

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 07 March 2003

David

We arranged our boat trip through "King David" who is based at Castara, cost was $100 US for the four of us and they stayed with us at the beach, no pressure we could have stayed all day. I'm not sure if local fisherman would drop you off and pick you up from Paradise Beach, I imagine that this could be arranged very cheaply, but I'm not sure if this would be advisable, the beach is is vey remote and only accessible by sea (or about a one hour scramble from the road), if anything happened I think you would be happier to have the boat waiting for you. Have a great holiday.

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 06 March 2003

Hi all, a glass bottom boat trip from Buccoo is an absolute must with children - I was taken on one when I was 9 years old and it was still burned fresh on my memory when I next went three decades later (in fact I think it was the same Guy doing it, and he did confirm that he was running the boats back in '74, but maybe that was a trick of the suggestive mind). They also provide snorkels, but you would probably be better off buying children's sizes here for the best fit before you go. The stop in Nylon Pool will be fun too as adults can stand in the warm calm pool a mile out to sea, carrying the younger ones on shoulders. Have fun,