Adventures In Tobago

Tobago is the site of the Western Hemisphere's oldest nature reserve. Like Trinidad, Tobago was once a part of the South American continent. Thus, it has the same broad spectra of flora and fauna. Tobago is a rare pearl in the Caribbean, its natural beauty having remained unmarred by tourism or heavy industry.

Some of the things to see are do are the following:

Buccoo Reef
The island's protected marine park located off Pigeon Point/Store Bay. Daily tours consists of a glass-bottom boat ride out to the reef where you're given snorkel gear for a short swim on the reef and then a dip in the Nylon Pool, a sand spit in the middle of the lagoon. Local folk lore has it that whoever swims in the Nylon Pool will lose 20 years. Damn, my tour guide must be well over 100!

"Tobago - Pigeon Point"

Fort King George
Built in the 1770's, this fort remains one of Tobago's best preserved historical monuments. The fort's prisoner's bell tank, barracks and officer's mess are all located amongst the lush grounds. The cannon's still remain as they were overlooking the coast. On a clear day, Trinidad's Northern Range can be seen. The Tobago Museum and art display are located on the Fort's grounds.

Argyle Waterfalls (more info)
Argyle Waterfalls and Louis d'Or Nurseries is located near Roxborough. Guides are onhand to help you to climb this three-tiered waterfall for a fee of TT$15. There are no admission fees for either.
 
Englishman's Bay
This is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Tobago, and certainly one of the most secluded. It's a lovely beach for a swim or a picnic. If you're lucky you'll see one of Tobago's giant Leatherback turtles on the beach. These endangered sea turtles come ashore during the months of March, April and June to lay eggs that hatch within three months. Tobago is one of three islands in the Caribbean where the giant Leatherback nests on the beaches. Stone Haven Bay and Castara Bay are other popular nesting sights in Tobago.

"Tobago - Scarborough"

Adventure Farm & Nature Reserve (more info)
This 12 acre estate located on the Arnos Vale road boasts of birds, butterflies, iguanas and mango/citrus orchards. There is an admission charge of US$3. and tours at US$1. from Mon-Fri 7am till 5pm.
 
Plymouth [Mystery Tombstone]
Plymouth was the site of one of Tobago's earliest communities, settled by the Dutch in 1633. They were driven out three years later by Spaniards from Trinidad; however, in 1654 a group of Courlanders (nowadays, Latvians) succeeded in establishing themselves in the region and constructing a fort. They in turn were driven out by the Dutch four years later; only a plaque remains to commemorate their brief tenure, put up by a group of Latvians who still return to Plymouth each year, in memoriam. In Plymouth, the ruins of Fort James (c. 1680) offer a wide-angle, windswept view of the west coast. The other tourist imperative is the Mystery Tombstone, whose ambiguous 18th-century epitaph is still the source of much speculation. Its subject, young Betty Stiven, apparently was "a Mother without knowing it and a Wife without letting her husband know it except by her kind indulgence to him." You figure it out!

Botanical Gardens
Located on 17 acres of well-groomed gardens, trees and shrubs and overlooking the Scarborough. Located near Fort King George.

Flagstaff Hill
Can be found at the norther tip of the island. It served as an American military lookout and radio tower during World War II. The panoramic view at the top of the hill is breathtaking. The St. Giles' Islands can bee seen (where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea) as well as the tiny fishing village of Charlotteville. The sunsets vistas on Flagstaff will blow your mind!
 
Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary
This bird sactuary is located near Black Rock village and was once a cocoa estate. After the hurricane in 1963, the owner took to feeding the wild birds whose forest habitat was badly damaged. When she died, the estate was passed onto her remaining family on the condition that it would remain a wildlife sanctuary. The house has been converted to a nature center. The Motmots have been conditioned over the years and usually come out around 4pm for their old feeding time. Their fear of humans has diminished and hand feeding is possible. There are nature hiking trails on the grounds.

Little Tobago Island
Located off Speyside, this little island is the most important bird sanctuary in the Caribbean. Tours can be arranged through the staff at oceanpoint.

Richmond Great House
Richmond Great House is a restored sugar plantation house dating from the 1766. It houses early 20th century furnishings, African textiles and carvings. Tours are available for a small fee.

Tobago Forest Reserve
The mountain range of Tobago is the oldest forest reserve in the western hemisphere. It was declared a reserve in 1764 shortly after the island fell under British rule. Guided tours for the Gilpin / Niplig trail can be arranged through the staff at Ocean Point.

Witch's Grave
At the village of Golden Lane lies the grave of Gang Gang Sara. Local folklore has it that she was a witch who flew in from Africa hundreds of years ago, unable to fly back out because she had eaten salt.

Fort Milford
Fort Milford is located on Milford Road. Not much remains at this old fort but it overlooks the Caribbean Sea and makes a nice quiet resting spot.
 
Fort James
Fort James is located near the mystery tombstone and the Great Courland Bay settlement in Plymouth. The barracks and cannons still stand overlooking Great Courland Bay.

Pigeon Point
The islands most famous beach can boast of powdery white sand and leaning coconut palms. Located on a private coconut estate, the small admission fee entitles you to use of the beaches facilities. There is a gift shop, washroom/showers, snack shop and entertainment stand. Trips to Buccoo Reef can be arranged here. One of the most memorable landmarks of Tobago is the little coconut palm covered shelter at the end of the jetty. A great place to unwind!

Information provided by: Ocean Point Hotel

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