Tobago is one of the few unspoilt islands in the Caribbean, and is just 36 miles long and 7.5 miles wide. With a relatively flat landscape, excellent infrastructure and reliable and varied transportation system, it is easy to explore the many activities and things to do in the gem of the Caribbean. You can tour Tobago comfortably in a day if you really want to, or you could take a year over it and still have more to enjoy. There are plenty of guided tours available or you can just rent a car and nose around on your own.
Fought over by the Spanish, British, Dutch, Courlanders, French and even the Americans, Tobago boasts a rich and varied history. The various forts and historical sites that dot the island are testament to the island's former colonial masters and diverse history. The heritage of the enslaved Africans has also heavily influenced the island's culture. Many of the folktales, superstitions, art, music and traditional dances reflect the island's European and African roots. These are celebrated annually during the Tobago Heritage Festival, which runs from early July to August. Fishing, the mainstay of many of the island's inhabitants, is celebrated with parties, sports and other events on St Peter's Day.
A premiere eco-tourism destination
Tobago has won several prestigious eco awards including the World Travel Awards "Best Eco Destination in the World" and the Caribbean Travel Awards Committee "#1 Eco-Destination in the Caribbean".
The mention of Tobago brings to mind clear blue seas, wide sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and coconut palms swaying in balmy tropic breezes. While the island offers all of these, this Caribbean island has much more to discover. Explore the green depths of Tobago's Rainforest Reserve, the oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere or drift dive with Manta Rays and Sharks. The options for adventure are abundant, from cycling, bird watching and kayaking, to goat and crab racing.
Hiking
Tobago has something exciting for hikers of every age and ability. From a relaxing walk through Tobago's Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the Hemisphere's oldest rain-forest protected by law since 1776, to a challenging six hour trek through abandoned cocoa estates and woodland to a mountain lake.
Waterfalls
After a trek through forested slopes and along muddy riverbeds, the refreshing chill of a waterfall shower is delicious. On the windward coast, the triple-tier Argyle Waterfall, near Roxborough, is the most accessible, and local guides are on hand.
Bird Watching
Tobago is home to over 6000 species of plants and animals, and has one of the highest densities of bird species in the world. Tobago has several great sites for bird watching, including a former cocoa estate converted into a bird sanctuary. Bird watchers will also enjoy Little Tobago. Once home to Birds of Paradise, the island now provides a protected habitat for sea birds.
Drift Diving
Drift diving is a great option for exploring Tobago's spectacular coral gardens and reefs. Some unusual sites exist off the island's northeast coast, but the island is surrounded by reefs, so the diving is great everywhere.
Mountain Biking
Tobago has everything a mountain biker of any level can want and bicycles are widely available for rental. The southwestern side of the island provides a relatively easy ride with flat land and gentle inclines. The northeastern end of the island provides spectacular trails with steep climbs and exhilarating descents.
Turtle Watching
From March to August, endangered and protected giant leatherback turtles come ashore to the place of their birth to dig their nests and lay their eggs. The hatchlings emerge two months later. Turtles can be seen at Englishman’s Bay, Turtle Beach and Stonehaven Bay. These beaches are protected so you must go with a certified nature guide.
Goat and Crab Racing
Surrounded by pageantry and pomp, goat racing was introduced to Tobago in 1925 as an Easter Tuesday activity. It is similar to horse racing with goats being carefully selected and trained. Jockeys are also required to be fit as they do not ride their steeds but must run alongside the goats while holding on to long leashes. The crab races are also keenly competitive with only the most robust crabs being entered to race. Blue crabs, the favoured breed, are harnessed with a piece of string and prodded by their jockeys to run towards the finish.
Golf
Tobago's two championship 18 hole golf courses are scenic beauties that can captivate with their views while challenging your golfing ability. The Mount Irvine Golf Course has long fairways lined with coconut trees and provides glimpses of an azure sea. The Tobago Plantations Golf Course combines lakes, trees and beaches to provide golf in a setting of tranquil natural beauty. Both clubs rent equipment and offer professional coaching.
Tobago WeddingsWith unspoiled beaches, colourful reefs, pristine rainforest and historic forts, Tobago offers countless possibilities for romantic weddings and delightful honeymoons.
From the historical Ole Time Tobago wedding procession to traditional nuptials or an underwater exchange of vows, the island offers the perfect ambience for your dream wedding.
Marriage Requirements
The amended Marriage Act of 1996 makes it possible for non-resident couples to get married in as little as three days with a Special Marriage License. To acquire a special license you must meet the following requirements:
- Both parties must be non-residents of Trinidad and Tobago.
- They must establish three days residence in this country (not including the actual day of arrival) before getting married.
- If divorced, the original or notarized copy of decree absolute must be presented.
- If widowed, please bring the original death certificate.
- Proof of name change where name differs on documents (deed poll or other proof of name change).
- Persons under the age of 18 must have documented consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- Documents in languages other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
- The legal certificate, special licence and marriage certificate cost TT$337.50 (US$55) altogether, payable in cash at the Inland Revenue Department, Scarborough, and can take around a week to obtain. Apply at one of the following offices:
- Registrar General’s Office, Jerningham Street, Scarborough, tel. 639-3210
- Inland Revenue, Sangster’s Hill, Scarborough, tel. 639-2410
- Registrar General’s Office, 72–74 South Quay, Port of Spain, tel. 624-1660.
Points to remember - Marriages can be performed by a certified marriage officer on any day, between 6 am and 6 pm, in a public place.
- The marriage licence must be presented to the marriage officer for the ceremony to be carried out.
- All marriages are considered civil except for Hindu, Muslim and Orisha ceremonies, which have additional requirements.
- Most countries automatically recognise the marriage as legal, but a few require certain procedures to be carried out at consulates or embassies in Trinidad, or upon return to your home country. Check in advance whether there are any such requirements for your country with regard to foreign marriages.
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