Liming

Just for the record the word "lyming" refers to the idea of hanging-out or just anything to do with having a GREAT time. Here is some information that should help you get around this wonderful island.

BEACHES

The beaches in Tobago are free to all visitors. Beaches in Tobago come in all configurations. If there is a shape, colour or size imaginable you will discover them here. The beaches are described by whether they are lapped by the Atlantic or the Caribbean Ocean.

The Atlantic Side

For long romantic walks, try Petit Trou in the Lowland district or Castara. These are just minutes from Crown Point on Old Milford Road. Stop by SCUBA ADVENTURE SAFARI and we will be more than happy to give you directions and a map. If you want water sports activities with your beach fun, Hilton Hotels will be opening a hotel in 1999 with every water sport you can think of. Reaching the hotel will require some form of transportation.

A little further up the coast is Lambeau. The beaches here are fully exposed to the Atlantic, but the view here is photogenic. Take a camera, and if you are up to it be there for sunrise. A good twenty minutes away , is Prince’s bay and King’s Bay. They are protected from the Atlantic by the shape of the point. Go and see it.

Caribbean Side

Closer to Crown Point is Store Bay beach. A relatively small beach, but well worth the two minute walk from several hotels. Within Crown Point you could walk to Pigeon Point. Ideal for small children and a landmark of Tobago. If you are going to be in Tobago then this beach is a must see. Canoe Bay is an enjoyable shallow beach for walking. You will need transportation to reach it. For those who seek true isolation then Pirate’s Bay and Lover’s Bay are your destinations. However, both these beaches do require travel. Lover’s Bay is so secluded that you need a guide to get you there. For you nature watchers, if you are interested in turtle watching Great Courland, Stone Haven and Parlatuvier are prime real estate.

Water sports

If you need assistance in scheduling your water sports activities or would like some suggestions please call and ask. The staff are knowledgeable of who is offering what in Tobago. There is boating, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing.

Shopping

It is possible to find attractive gift items - locally made garments, imaginative jewellery, crafts of every kind and souvenirs - at hotel boutiques and also at SCUBA ADVENTURE SAFARI and Crown Point Airport. Pigeon Point is good for souvenirs including tie-dye, batik work, swim wear and T-shirts. If you are looking for a more up-scale approach to your shopping we would suggest Meiling’s boutique at COCO Reef Hotel or Radical Designs in Scarborough. These names are known as Trinidad an Tobago's best designers.

Craftwork is easily available all over the island including SCUBA ADVENTURE SAFARI . Turtle Beach Hotel holds a craft market on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where local artisans are encouraged to show their work. For 100% local crafts and clothing try the Cotton House at Bacolet in the Buccoo district. Call Scuba Adventure Safari for directions.

Eating and Entertainment

Eating in Tobago is a rewarding experience. From coast to coast and tip to tip the island cuisine is distinctive. The curry crab and dumplings or Rotis are traditional island foods. I caution you do not ask for pepper unless you want Spicy Spicy food. Ask for either a Shark and Bake or the Flying Fish sandwiches. Don’t be fooled by the names.

Crown Point has the largest concentration of restaurants, both simple and fancy. The capital, Scarborough, has more western style fast-food restaurant KFC, Royal Castle and pizza. Then there is the Scarborough open air market. The sight of the market might slow you down, but the food is truly wonderful. On a hot day many people ask for coconut water or sweet water with or without jelly. Excellent refreshing drink.

In the rural parts of Tobago, restaurant/bars offer satisfying home cooking. Many of the operators are mums working right out of their kitchens.

Like much of everything else the main areas of attraction for everyone in Tobago are Crown Point and Scarborough. That is where the entertainment is located. There are night clubs like Golden Star (Wednesday and Saturday), Copra Tray (Thursdays - African Drumming), Lush (Fridays) and Sunday School (at the end of the weekend -steel pan show). Each hotel on the island has some form of nightly entertainment. We recommend that you explore the local scene!

There are several new clubs opening in the near future. It is my understanding that these places will be more in line with the feel of the Caribbean than the tourist orientated style that exist now.

LAND SPORTS

Those who prefer land activities will discover the tennis courts at several of the finer hotels or the public courts at Shaw Park. Grafton Beach resort boasts the only squash court on the island; non-resident guests can play for a fee. There is an archery range and volleyball court at Arnos Vale Hotel. Turtle Beach Hotel offers volleyball and shuffleboard.

Mt. Irvine Hotel is renowned for its 18-hole tournament golf course, including a well-stocked pro shop. Mt. Irvine also offers a sauna bath. For the horse rider or equestrians out there, Palm Tree Village in Lambeau offers horse back riding along the beach.

For the workout disciple, Le Grand Courlan is well equipped with an Olympic-standard gym. They also offer aerobic classes on Tuesday and Thursdays. There is a spa at Le Grand Courlan with hot and cold Jacuzzi, sauna, steam-room, aromatherapy and Swedish massages.

If you are trying to get in touch with your inner self then the Hanpton Inn in the Lowlands is the place to head for. The Inn offers Hatha Yoga and meditation sessions as well as aromatherapy massage. The Kariwak Village Hotel also organises periodic group sessions in Hatha yoga, Qi Gong and Ti Chi.

TOURING TOBAGO

For sheer beauty, the north coast is it. The small villages along the way like Moriah, Castara, Parlatuvier, Bloody Bay, L’Anse Fourmi will test the limits of your eyes. Englishman’s Bay is an idyll of blue and green water, the perfect picnic spot. A hike in the rain forest of the Main Ridge offers its own reward. Steven Broadbridge is a local expert in the flora and fauna. If you are interested in a complete tour call SCUBA ADVENTURE SAFARI for arrangements.

A windward Road tour - John Dial to Charlottville. The ride is worthwhile because of the dramatic closeness of the Atlantic Ocean via the tight curves of the road. The Richmond Great House is a renovated plantation house turned restaurant/guesthouse. This detour is essential if you want to view the caymans that bask at Hillsborough Dam.

For those of you are smart enough not to rent a car, a visit to Plymouth to tour Fort James and the Mystery Tombstone is easy. There are local buses that travel to this city and give you a chance to see the island as it is naturally. Just north of Plymouth is the lovely Arnos Vale Hotel. While in Plymouth most visitors take that opportunity to become English and enjoy a spot of tea with biscuits (American translation: cookies, damn the English the only great idea in 200 years).