Tobago Beaches
"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
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.
Beaches near the villa:
Pigeon Point – 15 minute drive.
This is a stunningly beautiful white coral sand beach with calm, gentle waters ideal for young children and non-swimmers. It has good facilities and there is an entrance fee of TT$18 - US $3 - £2 for the day.
Grange Beach – 10 minute drive.
This is a beautiful spot for swimming and playing in the waves or watching a beautiful sunset. No facilities ( take your own refreshments)
Mount Irvine Bay – 10 minute drive.
This bay is split into two sections. One small beach - ideal for swimming, sunbathing and very good snorkeling. There are facilities for refreshments, changing, and toilets.
Surfers head for the other section where there are larger waves.
After 4 pm local fish sellers offer the days fresh catch here.
Stonehaven Bay – 10/15 minute drive.
Grafton beach is a long sweeping bay of coarse sand shaded by almond trees. It is good for sunbathing and there are facilities provided by two hotels. The waves here can be powerful making swimming exciting but there can be strong currents. The north end of the beach is much calmer and one can play in the water without having to watch out for large waves.
If you are up very early you may catch the local fishermen hauling in their nets on the beach.
Arnos Vale – 15 minute drive. - The beach here is small but the snorkeling is excellent. Access is via the hotel or there is a small track through the woods to the left of the hotel entrance. (Teatime at the hotel is also feeding time for the birds and is an opportunity to get some amazing photographs of the many species that fly in.)
Turtles: Endangered Leatherback turtles visit the island to lay their eggs. Between March and August there is a chance to see them come ashore, usually at night, but they have also been seen during the day. The eggs will hatch about three months later. The best sites for turtle watchers are Stonehaven and Turtle beach. For more information about turtles check out – www.sos-tobago.org
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.