ISLAND TOBAGO

The best quote that I have heard coming from this Island called Tobago is; "the shortest distance between two points is not in Tobago". In a word, curves and plenty of them. If speed is your need, not on this island. Tobago is set on speed of Warp factor slow and you will be forced into the calm and relaxing pace of this island in the sun.

THE SOUTHERN COURSE

SCARBOROUGH - PLYMOUTH - CROWN POINT - SCARBOROUGH

Courland Monument, Plymouth

Some of Tobago’s earliest settlers were in Courland (now part of Latvia): descendants gather regularly in Tobago to maintain the link. A fine sculpture by Janis Minitiks commemorates the 17th century settlers who gave their name to the great sweep of the south of Plymouth.

Mystery Tombstone, Plymouth

The inscription on this 18th century tombstone has long puzzled passers-by. It records that Betty Stiven "was a mother without knowing it, and a wife without letting her husband know it, except by her kind indulgence to him".

Arnos Vale Waterwheel and Nature Park

Little is left of the old 18th century sugar factory, but the waterwheel that powered that mill is still there, and has been restored and enhanced with a nature park, a museum, gift shop, restaurant and bar. Excellent for bird-watching. Open daily at 0830 to 2230.

Adventure Farm and Nature Reserve, Arnos Vale This 12 acre estate on the Arnos Vale Road is notorious for ; birds butterflies, iguanas, mangoes and citrus orchards . Open Monday through Friday; 0700 to 1700.

Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, Black Rock

This bird sanctuary was once a cocoa estate, after the devastating hurricane of 1963, the owner took to feeding the wild birds whose forest habitat had been destroyed. After she died, the estate was willed to her family on the condition that it remained a wildlife sanctuary. The Mot mots sometimes still come out of the forest at four in the afternoon, the old feeding time. These shy birds allow themselves to be fed by hand. Trails into the bush have been cleared for nature hikers.

Kimme Museum

A little way up the road past Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel is the workshop and gallery of German sculptor Luise Kimme, who has made Tobago a large part of her life’s work. Massive wooden blocks are turned into graceful dancers, young girls, lovers and mothers with children. Viewing on Sunday or by appointment.

Mt. Irvine Golf Course

A 18-hole championship course attached to Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel.

Buccoo Reef A protected marine park off Pigeon Point/Store Bay ( trips conducted by SCUBA ADVENTURE SAFARI), abounded by Tobago’s most famous reef. Daily glass bottom tours allow even non-swimmers the opportunity to see the reef life. Trip includes a swim in the Nylon Pool, a warm shallow area in the middle of the lagoon. Trips begin at 1100.

There is a whole day excursion to No Man’s Land - a sandy spit reaching into the lagoon, this makes for an excellent beach Bar-B-Que. and rum punch party. If you are interested call SCUBA ADVENTURE SAFARI.

Pigeon Point

Tobago’s most famous beach, a white sand idyll, an entrance fee gives you access to changing rooms, thatch shaded seating areas, restaurant and bar.

Store Bay

This is Tobago’s most popular beach. A hearty appetite should be brought because of the congregation of local food vendors. Itinerant vendors and craftsmen sell everything imaginable in the kiosks located by the beach.

Fort Bennett, Black Rock

From the ruins of one of Tobago’s oldest forts, you get a beautiful view of the west coast.

THE WINDWARD COURSE

SCARBOROUGH - ROXBOROUGH - SPEYSIDE - CHARLOTTEVILLE

Fort Granby

Not much remains of this fort, which once guarded Georgetown, Tobago’s first Capital, except for the grave of a young unknown soldier. But the wild, windswept promontory with its sweeping view is worth the visit.

Richmond Great House

An elegantly restored plantation house, Great House dating from 1766, with early 20th century furniture. It houses a collection of African textiles and carvings, and is now a five-room guesthouse with restaurant. Guided tours available.

Argyle Waterfall, Roxborough A lovely three-tiered waterfall near Roxborough, with deep cool pools for swimming. Trained guides are available. Louis d’Or Nurseries, Roxborough The nurseries house has a wide range of flowering plants, shrubs, and tropical fruit trees, etc. Open Daily.

Little Tobago Island, Speyside

Facing the village of Speyside, this small offshore island is one of the most important seabird sanctuaries of the Caribbean. The Red-billed Tropic birds are spectacular from October to June. Tours held at 1000 and 1400.

Capri Isle, Goat Island, Speyside This is an ultra exclusive luxury hotel, located between Tobago and Little Tobago. This hotel has the most romantic view of the island of Tobago and of the Atlantic Ocean. It can entertain four couples at any one time. You will be in the lap of luxury, with private access to the ocean, Direct TV, maid and butler service and satellite telephone. This island is privately owned, and there is no fear of crowds or encountering guests than those of YOUR choosing. You will be completely taken care of; all amenities are included. Treat yourself like a King or Queen, be pampered, and bring your loyal subjects along. You will be completely taken care of, however, only Scuba Adventure Safari can arrange your desires.

Flagstaff Hill, Charlotteville

This is the northern tip of Tobago, reached via an unsurfaced road from the crest of the hill before descending into Charlotteville. During World War II, it was the site of an American military lookout and radio tower. The view is panoramic, encompassing St. Giles Islands and the village of Charlotteville. Sunsets from this spot are spectacular.

THE NORTHSIDE COURSE

SCARBOROUGH - MORIAH - BLOODY BAY - MAIN RIDGE

Witch’s Grave, Golden Lane

In the hill village of Golden Lane is the grave of Gang Gang Sara, according to local legend, she was an African witch who flew to Tobago centuries ago and was unable to fly back because she had eaten salt.

Englishman’s Bay

There is no village here - just emerald forest and brilliant blue sea. It is one of the loveliest beaches in Tobago.

Castara, Parlatuvier, Bloody Bay and L’Anse Fourmi The villages of the north coast are extremely picturesque, with small houses and sheltered blue bays. The approach to Parlatuvier from the hills to the south is particularly memorable. Main Ridge Forest Reserve The mountainous spine of Tobago supports the oldest forest reserve in the western hemisphere. It was established in the 1760’s, shortly after the island fell into British Rule. Trips into the rain forest on Gilpin/Niplig trail are offered by Steven Broadbridge an expert on Trinidad and Tobago’s eco-system. Call Scuba Adventure Safari.