About Tobago

Introducing Tobago

Latitude: 11 N, Longitude 60 W
Physical Area: Fish-shaped, measures 26 miles, 42 km, by 7 miles, 10 km.
Total Area: 116m, 300km
Major Towns: Scarborough, Roxborough, and Charlotteville

Tobago is just 32km, 20m, off the northeast coast of Trinidad. Tobago has a central hilly range with a flat area in the south and west of the island where much of the tourism has developed. This area, influenced by the presence of fringing offshore reefs, has distinct beaches with soft powdery white or cinnamon brown sand. The island also has an agrarian base being noted for the production of sugar, cocoa, coffee and citrus products at various times in the past.

Trinidad & Tobago...Rain forests and coral reefs, mountain hiking, rare birds, scuba diving, nature, sailing, golf, and, of course, there's almost always music. Combine all this with the fact that Trinidad and Tobago are two of the most southern of the Caribbean islands, and they become an almost irressistible destination.

Discover tranquil, deserted beaches. Some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean, who want to make your stay enjoyable. Discover Buccoo Reef, one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean, with a fascinating underwater world. Golf under the palm trees on the 18 hole championship course at Mt Irvine. Fine restaurants, inexpensive hotels to 4 and 5 star resorts.

Tobago is a tranquil place to enjoy golden rays, rainbow sunsets and unforgettable beauty. Tobago, Trinidad's small companion island, lies a scant 20 miles - 32 kilometers - to the northeast. This pocket paradise contains some of the world's loveliest beauty spots, including large groves of coconut palms, miles of unspoiled beaches and the famous underwater delights of Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool.

"Tobago - Pigeon Point"

Go diving with Mantas and meet a people with a quiet pride and a relaxed way of life, rich folklore and customs and a unique history.

As for Tobago, it is also a unique diver's paradise. With Speyside on the Atlantic coast, discover large schools of Manta Rays, unlike the other Caribbean islands where you'll be lucky to find one or two, infrequently.

The island, regarded as a prize possession, was fought over by British, French and other colonial powers changing hands at least 25 times. These colonial settlers have left their mark on Tobago's past by way of the various place names such as Glamorgan and L'Anse Fourmi and ruins of forts and sugar mills and water wheels that dot the landscape.

Go diving with Mantas and meet a people with a quiet pride and a relaxed way of life, rich folklore and customs and a unique history. Have an authentic Tobago Wedding and complete the picture of the perfect vacation. The ideal getaway... Visit Tobago and you will certainly find a personal paradise. 

"Tobago - Shore"

Scarborough (the capitol city)
Tobago's chief town is draped on a hillside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is the centre of business and administration on the island. Founded by the Dutch who settled the island this town boasts of an excellent harbour, the seeming focus for a bustling town.

Upper Scarborough features the former site of the Tobago House of Assembly. This Georgian styled mansion which overlooks James Park, previously the original Market Square, is the lone remnant of colonial era architecture. Most of the buildings from this era were lost in the 1789 fire that razed the town. Fort King George anchors the upper reaches of Scarborough. Other significant sites are St. Andrew's on the Hill.

The Botanic Gardens separates Upper Scarborough from Lower Scarborough. This breath of green in the town's flow down to the sea celebrates its centenary in 1998. The Gardens with its many exotic plants and shrubs makes a pleasant spot to stop when moving between the two halves of the town.

Lower Scarborough runs along the Atlantic Ocean, which crashes against this shore with vigor and energy, much like the people who inhabit the town. The main features here being the market, a colourful arrangement of people, stalls and produce ranging from flowering plants, to fruits and vegetables. Nearby are stores, banks, the Scarborough library and the Tourism Information centre in the NIB Mall. 

POINTS OF INTEREST

BOTANIC GARDENS
Seventeen acres of tropical trees and shrubs that run from the Claude Noel Highway at the northern end of Scarborough southward. Exotics like the African Tulip can be found here. There are entrances at either end.

FORT KING GEORGE
This fort, built in the 1780's is perhaps Tobago's best preserved historical site. The approaches to the fort take you past the current hospital facilities, the prison and onto the grounds. There are several cannon emplacements, barracks and officer's mess and even sculptures, although these are more recent artifacts. The grounds are excellently manicured and offer magnificent views of the coast. It is a popular venue for art displays having also a souvenir shop on the compound.
 
TOBAGO MUSEUM
The museum, located in the Barrack GuardHouse of Fort King George, has artifacts from Tobago's early history on display. Amerindian artifacts, military relics and documents from the colonial period are also on display. Opens Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Telephone 868-639-3970.

Geography
Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands in the Caribbean chain, only 10km (7 miles) from the Venezuelan coast and geologically part of South America. The two islands are 33km (21 miles) apart. Trinidad is half forested, with a range of low mountains running along the north coast (the highest point is 940 metres, 3,085 ft.); there is a flat central plain, with rolling hills in the south. Tobago has a central spine of hills rising to 549 metres (1,860 ft.), with flatter land in the south. The national capital is Port of Spain (pop. 350,000); Tobago's capital is Scarborough. Other major urban areas in Trinidad are San Fernando in the south, Chaguanas (central) and Arima (east)

Area
Trinidad 4,828 sq. km (1,864 sq. miles); Tobago 300 sq. km. (116 sq. miles)

Population
1.3 million (Tobago 50,000), tracing their roots back to Africa (40%), India (40%), Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and China. Most major religions are represented, including Christianity (Roman Catholic 29%, Anglican 11%, Presbyterian, Methodist and evangelical faiths), Hinduism (24%), Islam (6%) and traditional African faiths

Language
The official language is English; the old French-based patois has almost died out, and some Hindi is used in the Indian community

Money
The Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$) floats against the US dollar and other currencies; daily exchange rates are carried in the press. Credit cards are widely used in tourist areas, and by car rental companies, hotels and restaurants. Leading banks offer ATM machines which accept international cards

Time zone
1 hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time, 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time

Climate
Average temperature 29°C (83°F), with a maximum daily temperature in the low to mid 30s. June to December are the wettest months, with rainfall mostly in short sharp bursts; Tobago is often slightly cooler and less humid than Trinidad

Phone codes
Country code: 868 (prefix to all numbers when calling from another country)

Half Moon Blue Hotel: Scarborough Half Moon Blue Hotel is situated at Bacolet Bay on the south-eastern tip of Tobago lying obliquely below a 17th Century lighthouse named Fort George. The two apartment units consisting of ten rooms ... Rex Turtle Beach - Tobago: Scarborough Rex Resorts Caribbean beach front resort hotel on Tobago. An all-inlcusive or traditional meal basis. Escape to a paradise of enchantment and beauty, to a caribbean beach vacation resort, an island ... Ocean Point Hotel - Tobago: Tobago Located on the southern end of Tobago this friendly, off beach, hotel is complete with all sparkly white kitchenettes, pine fittings and terra cotta floors, big showers in the bathroom and a Welcome ...

Plantation Beach Villas: Black Rock Surrounded by the tranquil ambience of natural lush tropical scenery, enjoy relaxing in one of six Colonial styled three bedroom villas each with a 40' teak verandah looking out to the cool Caribbean ...

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