Tobago Holidays – All You Want To Know About This Caribbean Wonder

A beautiful figment of nature lovers’ imagination, Tobago Island in the Caribbean has everything mesmerising bundled up in its 42 kilometres of geographical boundary. A visit to its lovely stretches of coast, a look at its crystalline water and palm-fringed beaches and a gaze upon its wonderful bays with diverse marine life will tell you that the vast quantities of rum isn’t the only intoxicating product of Tobago. Tobago and its miles of verdant surroundings entice naturalists who come looking for its abundant bird and animal life. If this isn’t bountiful enough, an introduction to the locals and their culture, traditions and beliefs, which have a strong Indian influence, will leave you richer and satiated with the knowledge that happiness can indeed be found in little things.

Airport and Flights

Located at a convenient distance of 11 kilometres from the capital city of Scarborough, Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson International Airport serves the island of Tobago. British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Condor Airline, Thomas Cook Airlines as well as Virgin Atlantic Airlines operate flights around the world from the airport. From London, Edinburgh and Glasgow in the UK, British Airways flies to Tobago via Antigua or St Lucia.

Tobago: Tourist attractions

Tobago is a destination that makes for a perfect place to be on the poster of a Caribbean holiday experience. The alluring coast of Tobago boasts pristine beaches such as the Pigeon Point, Campbleton Bay, Englishman’s Bay, Bacolet Bay as well as the Store Bay. Head to these beaches with your sunscreen as well as a book and tie a hammock to the tree; you won’t be disturbed by any touristy activities common at the more commercialised beaches in the neighbouring Trinidad. Book yourself on one of the night excursions to the Buccoo Reef on one of the glass-bottom boats that give you a thrilling view of the marine life, including leatherback giant turtles. Follow the imprints of the Indian culture in Tobago by visiting Carapichaima where a giant statue of Hindu god Hanuman is built alongside a temple. Tobago is one of the best places in the Caribbean for surfing. It is best to visit between December-March if water sports in Tobago are on your holiday agenda. Paddle boarding to see the luminous plankton at night is one of the best experiences that Tobago has to offer.

Tobago: Top experiences

You don’t have to work hard for the exploration of Tobago if you visit during the celebration of the Heritage Festival, where the most prominent in Tobago’s history, culture, fashion and art come together to present an unseen spectacle for your senses.

Visit during Diwali, a Hindu festival, and you might be surprised to realise that Tobago celebrates it in a much grander and elaborate fashion than you would expect at a place where Hindus constitute a minority.

Don’t miss the “Sunday School”, an unending night of partying and dancing in the village of Bucco, every weekend.

Food

If you have a taste for spices, Tobago food will fire your appetite. Some of the popular dishes that you can’t leave Tobago without trying are Jerk and Cuba Criollo; a flatbread with chickpea curry, what local calls a ‘doubles’; and a ‘buss-up-shut’, a wacky name for crab served with roti. You may also enjoy the macaroni pie, dumplings, pea soup, fried shrimp and delectable plantains that can be found at all popular restaurants here.

Hotels and Restaurants

For a perfect stay, Castara Retreats is considered the best hotel on the island. You may also want to check out the Kariwak Village boasting hotels that seem ideal for retreats. Beside, the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Half Moon Blue Hotel as well as Turtle Beach by Rex Resorts are some of finest places to stay in Tobago.

Crown Point in Tobago has the largest concentration of restaurants where you can eat for as less as £3. Also occupying a special place of interest amongst the locals are some of the restaurants near Mount Irvine, Castara and Speyside Some of the most popular restaurants here include Store Bay food Shacks, Kings Bay Cafe, The Fish Pot, Seahorse Inn, The Pagoda at Castara Retreat La Tartaruga as well as The Blue Crab. You can’t leave Tobago before trying Carib, the most popular local beer, available easily at the aforementioned restaurants as well as the local shops.