Tobago is located 32 km (21 miles) northeast of Trinidad. Co-ordinates are Latitude 11*N, Longitude 60*W. Tobago’s climate is pleasant all year around .June to September are commonly the wettest months. High season for tourism is January-April and July-August .Topography is rugged with low mountains. Its area is 300 sq miles. The population of the island is approximately 56,000. 90 per cent of which are African origin, with a minority of East Indian population and European expatriates.
Tobago retains its natural character and sells itself as an eco-tourism destination. The beautiful and unspoiled nature of this tropical island appeals to the more discerning traveler who escapes mass tourism. Tobago is a dream for beach lovers, especially along its Caribbean coast, where the sea is mostly calm and water turquoise and clear. Beaches are unspoiled. You may sunbath on white coral sand or take part of water sports or snorkeling. For those with an interest of marine life can make a glass bottom boat tour to the worlds famous Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool.
Once you discover the islands natural beauty on the beaches and in the sea you need to hike into rain forests and waterfalls. Tobago has the oldest protective rain forest in the western hemisphere. In the forest the sights of Samaan and Mahogany trees, sounds of parrots and crickets and that sweet nature aroma gives the place an atmosphere of tranquility.
Tobago Highlights and Culture
Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations in Tobago. Parang is the form of music played at Christmas season. Locals love to eat , dance and play music. Ginger beer and sorrel juice are typical drinks at Christmas time. Tobagonians visit each others homes. They eat ,drink, play and dance parang and tambourine music.
The Carnival Season is highly celebrated soon after Boxing day. Soca and Calypso take over the airways ,all radio and TV stations . The peak of this season is a week before the parade of the bands on Carnival Monday and Tuesday (usually on February). The fetes that take place during carnival feature live music bands and are themed by soca and calypso music. The carnival costumes of the bands and King’s and Queen’s costumes are designed and built through out the year in several Mas Camps in the villages . This time of the year you cannot miss hearing steel band music .It is easy to enter into the spirit of the carnival celebration by simply visiting one of their pan –yards.
The annual Tobago Heritage festival is held during July-August in different villages. From the beginning it’s been held to preserve the traditions of Tobagonian heritage. Tobago’s culture is largely African due to the volume of former slavery. Some of the noted highlights are the Ole Time Tobago Wedding in Moriah, Folk Tales and Superstition in Les Couteaux and Goat and crab race in Buccoo village.
Throughout the year the villagers hold Harvest Festivals on Sunday afternoons-evenings . Tobagonians like to cook and they treat all visitors welcomingly at their homes no matter who you are.
“ All roads lead to Buccoo Sunday School every Sunday night”. Each week-end Tobago parties its way into the new week. Sunday school is a street party ,where you can enjoy dinner under a tent from 7 pm ,by local art and craft and dance to the live steel band and D.J’s