Tobago – what to do during your first visit

This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend services/products that I use and love. Please read my disclosure  for more info. 

tobago

This was my first visit to Tobago in over fifteen years! Yes, this trip to Tobago was long overdue. Tobago is the smaller of the twin islands of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and is known as the quiet, tranquil, “get away” vacation spot. Trinidad, on the other hand, is where all the business, action and nightlife take place.  If you are looking for somewhere to completely unplug and get away from the hustle and bustle of life, then I highly recommend Tobago.

When I was younger, we always stayed on the more popular side of Tobago, the side of the Caribbean sea (Crown Point or Store Bay). However, I heard about the beauty of the other side of the island and decided to have an entirely new experience on this trip by staying on the side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Blue Waters Inn

After a few days of researching accommodations, I stumbled upon a recommendation for Blue Waters Inn. I decided to check out their website and after browsing through the pictures (the breathtaking infinity pool and beautiful ocean backdrop caught my eye), I fell in love with the place and decided that this is where we would be staying. I did my due diligence anyway and fortunately got the thumbs up from friends and family in Trinidad. Not to mention Blue Waters Inn had amazing online reviews. We visited during the low season (in May) so we got a pretty good deal.

Blue Water's Inn-Speyside-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Blue Water’s Inn – Tobago

Blue Waters Inn is a beautiful family owned beach resort in Speyside, Tobago. The entire resort is absolutely breathtaking, surrounded by lush vegetation and the deep blue Atlantic ocean. Blue Waters Inn is a small establishment with approximately 38 rooms, a major factor in its intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The size of the resort also means that every room has an ocean view.  What more could you ask for than waking up every morning to the sound of the ocean waves crashing outside right by your window?

Blue-Waters-Inn-glass-bottom-boat-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Blue Waters Inn – Tobago

Speaking of rooms, we were quite happy with ours. It was clean, cozy and comfortable. The food was pretty good, the service was impeccable and we were always greeted by the friendly and helpful staff.

Blue Waters Inn-day-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Blue Waters Inn – Tobago
Blue Waters Inn-night-Speyside-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Blue Waters Inn – Tobago

Diving

Blue Waters Inn is a popular spot for divers. The resort has its own on-site PADI 5 Star IDC diving facility – Dive’N, with highly qualified instructors.  We met a few divers from all over the world during our stay, who apparently make frequent trips to Blue Waters Inn for the diving.  We had the pleasure of meeting the lead diving instructor – Jochen Lee-Wo, who told us that you don’t have to be a professional diver to enjoy the experience. Their dives are tailored accordingly, so they are able to accommodate beginners as well as intermediate and advanced participants.  If you are into diving, please consider reaching out to the instructors at Dive’N at Blue Waters Inn so that you can experience some of the most remarkable dive sites in the area, such as Angel Reef, Blackjack Hole, and Japanese Gardens.

T: 18686605445
E: bwidiveshop@bluewatersinn.com

Blue Waters Inn is definitely a hidden gem. It is perfect for a honeymoon or private getaway.  We had a fabulous stay at the resort and look forward to visiting again.

You can check out the details on the resort website: http://www.bluewatersinn.com/

Transportation

We were fortunate enough to have Blue Waters Inn arrange transport from the airport to the hotel (make sure you email the hotel beforehand to make transportation arrangements). This was a big deal because the resort is located one hour away from the airport. It was nice not to have to worry about transportation upon arrival. We were even more fortunate to meet Andy Orr, who picked us up and who became a quick friend and tour guide.  Andy offered to take us around the island. He has a friendly and open personality and is very knowledgeable in everything involving Tobago.

If you need to arrange transport in Tobago, whether it be from the airport to your accommodations, or around the island, feel free to contact Andy Orr – (868) 294-8643. He is based in Speyside, but very flexible.

You also have the option of renting a car (remember to drive on the left side of the road).

Where to go = here are a few pictures of the places we visited in Tobago:

Goat Island and Little Tobago

Goat Island-Little Tobago-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Goat Island and Little Tobago

Goat island and Little Tobago are both located off the coast of Speyside, right across from Blue Waters Inn. It’s said that the house on Goat Island is the former home of Ian Fleming (creator of James Bond series). Little Tobago, also known as “Bird of Paradise Island”, is a wonderful haven for bird watchers.  If you are in the area, take a glass bottom boat to explore either island.

*photograph taken during overcast weather

Speyside Lookout

Speyside-lookout-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Speyside Lookout – Tobago

*photograph taken during overcast weather

Argyle Waterfalls

Argyle Waterfalls-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Argyle Waterfalls – Tobago (during drought)

Located west of Roxborough Village, Argyle Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Tobago. This photograph was taken during a major drought on the island and does not do the waterfall justice. The falls are a part of Main Ridge Reserves, a magnificent rainforest filled with various species of birds and trees. Take a leisurely walk through the rainforest and end with a cool dip in the pool at the bottom of the majestic waterfall. Quite the adventure!

Pigeon Point

Pigeon Point-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Pigeon Point beach – Tobago

There was no way I could go all the way to Tobago and not visit Pigeon Point! This spot is one of the best beaches (if not the best beach) on the island. I could not help but feel nostalgic as we made a few family trips to this beach when I was a child. Pigeon Point is located on the south-west side of the island, right on the Caribbean sea. The stretch of the white sand beach was busy with sun and sea bathers. The sea was a beautiful crystal aquamarine blue … and warm! (a stark contrast to the beautiful deep blue but cold Atlantic Ocean). My husband absolutely loved this beach and did not want to leave.

Pigeon Point beach-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Pigeon Point beach – Tobago

Pigeon Point is a must if you visit Tobago. While you are there, take a glass bottom boat to the famous Bucco Reef, one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the Caribbean. You can go snorkeling in the Bucco Reef or in the Nylon Pool (located just behind Bucco Reef).

Pigeon Point beach-Tobago-Footprints in Culture
Pigeon Point beach – Tobago

Curry Crab and Dumpling – Go to Store Bay!

We thought we could kill two birds with one stone and eat curry crab and dumpling at Pigeon Point, instead of making the trip to Store Bay. Big mistake! We were so disappointed. This was not the curry crab I know. It was a “liquidy”flavorless mess. How can you mess up curry crab? By far, this was the only disappointing thing we experienced in Tobago. Don’t make the same mistake we did! If you want the real deal for curry crab and dumpling – go to Store Bay!

Tobago was amazing! It is truly a gem of the Caribbean. The entire ambiance of the island exudes tranquility and peace. The people are humble and friendly. The island full of unspoiled nature, from rainforests to waterfalls to the beautiful ocean and its coral reefs. If you are looking for a low-key, easy-going getaway spot, this is the place. Can’t wait to visit again!

Tobago – visited May 2015

Tobago-FootprintsinCulture

1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.