Tobago

With its green mountainous landscape, golden sand beaches and laid-back lifestyle, Tobago fulfils the image of the typical Caribbean island more so than its lively and more cosmopolitan neighbour, Trinidad.

In fact, although geographically related to Trinidad, the island appearance is more similar to that of the Windward Islands. Historically it also resembles the Windward Isles, being formerly a plantation island. In the late 19th century when the sugar failed, Tobago was declared bankrupt and appended to Trinidad for political convenience.

Tobago now relies almost exclusively on tourism, with the main concentration of hotels located towards the western end of the island. Here you will find beautiful white sand beaches fringed by swaying palm trees, typical of the Caribbean.

Unique to the island are its exceptional bird life and abundance of flora and fauna, all of which can be experienced in the Tobago Forest Reserve in the centre of the island. Tobago also offers an underwater haven of coral gardens and marine life which can be seen either from the dry comfort of a glass-bottomed boat, or for the more adventurous, from the depths of the Caribbean Sea. For golf lovers, the championship course at the Hilton is a challenging course and a welcome addition to the island.

Although both business and population have increased in recent years, the tranquil and traditional atmosphere of the island still prevails with fishermen and farmers going about their daily life. Today, Tobago remains one of the best-priced islands in the Caribbean and very much a place where you can relax, unwind and enjoy the feel of yesteryear.