Bonnetts Abroad

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Tobago is one of the real Robinson Crusoe islands. Although measuring just 26 miles by nine – around every corner and turn, you'll find your jaw dropping open at the sheer beauty of another scene. Sometimes it is a waterfall falling from a volcanic hill, and then it will be a long, white, sandy beach with the translucent waters reflecting a coral reef below. Even the names are evocative – Pigeon Point (acknowledged as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean), Man OWar Bay and Bloody Bay. The capital and cruise port Scarborough is laid–back even by Caribbean standards and a great place for a quiet drink and to watch the world stroll by. And, although there is plenty to see inland – from rainforests to bird sanctuaries – most visitors just put on their swim–gear and head for the beach. And who can blame them?

In Tobago, most cruise ships stop at the deep–port cruise terminal, Scarborough, on the southern coast of Tobago. The cruise–ship terminal, which is in the center of town, dominates the harbor. Most ships tie up at the dock, but some continue to anchor off the western tip of the island and tender passengers to Pigeon Point (about 8 mi/13 km from Scarborough), where there are palm–fringed beaches within walking distance of several resort hotels.

Inside Scarborough's terminal are duty–free shops, local crafts and music stores, tour operators and a tourist office. Immediately outside the building are an ice–cream parlor and a tiny pub (both are good places to grab some refreshments before reboarding the ship).

Sightseeing:

Tobago is the smaller of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. It is located in the southern Caribbean Sea, northeast of the island of Trinidad and southeast of Grenada. The island lies outside the hurricane belt.

Tourism is concentrated in the southwest of the island, around Crown Point, Store Bay, Pigeon Point and Buccoo Reef. This area has large expanses of sand and is dominated by resort type developments. Tobago has many idyllic beaches around its coastline, especially those at Castara, Bloody Bay, and Englishman's Bay.

Tobago is also a popular diving location, since it is the most southerly of the Caribbean island with coral communities.

Scarborough is the largest town on Tobago, one of the two islands of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Its population is around 17,000, almost one–third of the population of the island. The town is dominated by Fort King George, an 18th century fortification named for King George III which now hosts a historic/archaeological museum.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

If you opt not to sign–up for the tours offered by your cruise line, the friendly staff at the Tourism Information Office at the terminal could recommend fun excursions.

All official taxis have registration 'H'. Hiring a private taxi is much more expensive but gives the freedom to go where you like. Though there are fixed rates for certain journeys, it is best to establish this before you start your journey. Remember $1.00 U.S = $6.30TT but in the tourism industry they round it off to $1,00 = $6.00 flat. Always ask the taxi what currency is he quoting you.

If you walk into the Tobago terminal at the pier towards the back, and turn right, there's a huge room with chairs and a waiting area, and there are lots of guys pairing people up to take cabs to various locations. They have a big board posted with the prices to go to each of the locations on the island.

Typical excursions on Tobago:

A popular tour is the island scenic drive of Southern Tobago which covers many major sites, including the mysterious tombstone and the popular Store Bay beach. There are also stops at several forts including Fort James and Fort King George, which houses a museum and arts center.

The Buccoo Reef Marine Park glass bottom boat tour features one of Tobago's spectacular sites. A protected area, Buccoo Reef is one of Tobago's popular destinations. Learn about the life that thrives in this shallow reef; then it's time to snorkel and explore. From the reef it's on to the Nylon Pool, a shallow sandbank with clear water out at sea.

Adventure lovers will enjoy excursions into Tobago's magnificent Rain Forest Reserve and Argyle falls. These tours move beyond the resort areas and into the island's wild interior. Hike through the lush, tropical Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest in the Western Hemisphere, or frolic in the natural pool at the base of the three tiered Argyle Falls.

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