Caribbean Beat — January/February 2017 (#143)

Under the water
Altin Osmanaj / shutterstock.com
On the water
Water babies and watersports fanatics will find no shortage of
activities to take on in Tobago, especially at this time of year.
The dry season means cooler, drier weather with bright blue
skies and strong breezes — manna from heaven for those into
wind sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing. Sailing enthusiasts
also have the Tobago Carnival Regatta to look forward to in
mid-February — that is, if they wouldn’t prefer to cruise up the
leeward coast on a catamaran like the Island Girl. In addition
to being relaxing and decadent, those sailing tours make stops
at stunning beaches like Cotton Bay that are only (or mostly)
accessible by sea.
But that’s not all there is: we’re talking an extravaganza of
kayaking, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, snorkelling, stand-uppaddling,
and surfing. Even if you’ve never tried any of these
before, but they sound like a blast, this is a perfect time to learn,
as lessons are also readily available.
If you happen to be on the island around the new moon, there’s
one special experience you’ll want to consider. Conditions then
will be perfect for you to do a bioluminescence tour in Bon
Accord Lagoon. Phytoplankton in the water emit flashes of light
to produce a bluish glow as you paddle through on your board or
kayak. Stand Up Paddle offer tours.
And while it doesn’t involve a watersport — apart from
swimming and snorkelling — those who love the water and
coral reefs will want to make sure they get up north to Speyside.
Glass-bottom boat tours out to Angel Reef depart at least once
a day from Batteaux Bay, and there are also tours to the birding
paradise of Little Tobago island. Angel Reef is perhaps the most
abundant of the island’s many offshore reef systems, so a mustsee
for those who’d like to get a look at Tobago’s rich marine
ecosystem.
Ever wanted to learn to dive? Or perhaps
you’ve already learned, and have been
meaning to upgrade your certification?
Then Tobago is the perfect holiday
location for you, with some of the
Caribbean’s best dive sites. And that’s
no hyperbole. The island’s nutrient-rich
waters nurture an abundance of diverse
aquatic life in offshore reef systems and
strategically sunk shipwrecks. A few
hundred species of coral — including
what’s reported to be the largest living
brain coral in the world — plus reef
fish, manta rays, and sharks are among
the main draws. Off Speyside, in the
northeast, this is also the time of year
when you might be lucky enough to spot
an elusive whale shark. But whatever
your level of ability, there’s a range of dive
experiences to suit you. If you’re ready
to take the plunge, make contact with a
PADI/SSI-certified diver operator through the Association of
Tobago Dive Operators (ATDO).
Falling water
Two of Tobago’s tallest and most dramatic waterfalls are Argyle
(near Roxborough), and Highland (near Mason Hall). There’s
a gentle hike to Argyle, the taller and more visited of the two,
but what you save in strength en route can be spent climbing
to the top of the falls’ three tiers, some 450 feet high. Your
reward, other than bragging rights? Three levels also means
three refreshing pools to enjoy on the way back down. The trek
to Highland waterfall is more challenging, but equally worth
it. Highland is also a good option for those who love roads less
travelled, as you’re unlikely to find many other visitors. So:
here’s to all-natural, high-intensity waterfall massage jets.
Black Rock
Buccoo Reef
Pigeon Point
Store Bay
Crown Point
Charlotteville
TOBAGO
Scarborough
Little Tobago
Speyside
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