Friday 3 April 2009

Tobago de Tropical Island Paradise

Phrases that describe the twin island haven of Tobago:

Tobago de unknown mecca of de tropics

  • home of folklore
  • home of the Great Boat Race
  • home of the Great Goat and Crab Race
  • home of the Tobago Heritage Festival
  • home to the flower called the Chaconia aka "Pride of Trinidad and Tobago" and "Wild Poinsettia" (National Flower of TnT)
  • home to the largest species of turtle in the world....Leatherback
  • known as "Long Island"
  • known as "Robinson Crusoe's island"
  • land of Calypso
  • land of the Cocrico (Ortalis ruficauda), aka "Chachalaca" birds.
  • land of many Cultures
  • land of the Limbo
  • land of the Pan
  • TnT map

    Tobago....the sister of Trinidad

    Tobago map

    Tobago Crusoe

    Official Name

    Republic of Tobago
    Capital
    Scarborough
    Nationality
    Citizen of Tobago, Tobagonian(s)
    Official Language
    English and also Tobagonian Dialect (broken english)
    Total Population
    50,000

    Location
    Latitude 11°N, Longitude 60°W

    Physical Area
    Measures 26 miles (42 km) by 7 miles (10 km)

    Total Area
    116m2 (300km2)

    Highest Point
    Central Spine of Hills 576m (1,890 feet)

    Other Facts

    Tobago Tranquillity

    Airlines

    Air Caribbean, American, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Tobago Express, Caribbean Star, Condor and LIAT


    Airport
    Crown Point airport is 13 km (8 miles) from Scarborough the capital of Tobago. Departure Taxes $$TT100.00


    Beaches
    Tobago, when it's known at all, is most definitely known for its beaches. From the populous, vendor-lined Store Bay, plus Pigeon Point and Sandy Point in the west near the airport, to the Windward Coast's remote Speyside and Batteaux Bay, the island's beaches have got variety (pink sand, giant turtles) and, thanks to hotels (mostly of small to medium size) facilities.


    Business Hours
    8am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday; Saturday 8am to 12 noon; Banks: 8am - 2 pm Monday to Thursday; Friday 8am to 12 noon; 3pm to 5pm; Goverment Offices: closed for lunch 12 noon to 1pm and on Saturdays


    Buses
    The Scarborough Terminal (Gardenside Street opposite the Botanical Gardens) is the main bus hub for catching buses to all points on the island.


    Climate
    The average daytime temperature is 29°C (83°F). At night, temperatures may fall to 25°C (77°F) or less. Rainy Season July through December(mostly Oct./Nov.). Water Temperature Winter 75-78/Summer 78-82.


    Country Access Code
    868


    Currency
    Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$)


    Customs
    Duty-free allowance: 1 quart liquor (32 ounce == 1 litre), 200 cigarettes/50 cigars, gifts up to $TT1,200/year


    Dress Code
    Casual (Lightweight), but keep swimwear for the beach and pool. Church-goers should dress conservatively (e.g. no shorts or vests).


    Driving
    DRIVE ON THE LEFT (follow the British system of driving). Approaching corners be warily, and when in doubt, sound your horn. Visitors in with valid licenses issued in U.S., Canada, France, U.K., Germany and the Bahamas may drive for up to three months. International licenses are also accepted. In many areas there are no sidewalks. Keep an eye out for pedestrians walking in the road, and for children playing.


    Electricity
    110 and 220v, 60 cycles


    Emergencies
    Fire & Ambulance dial 990; Emergency Medical Service (Ambulance) 811; Police dial 999; Paramedics 660-7955; Coast Guard 634-4440


    Entry Requirements
    Passports are required by all visitors, and must be valid for the full length of stay. Visas are not needed by North American, British and most European and Commonwealth nationals. Exceptions are Australia, India, Nigeria, Uganda, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea and Tanzania.


    Ethnic Divisions
    The people are comprised of Africans, East Indians, Europeans, Chineses, or mixed descents.


    Ferry
    There is a daily ferry (MV Panorama & TT Express) from Scarborough to Port of Spain (Monday to Friday; except Saturdays), taking 5 hrs and departing 11pm. The return trip leaves Port of Spain 2pm. Sundays and Public Holidays departs Scarborough at 11pm and the return trip leaves Port of Spain 11am. Fares TT$25 one-way economy class, TT$50, round trip economy class, TT$30 one-way tourist class, TT$60 round trip tourist class, TT$80 for one-way cabin, TT$160 for round trip cabin, children under 12 half price, infants under 3 free, cars TT$115 or $TT138 according to weight. Call the Port Authority (868-623-2901) to confirm times and costs.


    Media
    Newspaper: Trinidad Express, Trinidad Guardian, NewsDay, The Wire. One (1) tri-weekly: The TNT Mirror. Several weeklies: Catholic News, Tobago News, Bomb, Blast, Show Time, The Independent; Tobago Pillar

    Television Broadcast: CCN TV-6 (channels 6 & 18); AVM Television (channels 4 & 16), CNN (6); Tobago Channel 5

    Radio AM: Radio Trinidad (730 AM) FM: Hott 93 (93.5/93.1 FM); The Rock (95.1 FM); WEFM (96 FM); Music Radio 97 (97.1 FM); WABC (103 FM); Radio Tempo (105 FM); Classic Radio (106 FM); Central Radio (90.5 FM); Love (94.1 FM); Radio ICN (91.1 FM); Radio 104 (104 FM); Radio Tambrin (92.1 from Tobago); Power 102 (102.5 FM); Soca (91.9 FM); WACK 90.1FM


    Nylon Pool
    Everyone takes a boat from Buccoo to the Nylon Pool, so named after Princess Margaret, who, on her honeymoon, announced the color was so crazy-blue it looked like nylon (okay, so she wasn't the world's greatest romantic).


    Religion
    Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Church of God, Jehovah Witness, Penticostal and Seventh Day Adventist


    Scarborough
    Tobago's capital, Scarborough, is hilly and walkable from end to end in an hour. There are busy docks and a daily market, stores, and bars, but you feel it's all more for the residents than the visitors—though you're certainly welcome to share. Climb at dusk up to Fort King George, built by the British, to take in the total dearth of neon and high-rises and breathe it all in. It may not last.


    Taxes
    Some hotels charge a 10% service charge and/or a 10% room tax. A 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most goods and services.


    Taxis
    Private taxis are available at hotels. Public route taxis and maxis taxis depart from Lower Scarborough (next to Scarborough Port) for western destinations, Main Street (next to car park)for winward destinations and taxis can be hailed by the roadside. Mininum charge is $TT5 depending on route.


    Time Zone
    EST +1; GMT -4


    Tipping
    Tips/Gratuities is left up to the discretion of the customer, although 10% is recommend unless a service charge is included in your bill.


    Tobago
    is separated from Trinidad by the Caribbean Sea which is twenty-one (21) miles (33km).


    Tobago House Assembly Information Services
    211 - access information on the variety of services by THA.


    Water
    Tap water is process, but boil it to be on the safe side. Bottled water can be purchased.


    Weddings
    Getting married, must be on the island a minimum of 72 hours (not including arrival day) plus wedding fees. For more information check The District Revenue Office, Sangster’s Hill, Scarborough (868-639-2410)


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