With untouched beaches, spectacular rainforest, diverse birdlife and friendly locals, Tobago is a fabulous location for a Caribbean holiday. It may be small in size, but there are plenty of things to do in Tobago, whether a boat trip exploring the pristine beaches peppered along the coast, a visit to the Cocoa Plantations or time discovering the underwater world. Tobago’s mountainous backbone makes it a nature lover’s heaven with plenty of walks and mountain bike trails through the tropical rainforest landscape as well as opportunities to jump into one of the many hidden waterfalls.
There are a great number of tourist services offering worthwhile trips and activities. Over time many of these people and their services have become more closely associated with Castara Retreats and with our aspiration to be part of a sustainable model where the opportunities of tourism are shared. Here are just a few of our top recommendations:
Widely acclaimed as Tobago’s premier bird watching and natural history guide, Newton George is not only an experienced and knowledgeable ornithologist – he is also a committed and dedicated Birder in the truest meaning of the word. His sheer enthusiasm leaves one in no doubt that birds and wildlife are both his love and his life.
Tobago boasts some of the best diving in the Caribbean and has a huge variety of sea life. The Environmental Research Institute Charlotteville (ERIC) promotes sustainability for North East Tobago’s unique forest, coast and ocean and runs an excellent dive operation offering high quality personalised diving, with all proceeds returning to the pursuit of its mission.
This German/Tobago-run stable is a wonderful alternative to staid trail rides. A non-profit outfit, it takes a holistic approach to looking after its herd of rescued mounts. Ridden with foam saddles and bitless bridles, the horses take you into Buccoo’s coastal woodland before emerging on the sand and swimming you through the calm waters of the bay.
After a quick lesson to get you upright, take a gentle trip around the mangrove lagoon, or try a full day standup paddle tour along the Caribbean coast, snorkelling at secret beaches and swimming in waterfall pools. The highlight is a starlit night-time tour through a lagoon with bioluminescent waters – jump in and watch the waters alight, leaving a glowing trail in your wake – magic!
Tobago is only 27 miles long, but with its mountainous terrain it will take a day to drive around the island at a leisurely pace, taking in the picture perfect beaches, pretty villages, and swathes of virgin rainforest. The roads generally wind around the coastline giving you fabulously scenic views. Jeep/car hire can be delivered to you at Castara Retreats, or island tours with a driver can be arranged.
Tobago has its own award-winning chocolate produced at the ‘Tobago Cocoa Estate’ which offers a wonderful visitor experience. You can learn about the history of Tobago chocolate, see the fermentation and drying process of the cocoa beans, and enjoy some tasting sessions. Cool-off afterwards with a waterfall climb and swim at 54 meter high Argyle Falls, the island’s highest cascade.
