Carib or Stag – more than just a question of taste
Carib and Stag are two beers from Trinidad and Tobago that are produced by different breweries. During a stay in Tobago, it is hard to ignore both brands. While Carib represents more of a light lifestyle, Stag positions itself more as a stronger beer.
Carib is a light lager brewed by Carib Brewery Limited in Trinidad. It was first introduced in 1950 and is the Caribbean region’s best-known beer. Carib has a light to medium body and a smooth, refreshing taste with notes of malt and hops. It has about 5% alcohol.
Stag is a beer also produced by the Stag Brewery in Trinidad. It was first introduced in 1999 and is a dark beer with a strong, spicy flavour and a higher alcohol content of about 6%. Stag has a full aroma with notes of roasted malt and caramel.
The two beers differ primarily in taste and body. Carib is a light lager with a smooth taste, while Stag is a stronger, darker beer with a more intense flavour. However, both beers are very popular in the Caribbean region and are often sold in bars, restaurants and supermarkets.
Carib and Stag are also known for their local connection and their role as symbols of Caribbean culture and identity. They are often drunk at festivals and celebrations and are an important part of Caribbean beer culture.
Scuba Diving on Tobago – a paradise in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is usually not one of the preferred areas for scuba diving. Too unspectacular, even boring, the region seems to many advanced and even beginners. We show you that this advantage is unfounded!
Tobago – small green pearl in the Caribbean
Have you ever heard of Tobago? Would you spontaneously know where to find this little island on the globe? If you don’t, you’re missing something. Tobago is a great dive destination in the Caribbean – despite all prejudices!
Tobago is part of the Caribbean island nation of Trinidad and Tobago in the Lesser Antilles. The islands lie off the coast of Venezuela and are therefore the southernmost part of the Caribbean. Tobago is bordered by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
The island is very varied both on land and under water and is definitely worth a visit. The many shallow reefs, rocky outcrops with currents and the diverse marine fauna ranging from tiny squids to manta rays and bull sharks are interesting for divers.
If you want to learn more about diving in Tobago and get some inspiration, read our little dive guide about the green destination in the Caribbean. Visit our special page to learn more about history & culture.
A specical Caribbean experience
Most islands in the Caribbean have very little to offer divers. But thanks to several factors Tobago is a first class destination for a scuba diving holiday in the Caribbean. On the windward side, the Atlantic washes nutrient-rich currents around the island, including the Guyana Current. On the other side of the island, the Caribbean provides pleasant warmth. Furthermore, the Orinoco River in Venezuela drives “super water” into the open sea.
These three water sources form the basis of an incredibly diverse environment where everything from tiny macro species to impressively large fish thrives. Most of the species found on the island’s fringing reefs are about twice as large as normal. This is due to the valuable nutrients drifting in the clear water and guarantees fascinating dives. Around Tobago also the largest recorded brain corals of the world irritate and invite to explore.
Tobago is not only an attractive destination for passionate and advanced divers. Even beginners and less experienced will get their money’s worth. Most of the over 40 dive sites around Tobago are suitable for easy reef dives with minimal current. At the spots you will find turtles, eels, groupers and more than 300 other species of marine life. Tobago also offers some harder to dive spots. These dive sites are suitable for advanced divers; you will also find manta rays, tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks.
Practical diving information
Diving on Tobago is relaxed and (for the most part) easy. Both shore diving and boat diving are common. However, most providers prefer to take divers by boat to the spot. It is common to offer beginners and re-entry divers refresher dives in the form of one to two shore dives.
Many of the reefs are quite shallow and protected from strong currents, making Tobago an excellent destination for newcomers just starting out in diving. But even advanced divers will not be bored on the island. At some spots strong currents and depths of up to 30 meters require a lot of routine and experience. No matter if beginner or pro – there is a lot to see!
The best dive sites on Tobago
Dive Spots on Tobago
Speyside – This area lies on the north-eastern edge of the island, on the Atlantic Ocean. Friends of drift diving get their money’s worth here. The current drives you along the sloping reefs surrounding the offshore islands. Another advantage is the very good visibility around Speyside. The region is home to impressive corals and offers the best opportunities to meet pine turtles, nurse sharks and manta rays. With over 20 dive sites Speyside is the perfect starting point for a diving holiday in Tobago.
Bookends – This spectacular location south of the main Speyside area takes its name from the two large vertical rock slabs that rise just above the water and form an impressive natural amphitheatre. The current can be very turbulent, so that the descent depends on favourable conditions and usually has to take place quickly. Bookends is therefore recommended for more advanced divers. Under water divers can encounter giant tarpoons, nurse sharks, blacktip sharks and numerous shoals of fish against a backdrop of corals, sponges and soft corals.
Japanese Garden – Located on the edge of Goat Island, this is a breathtaking dive site filled with an exquisite selection of colorful corals and suitable for all experience levels. You descend along a steep slope covered by a dense bed of colorful tube, rope and vase sponges reminiscent of a Japanese minigarden. The reef then suddenly falls into the Kamakazee Cut, a passage full of even more colorful corals, and is home to large quantities of mackerel and nurse sharks.
Diver’s Thirst – One of the most popular dive sites off Tobago for advanced divers. Diver’s Thirst requires the right conditions to reach the spot by boat and dive successfully. On a good day this current leads to large schools of fish, turtles, nurse sharks, eagle rays and even manta rays. Larger sharks are occasionally seen.
Diver’s Dream – This dive site is strongly current crossed and offers beautiful gorgonian corals and barrel sponges up to 1.8 meters high. This spot is home to reef sharks and eagle rays, with a little luck tiger or bull sharks can be seen.
Kariwak Reef – Ideal for children and “trial divers”. The reef lies directly at the Store Bay. The area is quite flat and normally without currents, but is home to colourful fish and other marine animals such as squid and eels. The Kariwak Reef is also ideal for night dives.
Mount Irvine Wall – This “wall” near the coast has many crevices with crabs, seahorses and reef fish. Eagle rays and turtles can also be found. The Mount Irvine Wall is often combined with the deeper part known as the “extension”. In the protected coral-reef, among other things, big tarpoons have its home.
MV Maverick – This former car ferry was sunk off Rocky Point in 1997 to create an exciting dive spot on Tobago. Today the wreck is home to breathtaking corals and schools of fish. The top of the boat is at an accessible height of 15 metres, while the bottom is at 30 metres.
Flying Reef – Ideal for a drift dive at a relatively shallow depth. This dive site is known for its large plate coral colonies and huge sponges. Reef fish populate the area as well as stingrays. A perfect spot for those who have never done a drift dive before.
The Sisters – In front of Englishman’s Bay lie “the Sisters”, five rocky peaks that attract hammerhead sharks in winter. Also turtles, manta rays and all kinds of schooling fish can be observed here.
Kelleston Drain – This dive site is known as home to the largest known brain coral in the world. Besides this 5 meter wide giant it is also home to nurse sharks and many soft corals.
Castara – Beautiful bay on the Leeward coast. The beach and the village are ideal for a stopover between dives on this side of the island. The most popular of the many small spots is at the northern tip. An easy dive with some interesting rock formations. The reef is rich in snorkels and lies just below the surface of the water. It is perfect for trial dives and check dives. Great area for beginners and re-entries.
Englishman’s Bay – Another very beautiful bay on the Leeward side of the island. The spot can be easily reached by sea and land. The beach is one of the most beautiful on the island and is ideal for a short break between dives. The north side of the bay offers a gentle reef with lots of fish life. The area is also ideal for snorkelling when the sea is calm.
Cove – Just south of Crown Point lies Cove. With a steep gradient and strong currents Cove is a dive site for advanced divers. Cove is home to a variety of beautiful coral reefs with sea fans, sea rods, brain corals and fire corals. Cove is also inhabited by parrotfish, groupers, creole fish and lobster as well as moray eels, stingrays and occasionally the hawksbill turtle. If you like, go on to Cove Crack. Here you can explore interesting underwater topographies and admire a variety of creatures in the crevices and overhangs.
Snorkeling on Tobago
Tobago was once rated the best snorkeling spot in the Caribbean by USA Today. Thanks to an edge reef system, many of the best snorkeling spots around the island are accessible from the shore. These include the reefs off Englishman’s Bay, Pirate’s Bay, Castara Bay, Arnos Vale and Store Bay. Many providers on Tobago also offer snorkelling boat trips to destinations such as Buccoo Reef, Angel Reef near Goat Island and Lover’s Bay.
Best travel time for a diving holiday on Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt. The diving season is therefore basically all year round. However, visibility during the rainy season from July to December may be impaired due to runoff from the Orinoco River. In addition, strong storms on land and at sea can be expected from September to mid-November. The main season on Tobago runs from December to the end of April, so in May you can get bargains on flights and accommodation and find good diving conditions.
The visibility ranges from 15 to 30 meters on a good day and up to 10 meters on a bad day. In summer the average water temperature is 30°C, while in winter water temperatures around 27°C can be expected. A climate table and information about the best time to travel to Tobago can be found here.
Flights to Tobago
Tobago is easily reached from Germany by direct flight with Condor from Frankfurt. The international airport at Crown Point is also easily accessible from England with Thomas Cook, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. You can get more information about the journey here.
Accommodations in Tobago
Most divers prefer pragmatic accommodation for their holidays. No long ways to base or dive spot, practical and clean as well as good possibilities to store, wash and dry your equipment – that’s all you need. The variety of good apartments and guesthouses on Tobago offers a selection that meets every demand. We have summarized for you the accommodations that we have already visited and can recommend. At booking.com you will also find many other offers.
Our experience
We came to Tobago with little diving experience and carefully looked for a trustworthy base. We found Richie Louis from Wild Turtle Scuba and were not disappointed. In a short report we have summarized for you what we expected from Richie and what we experienced with him.
Plan now with us your very personal diving holiday on Tobago in the Caribbean
Are you looking for a diving holiday in Tobago? We are your partner for planning an individual trip to this paradise island in the Caribbean. We are your competent partner with many years of experience, from the arrival to the booking of the right accommodation to the organisation of your leisure programme.
The Caribbean is usually not one of the preferred areas for scuba diving. Too unspectacular, even boring, the region seems to many advanced and even beginners. We show you that this advantage is unfounded!
A specical Caribbean experience
Most islands in the Caribbean have very little to offer divers. But thanks to several factors Tobago is a first class destination for a scuba diving holiday in the Caribbean. On the windward side, the Atlantic washes nutrient-rich currents around the island, including the Guyana Current. On the other side of the island, the Caribbean provides pleasant warmth. Furthermore, the Orinoco River in Venezuela drives “super water” into the open sea.
These three water sources form the basis of an incredibly diverse environment where everything from tiny macro species to impressively large fish thrives. Most of the species found on the island’s fringing reefs are about twice as large as normal. This is due to the valuable nutrients drifting in the clear water and guarantees fascinating dives. Around Tobago also the largest recorded brain corals of the world irritate and invite to explore.
Tobago is not only an attractive destination for passionate and advanced divers. Even beginners and less experienced will get their money’s worth. Most of the over 40 dive sites around Tobago are suitable for easy reef dives with minimal current. At the spots you will find turtles, eels, groupers and more than 300 other species of marine life. Tobago also offers some harder to dive spots. These dive sites are suitable for advanced divers; you will also find manta rays, tiger sharks and hammerhead sharks.
Practical diving information
Diving on Tobago is relaxed and (for the most part) easy. Both shore diving and boat diving are common. However, most providers prefer to take divers by boat to the spot. It is common to offer beginners and re-entry divers refresher dives in the form of one to two shore dives.
Many of the reefs are quite shallow and protected from strong currents, making Tobago an excellent destination for newcomers just starting out in diving. But even advanced divers will not be bored on the island. At some spots strong currents and depths of up to 30 meters require a lot of routine and experience. No matter if beginner or pro – there is a lot to see!
The best dive sites on Tobago
Dive Spots on Tobago
Speyside – This area lies on the north-eastern edge of the island, on the Atlantic Ocean. Friends of drift diving get their money’s worth here. The current drives you along the sloping reefs surrounding the offshore islands. Another advantage is the very good visibility around Speyside. The region is home to impressive corals and offers the best opportunities to meet pine turtles, nurse sharks and manta rays. With over 20 dive sites Speyside is the perfect starting point for a diving holiday in Tobago.
Bookends – This spectacular location south of the main Speyside area takes its name from the two large vertical rock slabs that rise just above the water and form an impressive natural amphitheatre. The current can be very turbulent, so that the descent depends on favourable conditions and usually has to take place quickly. Bookends is therefore recommended for more advanced divers. Under water divers can encounter giant tarpoons, nurse sharks, blacktip sharks and numerous shoals of fish against a backdrop of corals, sponges and soft corals.
Japanese Garden – Located on the edge of Goat Island, this is a breathtaking dive site filled with an exquisite selection of colorful corals and suitable for all experience levels. You descend along a steep slope covered by a dense bed of colorful tube, rope and vase sponges reminiscent of a Japanese minigarden. The reef then suddenly falls into the Kamakazee Cut, a passage full of even more colorful corals, and is home to large quantities of mackerel and nurse sharks.
Diver’s Thirst – One of the most popular dive sites off Tobago for advanced divers. Diver’s Thirst requires the right conditions to reach the spot by boat and dive successfully. On a good day this current leads to large schools of fish, turtles, nurse sharks, eagle rays and even manta rays. Larger sharks are occasionally seen.
Diver’s Dream – This dive site is strongly current crossed and offers beautiful gorgonian corals and barrel sponges up to 1.8 meters high. This spot is home to reef sharks and eagle rays, with a little luck tiger or bull sharks can be seen.
Kariwak Reef – Ideal for children and “trial divers”. The reef lies directly at the Store Bay. The area is quite flat and normally without currents, but is home to colourful fish and other marine animals such as squid and eels. The Kariwak Reef is also ideal for night dives.
Mount Irvine Wall – This “wall” near the coast has many crevices with crabs, seahorses and reef fish. Eagle rays and turtles can also be found. The Mount Irvine Wall is often combined with the deeper part known as the “extension”. In the protected coral-reef, among other things, big tarpoons have its home.
MV Maverick – This former car ferry was sunk off Rocky Point in 1997 to create an exciting dive spot on Tobago. Today the wreck is home to breathtaking corals and schools of fish. The top of the boat is at an accessible height of 15 metres, while the bottom is at 30 metres.
Flying Reef – Ideal for a drift dive at a relatively shallow depth. This dive site is known for its large plate coral colonies and huge sponges. Reef fish populate the area as well as stingrays. A perfect spot for those who have never done a drift dive before.
The Sisters – In front of Englishman’s Bay lie “the Sisters”, five rocky peaks that attract hammerhead sharks in winter. Also turtles, manta rays and all kinds of schooling fish can be observed here.
Kelleston Drain – This dive site is known as home to the largest known brain coral in the world. Besides this 5 meter wide giant it is also home to nurse sharks and many soft corals.
Castara – Beautiful bay on the Leeward coast. The beach and the village are ideal for a stopover between dives on this side of the island. The most popular of the many small spots is at the northern tip. An easy dive with some interesting rock formations. The reef is rich in snorkels and lies just below the surface of the water. It is perfect for trial dives and check dives. Great area for beginners and re-entries.
Englishman’s Bay – Another very beautiful bay on the Leeward side of the island. The spot can be easily reached by sea and land. The beach is one of the most beautiful on the island and is ideal for a short break between dives. The north side of the bay offers a gentle reef with lots of fish life. The area is also ideal for snorkelling when the sea is calm.
Cove – Just south of Crown Point lies Cove. With a steep gradient and strong currents Cove is a dive site for advanced divers. Cove is home to a variety of beautiful coral reefs with sea fans, sea rods, brain corals and fire corals. Cove is also inhabited by parrotfish, groupers, creole fish and lobster as well as moray eels, stingrays and occasionally the hawksbill turtle. If you like, go on to Cove Crack. Here you can explore interesting underwater topographies and admire a variety of creatures in the crevices and overhangs.
Snorkeling on Tobago
Tobago was once rated the best snorkeling spot in the Caribbean by USA Today. Thanks to an edge reef system, many of the best snorkeling spots around the island are accessible from the shore. These include the reefs off Englishman’s Bay, Pirate’s Bay, Castara Bay, Arnos Vale and Store Bay. Many providers on Tobago also offer snorkelling boat trips to destinations such as Buccoo Reef, Angel Reef near Goat Island and Lover’s Bay.
Best travel time for a diving holiday on Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt. The diving season is therefore basically all year round. However, visibility during the rainy season from July to December may be impaired due to runoff from the Orinoco River. In addition, strong storms on land and at sea can be expected from September to mid-November. The main season on Tobago runs from December to the end of April, so in May you can get bargains on flights and accommodation and find good diving conditions.
The visibility ranges from 15 to 30 meters on a good day and up to 10 meters on a bad day. In summer the average water temperature is 30°C, while in winter water temperatures around 27°C can be expected. A climate table and information about the best time to travel to Tobago can be found here.
Our experience
We came to Tobago with little diving experience and carefully looked for a trustworthy base. We found Richie Louis from Wild Turtle Scuba and were not disappointed. In a short report we have summarized for you what we expected from Richie and what we experienced with him.
After several years in Coral Place we decided in 2019 to test a new accommodation in Buccoo. After intensive research our choice fell on the Reef View Apartments Buccoo.
Reliable communication and booking
Before the booking and the arrival we have clarified some questions by email and Facebook with the host. Thanks to the very friendly communication, we already felt very well taken care of in advance.
On the day of arrival we could move into our room free of charge already at 12 o’clock at noon and be left on the day of departure only at 14:30 o’clock.
Great location and a fantastic view
The outside facilities as well as the apartments are in a very clean and well-kept condition. Thanks to free Wifi, we could also download music and EBooks and stay in touch with our loved ones at home. The neighborhood is quiet and safe. The next bigger supermarket is about 10 – 15 minutes walk away. The beautiful sandy beach of Buccoo is only a 5 minute walk away. The “Sunday School” takes place only a few meters away from the house on Sundays – on these evenings noise pollution is to be expected. From the room and the outside area there is a view to the beautiful Buccoo Bay and partly to the nylon pool. “Being with Horses” is located diagonally opposite, so that the rides of the horses can be experienced daily.
Perfect equipment for self-catering
Well-equipped kitchen
In our holidays we like to cook. Therefore, when choosing our accommodation we also pay attention to a well-equipped kitchen. In the Reef View Apartment we could prepare bigger and smaller dishes without any problems. In principle, the apartments have the following equipment:
– kitchen, bathroom and bedroom are separate rooms
– Kitchen with gas stove and oven, microwave and hot water boiler. No coffee machine. Pots, pans, crockery and cutlery available. If necessary, bring baking paper with you / buy it for the oven. Only grids, no sheet metal available. Large fridge with freezer compartment. Small table and two chairs.
– bedroom with 2 queen-size beds, safe, TV with receiver (no German channels)
– Bathroom: Large shower, WC and washbasin.
– balcony with chairs, a small table and a great view
The bedroom with access to the balcony with sea view
Service
– Cheap rental of kayaks from the landlord possible
– For the way back the landlord has organized a driver who brought us to the airport in Crown Point at a fair price.
– Towels and bed linen can be changed at any time on request.
– Cash payment of accommodation in US$ or TT$, no card acceptance
– Sufficient parking spaces for cars / rental cars on the premises in front of the house
The small, clean bathroom
Prices / Night
High Season (Dec. 16 – April 15 and July 7 – Sept 5): 1 person $60 US, 2 persons $67 US, each additional adult $17 US
Low Season (16 April – 06 July and 06 Sep – 15 Dec): 1 person $60 US, 2 persons $67 US, each additional adult $17 US
All information without guarantee and as of June 2019
The team at Reef View Apartment Buccoo is at your disposal for bookings and information:
Landline : +1- 868-660-7264
Mobile phone: +1-868-373-0904
We are happy to assist you with your booking at Reef View Apartment Buccoo – just send us the desired date of stay, the number of persons (adults, children) as well as your address, e-mail address – we will contact the landlord as soon as possible. The latter will also receive a copy of the request. The request does not represent a booking and is completely non-binding!
We are often asked whether Tobago is the right destination for our next holiday. This seemingly simple question is not easy to answer.
We at Tobago-Live are transparent, open, honest. Our goal is to make sure that your expectations are not disappointed when you go on holiday in Tobago.
There are some issues where Tobago is not perfect. Probably the easiest way is to read the points in the paragraph “You shouldn’t expect that from Tobago”.
If you find a lot of points in this section that make a successful holiday for you, Tobago is not a good choice for you – quite simply.
Good to know
Accommodation: Tobago is spared from mass tourism and does not have the wide choice of hip hotels offered by some destinations. Tobago offers a variety of smaller and larger accommodations for all budgets and requirements. more
Restaurants: As on every island, Tobago has a lot of food to import and are therefore quite expensive. The selection of high-quality restaurants is therefore limited; in the northern area of Tobago, these are virtually not represented at all on the market. However, many restaurants process ingredients into delicious Creole cuisine. more
Beaches: Tobago has many beautiful sandy beaches. With a few exceptions, these are natural beaches that are hardly, rarely or not at all cleaned. Floating debris and other marine waste can thus be found again and again. Also, sandy beaches are often divided by rocky sections. The beaches of Tobago are therefore very varied and cover the range from white coral sand to almost black volcanic sand. more
Sea: The sea, especially the Atlantic Ocean, can be quite turbulent, especially in the first months of the year and at full moon. Tourists usually like the beaches that are sheltered by a bay and offer good conditions for snorkeling and diving.
Activities: On Tobago there is no theme park and no roller coaster, yet the island offers a lot of variety. Resiende of all ages and find many opportunities for sports, recreation and culture. more
Entertainment: The places with a (halfway) pulsating nightlife are very rare on Tobago. In small bars and bistros you like to talk to the locals and listen to some music – often the evening there ends at 10 p.m. for younger people as well. more
Shopping: Another truth about Tobago is that there are virtually no special souvenirs to bring home to your loved one. more
Service: A very difficult point, which often leads to misunderstandings. Some travellers come back home and say that the Tobagonians are unfriendly and offer terrible service. There are two things to consider here: Those who appear with a pronounced “taker attitude” should not expect much attention. Those who have an open heart and a portion of serenity will usually not be disappointed. Even if the service rarely reaches international standards, the friendly nature compensates for the often somewhat sluggish service. more
Bottom Line
So let’s summarize: Tobago is still completely natural, largely non-commercial and very different from many other holiday destinations. Whether you enjoy a holiday on this beautiful island depends very much on how you deal with the local population and the local conditions.
If you expect perfect and fast service, as soon as you give the service an order, Tobago is the wrong destination for you.
If you approach the locals openly and with interest, treat them respectfully as a friend and show interest in their history, you will certainly experience the most beautiful holiday of your life.
We hope that with this information we have been able to clarify whether Tobago is the right destination for you and what is the prerequisite for experiencing a wonderful time there.
With this Tobago can convince
Tobago can be the right holiday destination for you if the following points are important to you:
lonely natural beaches
untouched places for snorkeling and diving
Accommodation in family-run guesthouses, apartments, hotels and villas
small restaurants offering a varied mixture of Indian, African and Creole cuisine.
a relaxed ambience, without time pressure
Contact to hearty locals without fear of contact
drift into and through a day’s holiday without concrete planning
Caribbean carnival in its original form
You shouldn’t expect this from Tobago.
If the following are essential requirements for your dream holiday, Tobago may not be the best holiday destination for you:
glamorous 5-star hotels
excellent star restaurants
large selection of artificially created or managed sandy beaches
Before going on holiday to Tobago in the Caribbean, a lot of time is often invested in the choice of destination, accommodation and leisure programme. The same care should also apply to the composition of the first-aid kit and the observance of certain rules. We have addressed fundamental points in the area of “Safety & Health”. On this page we have collected tips on how to avoid illnesses and accidents as well as the most important medicines and materials for the first-aid kit.
1. At the latest six weeks before the journey the family doctor or a well trained pharmacist of the confidence should be contacted. In particular, when trips to remote areas are planned or possible, the need for vaccinations or other precautions should be discussed. Your personal health should also be checked again on this occasion and any necessary medication should be ordered. No vaccinations are currently required for Tobago itself, but an individual consultation is recommended. 2. A well-assorted first-aid kit is a must in a suitcase. Pain-relieving drugs are just as much a part of Basis as disinfectants and help against gastrointestinal complaints. We have put together some tips in the list below. 3. A travel health insurance abroad protects in case of unforeseen events. Before taking out the insurance and commencing the journey, it is essential to clarify the scope of the service package. 4. Obtain information on the medical care of the destination and local doctors, health centres or hospitals. For Tobago we have put together a list including the contact details. 5. Please bring any urgent or potentially required medication with you. Tobago has some well-stocked pharmacies, but special medicines usually have to be ordered. It is also not guaranteed that the composition is identical to the version known in Germany / Europe. It should also be noted that some medicines are subject to certain import restrictions. 6. In particular, mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also a potential vector of disease. A net over the bed, if necessary protective clothing during visits in the rainforest and a good insect repellent with DEET (e.g. Antibrumm) repel the little pests. 7. The sun is much more intense in the Caribbean than in many other parts of the world. Even if there are clouds in the sky, good sun protection is important. Sun cream and sun glasses protect the body, sufficient rest in the shade gives the body new energy and prevents dehydration. On the beach we recommend places under trees (Attention: watch out for falling coconuts!) or a beach shell. 8. Walking barefoot is comfortable, but can also be dangerous. Carelessly disposed of glass and sharp coral pieces can lead to nasty cuts to the foot, especially on the beach. Lightweight, closed beach shoes not only protect, but offer better grip than flip-flops. 9. Never drink unpurified water, not even to brush your teeth. In case of doubt, the host or the reception will inform you about the local water quality. Drinking water can usually be purchased cheaply in all mini and supermarkets. 10. Only eat well cooked, baked or roasted food. Also make sure that fruit and vegetables have been cooked, peeled or at least washed with drinking water. 11. Before swimming in rivers or lakes, ask for information about water quality and possible shoals or currents. 12. Road traffic in Tobago is much less intensive than in Europe. Nevertheless, traffic accidents are not excluded and are also a source of danger for tourists. Motorcycles should only be rented by experienced riders and potholes must be taken into account. When renting cars and motorcycles, it is essential to have a reputable provider with technically flawless vehicles. In the car, fasten your seat belt and wear a helmet on the motorcycle. All recommendations are also valid for cyclists!
In the well-assorted first-aid kit belong remedies for the following cases. The respective drugs are to be understood as proposals. Please make sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist in advance about the compatibility.
1. Insect bites / sunburn, e.g. antihistamine gel, possibly with hydrocortisone. Electric bite healers can help with mosquito bites.
2. Protection against insects / mosquitoes / ticks, mosquito repellent, absolutely with the active ingredient DEET, e.g. Antibrumm
3. Travel sickness, Antivertiginosa as tablets or chewing gum e.g. Vomex, Superpep
10. Earache, e.g. Otalgan drops, Otolitan N drops, Normison
11. Eye inflammation e.g. Yxin Eye Drops, e.g. Berberil N eye drops, Bepanthen eye ointment
12. Sore throat, e.g. Dorithricin Tablet
13. Cough, e.g. Silomat Dragees/Drops, Prospan Drops
14. Cold, e.g. Sinuforton Dragees, Nasivin drops, Otriven drops, Olynth nasal spray for adults / children
15. Diarrhea, e.g. loperamide, electrolyte powder, rifaximin (xifaxan)
You see that for a trip to Tobago in the Caribbean the same tips apply as for most other destinations. We wish you a healthy journey and hope that you don’t need the above mentioned medicines during your Tobago Holiday!
The Adventure Farm is a 12 acre nature reserve with an organic farm on Arnos Vale Road near Plymouth. The reserve is known for its bird and butterfly world and is home to iguanas in the mango and lemon gardens. The premises are open from Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 17:45 pm, the entrance fee is 5 US$.
On many bird watching tours it is now standard to start or finish them on the farm. You can observe, photograph and film over 50 different bird species in peace and quiet. Also recommended for guests who are not specialized in bird watching. The loving facility is an impressive invitation to relaxation and harmony with nature.
Arnos Vale is a former sugar cane plantation The beautiful area of the Arnos Vale Hotel was once a tropical garden and home to many birds. Unfortunately, the hotel does not enjoy a good reputation anymore, so that a stay or visit to coffee and cake is not recommended. Instead, guests and birds now head for the neighbouring “Adventure Farm”.
A little north of the hotel is Arnos Vale Water Mill. The former sugar factory is rather a museum and restaurant. Unfortunately, access is no longer possible today, as the operators have allowed the facility to lapse into disregard for its importance and history.
The sounds of the Caribbean are Reggea, Soca and Merengue? Absolutely – but not exclusively! The “Tobago Jazz Experience” has been inviting top stars of the jazz scene and other music styles to the island since 2008.
In 2017, the legendary Grace Jones performed against a dreamlike backdrop from 22 to 30 April. The diversity of the event is underlined by the concert of Shabba Ranks (Jamaica), the first dancehall artist to win a Grammy.
Visitors to the concerts on the beaches of Castara and Pigeon Point can therefore look forward to a musical and visual treat. The event will be accompanied by workshops in which young musicians and interested parties will be able to draw on the expertise of experienced artists.
More information at https://tobagojazzexperience.com/
Tobago is a paradise for windsurfers and kite surfers.
An unfamiliar world awaits us here. Wind- and kite surfers pack up their equipment and talk shop over a beer about a successful day. Granted: We don’t have any experience with these sports and we haven’t felt the excitement of trying them out for ourselves yet. But the enthusiasm in the faces placed with sunblocks in a matt white is contagious. We owe the transition from a slightly cloudy morning to a very sunny midday to a wind that apparently has not only made us sun worshippers happy. The kite surfers were really pushing it up, while the windsurfers were sailing at a good speed on the water.
End of a successful day for water sports enthusiasts
The water sports enthusiasts sit together relaxed with cold beer and look back on the day, but we still have the sporting part ahead of us. We will be welcomed at the entrance of the hall and can confirm our participation. Great – the registration via the Internet went well. The payment of the tour will be made in cash either in TT$ or USD$ – card payment is not possible.
On the trail of the shining plankton with a kayak
You can choose between kayaking or Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP). We chose the kayak because we would like to do the trip together and have relatively little experience on the Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP).
Our group gets bigger and bigger until Douane, our guide for the evening, joins us. Douane is a Trinidadian by birth and embodies the cliché of a water sportsman: very friendly and smart, well-trained and tanned.
Free choice between SUP board and kayak
After the greeting we get a short insight into the course of the evening and the “Bioluminescence Tour”. After the paddles have been handed out, we head to the beach, where the kayaks are ready. Duane and another guest decided to buy a SUP Board and carry it from the hall to the beach.
Once you arrive at the small boats, there will be a short briefing, especially for the best paddling technique and carrying the boat. After all, the kayak must not only be carried from the beach into the water, but at No Man´s Land it must also be carried over the small sandbank into the Bon Accord lagoon.
In the darkness towards the lagoon
Well prepared we now bring the boats into the water and sit down in the yellow plastic canoe. It’s the first trip for us, so it takes a little while until our paddle strokes (halfway) are synchronized and we move forward quickly. Over the Caribbean the sun has set in the meantime, so that it is almost completely dark on the water. With decreasing vision, the perception of sounds increases significantly. The penetration of the paddles into the water, screeching birds in the distance and the splashing of the sea at our kayak suddenly become audible. Our first goal, the sandbank at the headland at No Man´s Land, we see in outline before us – still some sporty employment is demanded, in order to be able to translate the boat! Duane always has a look at the group from his SUP board and brakes the front boats when the distances get too big. Due to the comfortable pace there is hardly any need to do so, so the tour is also suitable for less sporty people.
Natural spectacle in the light of the flashlight
Arrived at the sandbank we get out of the kayak and pull it briefly out of the water. While we loosen our legs Duane introduces us to the nightlife of the Caribbean. He puts his flashlight at knee level above the water and turns on the light. What we’ve got now is amazing! In the darkness it seemed as if we were alone. Suddenly thousands of “flying fish” float over the water and are hunted by a huge number of birds. A lively hustle and bustle that is second to none! The distances of the “flying fish” in the air are surprisingly long. Quickly they navigate with a fin the direction on the hunt for small fish, which are again their loot. An impressive picture of how this part of a food chain functions in a matter of seconds.
Sudden glow in the night
We now pack our kayak in front and behind to put it into the calm water of the Bon Accord lagoon. Here Duane encourages us to look for the first contact with the shining plankton. We don’t see anything yet. The lagoon lies pitch dark in front of us, the outlines of the coast cannot even be seen in the beginning. Is it too dark, the moonlight too weak?
Duane wipes through the water with one hand and stirs it up a bit. In fact – it glows like it is occupied by millions of fireflies!
The glow is a friendly warning
Duane explains that the plankton reacts to touch, so the calm water is completely inconspicuous and dark. One suspects that the light function is about a territorial behavior of the plankton and it signals: “Hey, here is my territory – go away!”. Now we’re going to try it ourselves with excitement. Quickly the water is stirred up with hands, legs, paddles etc. to see the spectacle. It is unbelievable how the plankton lies on the skin so that the contours of hand, leg, etc. are illuminated and clearly visible.
Pelicans spend the night in the Bon Accord Lagoon
However, we have not yet reached our destination. All group members get into their kayak or on the SUP board and continue into the Bon Accord lagoon. Counterclockwise we drive slowly very close to the coast. High trees and mangroves give nature an almost uncanny character in the shimmering darkness. Also here Duane turns on his flashlight and shines into the tops of the impressive trees. In the silence sit countless pelicans and other birds to spend the night here! We know the Bon Accord Lagoon quite well from our excursions with Alibaba Tours – but during the day there is nothing to see of the pelicans on land and the treetops are orphaned.
Mangroves are the perfect environment for luminous plankton
At the transition to the land, the roots of the mangroves, which have grown together in a rustic way, protrude into the water. Here the concentration of the luminous plankton should be densest. The temptation is great to test it directly. Actually – it shines again clearly more intensively! Somewhat surprisingly, Duane is making an offer that most members of our group are accepting.
Time for a refreshment!
The water is quite shallow, there are no dangerous animals on land or in the water – so if you like, you can jump into the lagoon! Little by little the excursionists slide from their kayaks and SUPs into the warm water and provide an impressive play of colours. With every movement plankton is swirled up and begins to shine – an unbelievable picture. Of course, anyone who doesn’t want to go into the water can stay in the boat and make the plankton glow from there.
Relaxed return trip thanks to current and wind
Group photo at the end of the Bioluminescence Tour
After all kayaks and SUP are ready for take off again, the last meters in the semicircle of the lagoon and to the sandbank in front of No Man´s Land. After translating, we fix the light on the coast to arrive at the desired destination. The return trip is a bit faster and more relaxed, as the current and wind do some of the work.
Sporty conclusion to a relaxing day
Arriving on land we learn that we have spent almost 6 kilometres on the water. Not bad for a start, is it? We certainly enjoyed it and the physical effort was kept in a very pleasant frame. Also on the two days after the tour there was nothing to feel of muscle soreness. We can also recommend this excursion to beginners and less sporty people.
After we have positioned the kayaks safely on the beach we bring the paddles back into the hall and position ourselves for a group photo. Our taxi driver is already waiting at the parking lot next door, so that this wonderful day at Pigeon Point and the Bon Accord Lagoon is finally over. We’ll be back!
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