myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Hi!
Having spent some time looking through the many posts on this excellent forum, it is clear there are lots of you people out there with useful tips re holidaying in Tobago.
My sister Tracy, my mate Richard and myself are going out to stay at the RTB in 2 weeks time. We have never been "west" before - having always gone to the far East in the past - (Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bali etc.) - so I expect this will be quite different!! Shorter flight for a start - which is good news!
We are staying room only - mainly because past experience has shown us that it encourages us to be lazy and not go and explore! (As a result we have stayed RO for all but our 1st holiday). Anyway, I know there have been many similar questions on this site in the past, but if anyone can give us some tips or advice about where we should be going out to eat and also how to get there (i.e taxis and how much they cost etc.) we would be EXTREMELY grateful. (p.s we eat anything - within reason!!)
Any other general advice would also be welcome - apologies for probably making you guys repeat yourselves...
Can't wait to get there...been thoroughly annoyed all summer about all the sun-tanned people strolling back to work after their holidays..so looking forward to getting our own back!
Thank you in advance,

Steven, Richard & Tracy.

Hi Steven, Richard & Tracy

Welcome aboard!

You will find Tobago VERY different from places like Sri Lanka, Singapore and Bali. Whether you appreciate the differences and fall in love with the island, like so many of us, depends upon what type of people you are. However, I'm sure you'll have a great holiday.

First of all, if you're staying at the RTB and not staying All-Inclusive, you should really consider hiring a car. There's no restaurants within walking distance. If you use the taxis at the hotel, you'll pay a premium. If you use taxis every night to go out to eat, plus island trips, you'll end up having spent almost the same amount as hiring a small car without any of the advantages.

For restaurants, you will need to read our Restaurants listings, available through the Eat & Sleep/Restaurants section. Then choose Region 2: Lower Caribbean. The Rex Turtle Beach is located half-way between Black Rock and Plymouth and all the restaurants are between Black Rock and Crown Point (virtually a straight line). Sorry, I can't give you any advice on taxi fares, but I do know that the taxis based at the hotel really sting you for the privilege.

Hi Steven and co.,I would agree with Steve,there is nothing within walking distance of RTB,your nearest is Black Rock and then onwards to Mt Irvine/Crown Point.A car is essential if you want to get about,and they are not to expensive to hire or run.Definitely DO NOT get a cab from your hotel!!!Regards,David(16 weeks and 1 day to go )

Hi Steve, David,

thank you both for your advice...I am arranging to hire a car today, (the advice posted on this site re care hire has been invaluable).

I think you are quite right Steve - why pay for taxis when you can have a car which gives much more freedom to explore.

We are all really looking forward to our holiday now, and I'm sure we will all love the pace as much as you guys!

thank you again.

One thing you should do is contact the head gardener. Name is Norris, providing he is still there. You can "hire" hime for a day with your car and he will take you around the island. I think we paid around 200TT for the day and he paid the petrol.

We went off the beaten track and were introduced to some real characters. He also knows a great deal about the flora of the island and if you ask nicely and in time may be able to get you some cuttings and the paper work so you can have your own tropical patch on your return.

really glad to know someone else appreciates NORRIS a really lovely man who loves and knows so much about his island -if you are lucky enough to meet him please give him our love + kind regards-mary sam and robyn black-he has shown us and taught us loads about the island you will most certainly enjoy your holiday if norris can show you the real TOBAGO.

on the food front-eat local-street food at sunday school-surfers bar at mt irvine and miss trims at store bay-we've eaten local for nine years now and never had any problems---(crab+dumplings is a bit of a shock!!!) boneless goat roti/curry superb- callaloo out of this world just go for it-wish i could-try shades on friday night golden star wednesday divers den tuesday + of course sunday school @ buccoo should be reopened soon but still worth a visit at hendrix bar cant wait to be back-have a great time

Hi Richard, Mary,

thank you both for the info - we will certainly try and find Norris if we can - he sounds like a great guy and useful to know! - we will of course pass on your regards.

Mary, thanks for the eating out tips - I always think one of the best things about holidaying somewhere for the first time is experiencing the local food, (and let's be honest - it is almost always nicer than what we eat back home!!)

Only four days till we go now - so getting quite excited - better start getting organised!

I cannot give you any advice about eating places near the RTB but I would advise taking your coolest clothes and be ready to completely relax.
Also do take a few trips up to the north Castara, Englishmans Bay, La Parlatuvier, Speyside and Charlotteville etc and stop and have a fresh fruit smoothie at the stall on the forest road just before Roxborough. The forest road is worth the trip in itself.
Hope you have a great holiday.