Location

The Beaches

There are two very different and contrasting sides to the island . The Atlantic (windward) coast has some great beaches which are good for sunbathing when calm but better for walks and beachcombing when windy and can have strong currents, rough seas, and spectacular scenery.

The Caribbean (leeward) side is generally calmer with many beautiful horseshoe bays, dotted along the coastline. Some beaches are completely deserted and have a natural charm, whilst others have more facilities for the visitor. Trees and palms provide optional shade on most beaches, and there is usually a cooling breeze. You can relax, swim in the crystal clear warm waters, snorkel near shore, be mesmerized by the waves, watch clouds race across the sky, or watch pelicans swoop and dive for fish close by.

Surfers tend to head for Mt Irvine beach where there are larger waves. Pigeon Point with its white, white sand and calm seas is ideal for young children and non swimmers. At Grafton beach you can watch local fishermen haul in their nets on the beach and share out the days catch (everyone gets some fish if they help). At Mt Irvine beach after 4 pm local fish sellers have stalls selling the days fresh catch. Certain beaches, Grafton and Courland are nesting sites for sea turtles. The most common are leatherbacks turtles. Between March and August there is a chance to see them come ashore to lay their eggs, usually at night, but they have also been seen during the day

"Tobago's idyllic natural beauty makes it one of the greatest escapes in the Caribbean for those that like a generous dose of sand, sun, and solitude in a mellow atmosphere"   Frommers Caribbean Guide Book 2003

Boats

Many companies (listed in the guide books available at Palmhaven) offer trips to remote beaches, many that are only accessible by sea. Modes of transport available include speed boats, sailing boats, glass bottom boat rides (to see the reefs without getting wet). They also offer other activities for the more adventurous.

You can also rent or charter hobie cats, trimarans, and catamarans by the day or longer.

Dolphins

From Man O' War Bay in the west, round the northern tip of the island to Speyside on the east coast you could encounter dolphins at sea. The bottlenose and Atlantic are the two species most commonly seen. Divers can often see them at Black jack Hole, which is a dive site off little Tobago island.


The Rainforest

Tobago has a fabulously unspoilt, virgin rainforest. The nature reserve has been established since 1764 and is the oldest legally protected rainforest in the world.
Tropical rainforests are the most diverse eco- systems on earth because of the incredible numbers of animal and plant species, and are vital as a possible source of new drugs in the future. It is a fascinating place to visit, full of colour, intriguing noises, beautiful birds and magnificent trees - some of which can reach 30 - 50 meters (165 feet) up to the top of the canopy. The reserve covers over a third of the island and there are many walks and tours available.

Plants

Scarborough, the main town on Tobago has a port, free car parking, and a good market. In the middle of this hot bustling town is a cool, shady oasis, which is often overlooked - the Botanical Gardens. It covers 18 acres of former sugar estates, and has a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, including flamboyants, African tulips and an orchard house.