Tobago is about 30 kilometers North-East of Trinidad. Tobago is a very small island, even by Caribbean standards. The island is 42km by 13km at its lowest points. Tobago is a mountainous tropical island with a constant average temperature of 26 C all year round. Unlike its sister island, Trinidad, Tobago is not blessed with large natural resources. However, the island is surrounded by stunning, beautiful beaches and interesting marine life. The people of Trinidad and Tobago also have a laid-back attitude and a warm and welcoming attitude. That is why, of the two sister islands, Tobago is the one that is more welcoming to tourists. Although Tobago’s tourism is not as well-known as other Caribbean islands like Jamaica, Cuba and Barbados, it is still an island worth visiting.
Tourism is one of the most important contributors to Tobago’s economy. Before the 1990s, the island had a lack of tourism infrastructure, hotels and accommodations. Tourism for the island was also not heavily promoted. Even with a very low budget for tourism and promotion, tourism has found a way to grow on the island. With over 40,000 tourists visiting the island annually, many visitors are discovering that Tobago is hidden gem in the Caribbean.
Tobago’s Climate
To an untrained eye, it looks like the only visible land animals in Tobago are Iguanas. However, its Tobago’s marine life that makes the island so special.
Tobago’s Fauna
Tobago is an island paradise for Naturalists. This small island contains more than 210 species of birds, 23 species of butterflies, 5 species of marine turtles, 24 species of snakes (none of which are venomous), 16 species of lizards, including the green iguana and 14 species of frogs.
Accommodations in Tobago
Even though Tobago is not a mass-market travel destination, this tiny island offers a fine range of hotels and accommodation options for any budget. There are several large hotel chains, resorts, luxury villa resorts, guesthouses, inns, B&Bs and private villas for rent. Most of the accommodations are concentrated in the popular tourist belt, which runs through the southwestern Atlantic and Caribbean coasts. Many hotels offer “All Inclusive packages or meal plans but there are is also an abundance of affordable restaurants and supermarkets.
Marine life in Tobago
Because of its ideal location, the waters of Tobago contain a multitude of marine life. All year long, the average water temperatures in Tobago hover around 26 and 28 C. This is perfect weather for corals and this helps explain why scientists have identified 44 different species of coral around the island. Besides the coral, you can also find various types of sharks, barracudas, stingrays and jellyfishes in the waters of Tobago. But the highlight of Tobago’s marine life have to be the giant leatherback turtles that return to the island every year from March to June to lay their eggs.
Snorkeling and deep see diving are very popular activities in Tobago.
Tobago’s rich marine life and various corals have made a popular destination for underwater diving for many tourists. However, you should keep in mind that certain areas of the island have strong currents and would not be safe for beginner divers. It’s also important to note that some of the marine life in Trinidad can be hazardous. After all, a stingray or a jellyfish sting can be a quick way to ruin a Caribbean holiday.
Hurricanes
Both Trinidad & Tobago are located just below the hurricane belt. As a result, both islands rarely experience hurricanes. The last hurricane on record for both islands occurred in Tobago with Hurricane Flora in 1963.
