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About Tobago
Some Useful Information About Tobago
At only 11˚ north of the equator Tobago is just 21 miles from sister isle Trinidad. These two tropical islands form together as a republic but it has not always been so. During a period of little more than 100 years, between 1705 and 1814 Tobago changed hands 31 times. Mostly the English and French fought over her but even the Dutch, Swedish and Americans tried their hand. At one point Tobago was even governed by Barbados. Eventually Tobago settled under British Rule until independence in 1962 . In the provincial capital of Scarborough, high up on the hill stands the old British Fort King James built in the 1700’s to protect the port below. Here visitors can find an interesting museum and for those who seek to learn more about Tobago’s rich and turbulent history I recommend the First Historical Café in Studley park and the myTobago website.
Having survived without tourism for many years Tobago is now slowly reaching out and inviting the world to visit her. The undeveloped natural environment is very much part of Tobago’s allure.
It is not an island for glamorous golden beaches and hot night spots, but rather a Caribbean hide away to relax, unwind and enjoy the very best of nature. Tobago is geographically part of the Andes mountain range, it is one of a few Caribbean islands which is not volcanically formed. Surrounded by coral reefs and swept by nutrient rich ocean currents it offers divers both healthy and challenging reefs on which to dive.
Entry Requirements: All Visitors from UK, Europe, Scandinavia and North America require a passport and a valid onward or return ticket is also required. Visa are issued on arrival for a maximum of 30 days and can be extended at immigration in Scarborough.
Time Zone: 5 hours behind GMT one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Currency: The TT dollar is the official currency Electricity: 115 volts/60 cycles; same as the Europe and the U.S.
Medical Facility/Recompression Chamber: In case of medical problems on vacation there is a main hospital in Scarborough complete with X-ray machine, many small private practitioners are available and there are a range of pharmacies. An operational recompression chamber is located at Roxborough approx 20 minutes drive from Speyside or 40 minutes drive from Crown Point.
Vehicle Rental: Cars, scooters, motorbikes and bicycles are available island wide for rent with 4WD jeeps being a favorite. Drive on the left side of the road as God intended. A valid driver's license in necessary and may be used for up to three months. See my Activities page for suggested rentals
Money Matters: The local currency is $TT dollars. It’s a restricted currency and hard to find outside of Trinidad & Tobago. ATMs are widely available around the island and dispense cash in local currency at a reasonable exchange rate. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels and larger business establishments. Few take American Express. Cash or travelers cheques in $US, Euro or GBP Sterling are accepted widely and recommended in smaller businesses.
Climate: The island's climate is tropical. That means from December to May its HOT and from May to December its HOT & WET. The climate make it a haven for many species of tropical birds, flowers and wildlife found in their natural habitats, 210 species of birds 120 species of butterfly and a whole load of other interesting things you’ve never seen before. Take a peek at www.weatheronline.co.uk or www.windfinder.de for the latest updates.
Air & Water Temperature Averages:
|
Air Temp |
Water Temp |
||
January |
90-96°F |
32-36°C |
78-86°F |
26-28°C |
February |
90-96°F |
32-36°C |
78-86°F |
26-28°C |
March |
90-96°F |
32-36°C |
78-86°F |
26-28°C |
April |
90-96°F |
32-36°C |
80-85°F |
27-29°C |
May |
90-96°F |
32-36°C |
80-85°F |
27-29°C |
June |
90-96°F |
32-36°C |
85-87°F |
29-30°C |
July |
85-90°F |
29-32°C |
85-87°F |
29-30°C |
August |
85-90°F |
29-32°C |
85-87°F |
29-30°C |
September |
78-85°F |
26-29°C |
85-87°F |
29-30°C |
October |
85-90°F |
29-32°C |
85-87°F |
29-30°C |
November |
85-90°F |
29-32°C |
80-85°F |
27-29°C |
December |
85-90°F |
32-36°C |
78-86°F |
26-28°C |
Getting to Tobago:
From Europe several major airlines fly regular weekly flights and during high season two flights each week.
direct from London Gatwick to Tobago |
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direct from London Gatwick to Tobago |
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direct from London Gatwick to Tobago |
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via St Kitts from London Gatwick to Tobago |
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direct from Frankfurt to Tobago |
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direct from Amsterdam to Tobago |
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Caribbean Airways |
direct from London Heathrow to Trinidad |
From the United States and Canada flights go into Trinidad and you then connect with the short shuttle flight to Tobago ( see below).
from Miami and New York to Trinidad |
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from various US cities via Houston and Miami to Trinidad |
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from most US Cities to Trinidad |
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from most US Cities |
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from most northern US cities |
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from Toronto to Trinidad |
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Caribbean Airways |
from Canadian and US cities to Trinidad |
From other Caribbean Islands there are several national carriers that provide inter island flights. A good way to move around the islands though luggage allowance is not excessive.
from Montego Bay via various islands to Trinidad |
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flights from Barbados, Grenada, StVincent, StLucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Kitts and Guyana into both Trinidad and Tobago. Inter sland air passes available for three to six islands |
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Flights from all Caribbean islands Trinidad and Tobago. Inter island Airpass available |
Trinidad and Tobago Inter-island flights connect Piarco Airport, Trinidad, with Crown Point Airport, Tobago. Flight times are between 06:00 and 22:00 daily and take 15 minutes. Booking must be done in Trinidad or Tobago. Credit cards are not accepted. I can assist you when booking these Trinidad and Tobago connecting flights.
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