myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Hello all,

Has anyone tried Kayaking on Tobago? We have read the information re trips along coast past Pigeon Point and onto the Bon Accord Lagoon, through the mangroves. Our kayaking experience so far has been limited to Studland and Swanage Bays in Dorset (which are indeed beautiful) but a tropical excursion really does appeal. So just wondered if anyone has got any feedback. Thanks. Rosy.

Hey,
there was a gentleman who rented and conducted kayak tours in the northern end of Tobago but sadly he past away a few weeks ago.
Kayaking along the Caribbean Sea can be a very nice experience, especially when the wind is light.The Atlantic Sea is definitely rougher and dangerous. Sit-on-top kayaks can be rented at Mount Irvine Beach facilities, at Radical Sports, Pigeon Point and (I think) at Coco Reef.
Hope you enjoy your stay here!

Hi Rosy.

Kayak (sit on top variety) rental can be rather hit and miss. Sometimes there is a new operator full of enthusiasm, other times you will see a sun bleached 'sit on top' lying around with no obvious owner but someone else will often rent it to you on the owner's behalf. Most craft will take two adults and are rather sluggish but safe. there are some 1 + child seaters which are lighter for solo paddlers who want to get about a bit faster or try and catch a good wave.

Usually there is an indifferent paddle available, together with a 'fits all sizes' buoyancy aid. The paddles are often far too short to use efficiently and are almost always so corroded at the centre joint that if you are used to paddling with offset blades you will be stuck with a flat one. I don't part with cash until I get a decent paddle!

It is best not to act too keen at places like Mount Irvine as there is not a lot of demand and generally they will be glad of some trade and offer you a good price or extended time if you play it cool.

If you canoe at Mount Irvine don't go anywhere near the reef or the surfers but, if the renter agrees, go off into Grange Bay and play about on the rollers there.

All in all I wouldn't describe the trade as thriving, compared to how it was at Mount Irvine ten or so years ago when they had sailboards and Hobies as well as some decent adjustable paddles.

I have often seen 'sit on tops' around the outside of Coco Reef so there must be some available nearby. However I have no experience of Pigeon Point rentals but as you suggest the logical direction to paddle would be towards Bon Accord as you would have to be wary of the reef in the other direction towards Store Bay.

Frank

(The one who tows a fishing line but luckily hasn't caught a Barracuda yet)

Hi all,

Thank you Gervais and Frank and Mina for your responses re kayaking. Very sad to hear about the gentleman from the north of the island. Still, we shall certainly look forward to some paddling around when we are in Tobago next month and will certainly take into consideration the advice given. Thanks again! Rosy