Advice for first time visitors?

[Karin L]

...and a first time poster...?

Ok, so me and my sister are going to Tobago on January the 6th for one week. We have booked three nights at the Hummingbird in Crown Point and four nights at the Naturalist in Castara. Since neither one of us drives we figured that would be the best way to see at least SOME of the island.

Would it be worth while to try to rent bikes in the Crown Point area? Does anyone know where to look for them?

Having already adapted to the No worries-mentality a week ahead I haven't really looked into how we will go from Crown Point to Castara yet. Should we try the local transportation or just see with Ancle if he will be able to come pick us up?

And finally... any advice for our seven day short holiday? It is tempting to just spend the time on the beach but we would also like to see the rainforest, the coral reefs, eat the local food and basically get around a bit. Any excursions you could recommend?

Maybe someone staying in the Castara area at the same time would be interested in carpooling? I mean, who wouldn't want to drag along two Swedes for a day...?

Thanks in advance!
Karin

[Steve Wooler]

Welcome aboard, Karin!

Yes, renting bikes would be a good idea, particularly as the Hummingbird Hotel is quite a walk from the facilities of the Crown Point area. The nearest rental shop to the Hummingbird, that I am aware of, is near Store Bay. Just come out of the Hummingbird and turn right - back towards the airport and Crown Point. When you get to the main road (with the green Crown Point Plaza building on your right), cross straight over. This is also your easiest way to Store Bay - your nearest beach. Just before the top of the road (where you will turn right for the final short stretch down to the beach), you will see a small group of small wooden "shops", the first of which rents cycles, I believe.

Yes, also, to your second question. Have a word with Ancle. I'm sure he will either come and get you and/or arrange with someone reliable.

Advice? Yes, relax and enjoy yourself.



Have a wonderful trip and be sure to let us know how you get on, when you get back.

[Ronald]

Hi Karin

Hope you don´t mind I answer in english, if you want you can always write me direct.

Rent the bikes at the place Steve are talking about, I have been renting there many times. As you have only three days in the Crown Point area, you don´t have much time at all to travel around.
But check the brakes before renting because sometimes they are badly adjusted, and you have to be careful as the roads are narrow.

With a bike you will be able to reach different beaches in the Crown Point area as well on the Caribbean side all the way up to Arnos Vale. There are just a few hills between Crown Point and Arnos Vale, above that area the hills start getting high and very sharp.

You can go from one beach to an other during same day, but that also, of course, depend on how much "exercise" you want.

Leaving Crow Point, the first stop can be Mt Irvine Beach, choose to local beach. Nest stop will be Black Rock Beach and not far from there is Turtle Beach, if you feel strong you can reach Arnos Vale Beach too.

With the local bus or the route-taxis you can also go to Scarborough and from there to Bacolet Beach, a very nice place on the Atlantic side.

An other choise is to look for a local driver who take you around one day, to places/beaches in the south. Check with the lifeguards at Store Bay, I believe they know some good drivers.
I don´t know anyone myself as I use to use the bike or I walk. The longest walk I have made is from Bon Accord to Castara, a 7 hours walk, I use the bus when going home again.

Rainforrest tours, if you want you can look for Harris McDouglas at Store Bay Beach, he´s a life guard who also make rainforrest tours, Harris Jungle Tours. He can also arrange personal tours.

Coral Reef, there´s glass bottom boats to Bucco Reef from Store Bay Beach, but the reefs aren´t looking good anymore. I believe the reef outside Speyside/Charlotteville is better. Look for information from the life guards and at this webside, I think peoples in Castara can give you more info.

I wish you a very nice vacation
Ronald

[Steve Pitts]

Hi Karin

I would recommend YES Tourism - based at Crown Point Plaza - for an around island tour.

They will either do a personalised tour for you or could fix you up with an existing group tour if they have one when you are in the area.

You can arrange it all before you leave for your holiday over the internet, with their very efficient staff. Bound to be a link to their website somewhere on myTobago. Try the search facility or look in the out and about section under tours

Hope that this helps

Steve (envious)

[Karin L]

Thanks for you replies - I have no doubt we'll have a fantastic and relaxing time... Your suggestions really helped med decide a few things, so thanks for that! I'm leaving on Saturday - so exciting!!

Karin