myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Hi everyone,

This post isn't so much a question or search for advice, more an outburst of joy at the prospect of our return to Tobago this winter. Yes, we were forwarned about this happening and yes you were all correct, as we are now well and truly hooked! Hooked on the weather, the people, the music, the food, the beaches, the beauty of the island and in respect of my husband, hooked on the fishing (which I suppose is why we booked Tobago in the first place!) Last year we stayed at the Toucan Inn which was very pleasant but not so good to warrant a return visit. This year (February 2011) we are staying at Kariwak Village. Having dined there a couple of times last year and having had a good look round at the accommodation and grounds we feel that this is the place for us. This year we are returning without our sons (who are now certainly too "grown-up" to dare to be seen out with mum and dad) so we are really looking foward to two weeks of complete relaxation! Having said that, last year we had been really worried about safety, particularly in regards to our two sons going out clubbing etc. However, we needn't have worried as the entire holiday passed by without a single incident or concern - everyone (tourists and locals) being so friendly and helpful and just having a goodtime. Common sense rules as per ususal e.g. don't flash your money, jewellery etc when your out and about etc etc just the same things as probably applies to most destinations in the world these days. This year we will be rebooking our hire car with Sheppey (a diamond bloke) and will look out for lovely Daryl who took us out, with his crew, for a wonderful snorkelling and a bar-b-que beach trip up to Englishmans Bay and back. We also had a great rainforest tour with Harrison so quite likely we will do a repeat visit (maybe even daring to do the night time trip!). So, if anyone out there is reading this and is planning their first Tobagonian experience, then beware, you'd better start saving now for your second and subsequent holidays to this wonderful island cos your probably get hooked too!!!

Hi RosyV

Well said and good to hear from you again.

Hi Rossy v

We off to Tobago in feb, 41 days and 12 hours time and counting. First time to Tobago first time to the caribean we really cant wait. Its great to hear that you loved it, any tips what we should see and do on our first trip. No kids either good eh

Thanks gary and Helen

Hi Gary & Helen. Last year was our first time in the Caribbean too and now realise what we've been missing. Firstly, it is indeed laid back and if your anything like us you will begin to chill out shortly after arrival! There are I am sure others on this forum more qualified to advise you re Tobago a we've only been once, however, we know what we liked so here goes. Obviously the beaches are a main attraction. If your staying in Crown Point then Store Bay and Pigeon Point are on your doorstep. Store Bay is the more real of the two frequented by trourists and T &T families alike. The sea is wavier and more fun sea than at Pigeon Point and there are delicious Roti to be had! Pigeon Point is more like in the pictures, palm trees, white sands, absolutely gorgeous and well worth the small daily entry fee. However, it can be a bit busy and touristy in the main part and we spent most of our time lazing on the beautiful beach and floating about in the shallow warm turquoise waters. This is before you get to the jetty and thatched hut. Also, a great area for fishing (we only came to Tobago in the first place for my husband to fish. There is also Sandy Point where there is a small beach and a jetty with the Sandy Point Beach Club bar on the beach -nice.Towards the end of our holiday we found Canoe Bay which is a short drive out of Crown Point. We thought this beach was beautiful with a real desert island feel. Arnos Vale is excellent for snorkelling. We took 3 trips during our stay; a rainforest tour with Harris McDonald (knowledegable and entertaining), a day on a boat, snorkelling, beach barbeque etc with Daryl and his friendly crew and a day in Trinidad where had a marvellous boat trip on the Caroni Swamp and watched flocks of Scarlet Ibis fly into roost at dusk. We also hired a jeep and visited Scarborough (well worth a visit to sample local Tobagonian life), Castara, Englishmans Bay and Parlatuvier. We drove across the island/rainforest but didn't make it to Speyside this time (something we definetely will be doing this year). Eating out is excellent, too many to mention but we did enjoy Coco Cafe (very attractive restuarant, lovely tasty dishes, not dear), Chefs Barbeque, a takeaway with excellent Creole/Tobagonian food (small tables outside) and La Cantina for excellent pizza (be warned they are very large). Food at the Kariwak is delicious!There's loads more to write but think I've written enough for now! Enjoy!

Rossy v

Wow this is a great forum, people so helpful and willing to help. We staying at the half blue moon near scarborough, but we had planed to hire a car and visit pigeon point and area, and the rest of the island really. We like the soon chill out bit to, nothing like a beer/carib and watch the caribbean go by. You have been most helpful and we hope you have great hols this year. By the sounds of it we are there at about the same time.

Many thanks Gary and Helen

Hi Gary and Helen, The Half Blue Moon certainly looks lovely; looks like your going to have a brilliant time. We are in Tobago mid-Feb and will certainly be enjoying a Carib or two ourselves. Enjoy! Best wishes, Rosy (one "s") and Alan.

This is a really good topic and reminds me so much of my period of planning and my thoughts on return from our first trip to Tobago.
Rosy V you seem to have done what so many have done before and organised a return as soon as possible and I was the same.
Gaz I can tell already that you have to right ideas and I know you will have a great time, do try and spend some time in Castara as it really is as good as so many of the forum regulars say.
Wish you all a really good time and hopefully we can return in 2012.
Paul

Hi paul

Great to hear from you, we are just up the road from you in Bishopstoke, Castara does sound good, was looking before for the best sun set, L + H sunset sounds like it should have it, sounds like the food is one of the best in Castara as well ( so we read ) Bet that you stayed in Castara when you were in Tobago.

Gary and Helen

Hello Gary
Yes we do indeed normally stay in Castara but we also have stopped in a few other places.
I personally enjoy L&H but it can be somewhat erratic with opening times but if it is not open you have a few other choices.
To get a totally different vibe you could stay for a night and I would recommend the Naturalist as it is in a great spot on the beach.
I know that whatever you decide you will enjoy it.
If you want more info you can e-mail me at pdjlkatmetronet.co.uk
Regards
Paul

Hi Paul
Had a look at the Naturalist it does look really good, we will sure try and get to Castara and have carib or two, think will have to visit the Naturalist and l + h if its open

thanks gary and helen