Tobago Holidays
Floating quietly along the edge of the Atlantic and the Caribbean, not too far from Venezuela, is the small island of Tobago. Tobago is a part of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; Trinidad is the larger, more famous of the two islands, but Tobago is just as deserving of a visit.
The Best Eco Destination in the World
Nature lovers will be interested to know that the World Travel Awards named Tobago the “Best Eco Destination in the World”, and the Caribbean Travel Awards Committee named it the “Number One Eco-Destination in the Caribbean”. Just what is there in and around Tobago that makes it so special?
For starters, Tobago has the oldest legally-protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. The Main Ridge Forest Reserve has been protected since 1776, and visitors love to following the nature trails to see Tobago's unique flora and fauna.
Scuba divers will appreciate the reefs that include over 300 species of South Atlantic coral and 600 species of fish. Besides the reefs, divers can explore rock pillars, ship wrecks, and undersea gardens with sponges the size of bathtubs. If your holiday is planned between March and July, dive in the Manta Reef area to get up-close-and-personal with giant rays, dolphins, marine turtles, and sharks. And if you don't know how to dive? That's ok – some dive shops on Tobago offer professional instruction.
If you prefer birds to fish, Tobago offers some of the best birdwatching in the Caribbean. In just 116 square miles of land area, Tobago includes more than 200 species of birds, giving the island one of the highest densities of bird species in the world. Great birdwatching spots include the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, and Little Tobago Island.
The beaches of Tobago include some unspoiled, secluded beaches perfect for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or just a quiet rest. Other beaches have access to modern facilities, concessionaires, and life guards. Whichever beach is right for you, you can find it in Tobago.
Culture in Tobago
After a day spent snorkeling, diving, birdwatching, or hiking, relax by checking out some steel drum music or participate in the Tobago Heritage festival. The festival, which begins in mid-July and runs through early August, brings story-telling, ceremonial dance, and incredible music to each village on the island.
Although some of the dances you might see will look vaguely familiar (the Reel and Jig, for example, have British origins), you'll notice that the music and dance of Tobago has a distinct African influence. The modern-day bards of the Tobago Speech Bands address social and political issues with wit and satire, while the folk songs weave the island's history into its lyrics.
The rich Afro-Caribbean heritage of Tobago makes it a fascinating destination for any student of history and culture.
Golfing in Tobago
Tobago isn't big enough to have numerous golf courses like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, but that doesn't mean it lacks amazing golf courses. Tee off right next to the beach at one of the island's two eighteen-hole championship golf courses. At Mount Irvine, you'll find fairways lined with coconut trees and a view of the Buccoo Reef. At Tobago Plantations, you'll see beaches on one side and a panoramic view of the city of Scarborough on the other. It's hard to find golf courses as scenic as these anywhere in the world.
Get away from the busy pace of modern life and step into a different world on the island of Tobago. The natural beauty of the island, the friendly natives, and the azure sea make Tobago one Caribbean destination you'll never want to leave.
Copyright © 2001-2024 Caribbean Holidays, all rights reserved.