Tobago (to-bay-go). The Island that inspired Robinson Crusoe, 25 miles long and 8 miles wide is located just of the Venezuela coast. Tobago and it's larger sister Trinidad are the southern most of the Caribbean Islands and split the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas. The Island is cool, serene and green - with lush tropical rain forests and mysterious blue oceans. Tobago, the true Caribbean island where life is at peace. It's what you've always dreamed of - Explore Tobago! Pigeon Point - Buccoo Bay Tobago Natural Tobago As in Trinidad, the key to Tobago's ecology is diversity. If the theory is correct that the two islands are a continuation of the Andes, then Tobago represents the cordillera's easternmost outcrop. Thanks to these continental origins, the island's volcanic Main Ridge teems with species unknown in most of the Caribbean. In addition to its almost overwhelming variety of flora and fauna, Tobago enjoys the advantage of being small. Everything is accessible: the mountains are not too high, the forests not too impenetrable, the coral reefs not too deep or distant. And very few species could be considered noxious: even the snakes are non-poisonous, which is always nice to know when you're walking through the rainforest. Scuba Diving: Hmmm, Tobago Diving...You'll LOVE it. It's tranquil, quiet, very laid back and friendly. Tobago's got to be the least known little island that ever comes to mind when it comes to diving. It's a little secret in the Caribbean. Mantas? Heck, who needs to fly halfway around the world to Yap to see them? In Tobago drift diving predominates. You will find dive sites all over the island with drifts of varying intensity allowing both beginners and experienced divers to enjoy. The ones that will really enthrall are St. Giles, Speyside and Crown Point. Beaches: One of the great things about Tobago is that with a little initiative and a sturdy vehicle, you can find an idyllic expanse of sand and sea. The rough northeast side of the island is inundated with bay and cove beaches reachable via dirt roads and walking paths. Break out the map and search for places like King Peter's Bay and Pirate's Bay. Similar beaches can be found on the south side of Tobago, but take caution when swimming: The Atlantic side of the island is prone to strong currents and heavy waves. More mainstream, and crowded, beaches are found on the extreme southeast tip, near the airport and hotels. The throngs of visitors to Pigeon Point can sometimes make it look like Atlantic City on Memorial Day, but the virginal sands and bathtub-warm blue water are hardly something you'll find in New Jersey. The peninsula is privately owned so there's a US$2 admission charge, which is a pittance considering the fine snorkeling and beautiful sunsets at Pigeon Point. A lively crowd can always be found just south at Store Bay beach, near the Coco Reef Resort. Reggae and calypso float through the air, and Rastafarians mingle among the beach parties selling arts and crafts or just joining in the fun. Tobago Shore Restaurants: Crab and dumplings are emblematic of the native cuisine, and you can buy them at many restaurants and take-out stands. (Try the ones at Miss Esmie's or Miss Jean's in the Store Bay crafts market.) Other typical dishes include rotis - an Indo-Trinidadian creation that consists of pancake-like bread filled with curried meats and potatoes - callaloo, stews and fish. Continental cuisine is also sprinkled in with the West Indian staples at most restaurants. Whatever and wherever you eat, it's bound to be fresh, especially the seafood and produce. For the most part, dining out is an inexpensive venture in Tobago, except in some of the finer hotels. (Prices quoted are per person, excluding drinks, tax and service except where noted.) Golf: The Mount Irvine Bay Golf Course is an 18 Hole Course with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, carved out amongst an old coconut plantation. The Course was designed by the late Commander John D. Harris and considered his finest and one of the premier Golf Courses in the Caribbean. Established in 1968, the Course is set within gently rolling countryside along the coast, with a view of the sea from every hole and an abundance of massive coconut palm trees. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Trinidad_and_Tobago/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:41:54 EST http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Trinidad_and_Tobago/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:41:54 EST The average temperature in the summer ranges from a low of 74F to 95F with an average humidity of 85%. In the winter the average high temperature is 91F and a low of 70F with an average humidity of 80%. The tropical climate is tempered by northeast trade winds. The dry season is from December to May, but it is hottest between June and October. The climate in Tobago is pleasant most of the year and although May, June and July can be wet at times, the differentiation between the wet and dry seasons is much less acute. The best time to go is December-May, when it's coolest and the least rainy. Daytime temperatures will be in the 80s F/28-32 C, with nights in the 60s-70s F/15-27 C. Because of the trade winds, it rarely feels excessively hot. June-November is the rainy season, when the islands are subject to more clouds, rain and humidity. Both islands are usually outside the path of hurricanes. Take a sweater or jacket because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit. Average yearly temperature is 78° F. From June through November expect frequent rainfall in short but strong bursts. Tobago is slightly cooler and less humid than Trinidad. However, some months of the wet season can be very dry and some weeks of the dry season can be quite wet - it's never so easy to say ... Required clothing: Tropical lightweights are required. Rainwear is advisable, especially for the wet season. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/weather/Trinidad_and_Tobago/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:41:54 EST http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/car_rentals/Trinidad_and_Tobago/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:41:54 EST Restaurants and Dining: http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/restaurants/Trinidad_and_Tobago/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 14:41:54 EST