Situated off the coast of Northeastern Venezuela, The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago comprises two islands: Trinidad, known for its city life and industrial economy, and Tobago, which has attracted tourists for decades with its warm waters and immaculate beaches. Famed for its laid back and inviting atmosphere, Tobago prides itself on a richly bio-diverse rainforest and marine habitat, while ensuring the local area remains honest and unpretentious. This differs significantly from the faster pace of Trinidad; birthplace of limbo dancing and calypso music, and renowned for its annual carnival. At Kenwood Travel our specialist destination knowledge is born of extensive visits and for us, Tobago comes up trumps for tropical holiday variety. Read on for all you didn’t know about this surprisingly beautiful Caribbean island.
1. Adventure
Nick-named the ‘playful paradise’ for its untouched beauty and natural wonders, Tobago boasts a range of aqua-based activities for the adventurous spirit. With over 60 dive sites plus numerous deep sea fishing spots and excellent snorkelling, a kaleidoscope of marine life is unveiled beneath the waves. For thrill seekers, jet skiing is a fantastic way to gain a new perspective of the island, while waterskiing will get the adrenaline pumping. Indeed, there is such a range of watersports, that dynamic experiences await all age groups and abilities on a holiday to Tobago. One husband and wife team on the island even hosts an annual spearfishing competition!
If you prefer your adventures on dry land, Tobago doesn’t disappoint in this department either. Budding hikers can spend hours exploring the abundant nature trails that twist and turn through forest and jungle, and if you’re feeling brave, why not hike to the highest point of the island at Pigeon Peak and witness the breathtaking views from 1877 feet? Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the 200 species of birds indigenous to the area.
2. Beaches
Being an island, Tobago enjoys plenty of coastline and is home to some of the Caribbean’s most naturally beautiful beaches. While some are of the immaculate white sand variety, others are made up of dark volcanic sands. Every beach offers something special to its visitors, including cabanas, bustling restaurants, shady palm trees and nearby fishing villages, all adding to the unique experience of a Tobago holiday. The gentle waters and uncrowded beaches make this destination perfect for a wide demographic, so whether you’re a single traveller, visiting as a couple or with your family, Tobago’s beaches will meet all your holiday needs.
3. Food
As a result of its colonial history, Tobago enjoys a vibrant multi-cultural population of African, Indian, Chinese, European and Middle-Eastern descent, and this wonderful heritage is echoed in the local cooking styles. With some of the popular regional dishes being curry and roti, crab and dumplings and gyro, everyday food incorporates aspects of various international cuisine for a mouth-watering experience that can only be found on a holiday to Tobago. This destination is also home to the Moruga Scorpion, the hottest pepper in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records – don’t say we didn’t warn you!
4. Chocolate
Chocoholics, it’s time to cheer! Famous for its cocoa estate and the distinctive flavour of its beans, Tobago offers a range of delicious cocoa based products for your daily fix. Visit the Roxborough Estate, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, to learn about the history of cocoa production in Tobago, and participate in a rum and chocolate tasting session, direct from the source. With this delicious cocoa used to produce some of the world’s best chocolate, this is definitely a must-visit attraction on your Tobago trip.
5. Festivals
The cultural diversity of Tobago also follows through to its celebrations and festivals, which embrace the range of cultures on the island while also remaining true to the heritage and history.
Designed to preserve historical and cultural traditions, The Tobago Heritage Festival is the main event in the island’s social calendar, taking place near the end of July. From visiting villages to learning the language, you can enjoy a range of activities. Tobago is the birthplace of steel pan music so expect its distinctive rhythms to soundtrack your day as aromatic street food fills the air. While the main carnival is situated in Trinidad, Tobago hosts its own more personal occasion in late September, on a much smaller scale, in Scarborough. This gives people the opportunity to dress up in costume, let their hair down and dance the night away.
The Hindu Festivals of Holi (determined by the lunar calendar) and Diwali (October/November) are also celebrated in Tobago, uniting communities in appreciation of the stunning natural light and colour that occurs at this time of the year. Rapsofest is an event in April/May based on a unique and indigenous style of poetry that emerged in the 1970s, while the Tobago International Gospel Festival is an event in June where people from all over the world come together to celebrate God through the medium of song. To top this off, every April sees the Tobago Jazz Experience, a week long event featuring both local and international artists performing at various locations around the island. Previous headline acts include Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Rod Stewart and many more.
As you can see, Tobago is a unique holiday destination full of diversity and culture. Why not experience it for yourself on a holiday with Kenwood Travel? Our team of experts have put together an amazing collection of hotels in the area, so check them out today.