Tobago is one of
the lesser developed Caribbean islands in terms of built infrastructure so that much of
the natural vegetation still remains and many of its inhabitants live in small villages in
the countryside. The eastern interior landscape rises steeply into peaks, providing
shelter for the oldest protected rainforest reserve in the western hemisphere, which
covers 60% of the island. Tobago is indeed the last of the unspoilt Caribbean islands
making it a great location for a Caribbean holiday especially for someone who loves
holiday recreational activities and outdoor adventure.
Tobago is surrounded by some of the richest and most colorful coral reefs in the
Caribbean, with 40 species of corals and over 600 species of fish. These aquatic
communities are some of the most spectacular sights on earth. The island offers a myriad
of scuba diving opportunities for both the new and experienced scuba diver. Home of the
elusive manta rays and the Caribbean's largest brain coral, Tobago is a year round scuba
diving vacation destination. For those who are not as intrepid but still want to
experience the beauty of the underwater world while on a Caribbean holiday, Tobago has great snorkeling.
The game fishing in the waters off Tobago is a sport angler’s dream with some of
the world’s most exciting game fish, including blue marlin, white marlin, swordfish,
wahoo, tuna, barracuda, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and shark. If you are on vacation and do not
want to go deep sea fishing but simply want to relax with a few hours of fishing, then any
part of the Tobago coast is a good area. You can expect to find snook, tarpon, jacks,
garfish (hound fish), snapper, small barracuda and even small tuna.
The offshore coral reefs that shelter many of Tobago's beaches and make them so
enjoyable for swimming also make many of the bays enjoyable for kayaking. Kayak rentals are available at many hotels and
also from beachside vendors.
Tobago abounds with natural beauty. The contrast of rolling hills against wave-beaten
shores gives the island an unequalled allure. The windward coast is washed by the dark
green, wave-whipped Atlantic and lined with vibrant fishing villages while the
leeward coast provides Tobago with some of its finest beaches with crystal clear blue
waters. Tobago is definitely laid back with a pace of life that is slower than most other
parts of the world. Tobago’s warm and friendly people encourage you to leave your
hotel and explore the villages and rural countryside. That laid back lifestyle creates an
ambiance in Tobago’s villages that lends itself to the enjoyment of a holiday. When
on a vacation you feel yourself slowing down, shedding the tensions and being able to
enjoy the simple things like going to a village and watching bread baked in a mud oven.
On a Sunday night you can visit Buccou Village and dance the night away next to the gently
rolling waters of the bay while enjoying local cuisine.
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Tobago’s backbone, is a hilly range of forest,
which covers over 60% of the island, with its summit Pigeon Peak at 1,860 feet (549
metres) above sea level. This forest reserve is the oldest protected rainforest reserve in
the Western Hemisphere and allows you to indulge in one of Tobago’s major tourist
attractions, birdwatching. Scattered around Tobago are numerous birding hotspots that allow for the enjoyment of a
Caribbean outdoor vacation. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve also generates several
waterfalls that are among the places to visit when hiking in Tobago.
Tobago is an undulating mass of coral and volcanic rock. The southwestern peninsula is
largely composed of coral and relatively flat, making it a great place for cycling. It is
very easy to rent a bicycle and cycle along the country roads with views of the ocean. For
the mountain biker, there are riding options that offer a variety of wide and fairly easy
trails for beginners, but also those that provide some challenges for the advanced
mountain biker.
Over its history, Tobago is reputed to have changed hands over 30 times between 1777
and 1877. It seems that wherever you stay in Tobago there is a fort near you and each of
these are interesting places to visit while on a Tobago holiday. Military fortifications
are however not the only evidence of Tobago’s historic past. Throughout Tobago many
old buildings remain that reflect the varied architectural styles of Tobago’s
settlers who came from Latvia, England, France and Holland.
All of this in an island that is only 116 square miles (300 square km), 16 miles
long and seven miles wide with a population of 54,000, just 33 kilometers north east of
Trinidad.
