The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago is located at the southern end of the Caribbean islands a few miles from the coast of Venezuela. Big sister Trinidad, is the bustling, industrial and commercial
center, while Tobago is the laid back, sleepy little sister. Here
in Tobago one is never far from a palm-lined sandy beach or a waterfall
tumbling down into a rock lined pool at the edge of the rainforest.
In addition to scuba diving, there are many other pursuits that offer
ample opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that Tobago has to offer.
There are several tour operators that offer golf, bird-watching,
snorkeling, rainforest hikes, fishing, kayaking and sailing trips
or tours.
Weather here is temperate most of the year with average daytime air tempertures ranging from 85F/29C to 88F/31C. June to November
is our rainy season, during which time we often get short, hard rainstorms, usually at night, but rarely get prolonged downpours. In fact, because we are south of the hurricane belt, Trinidad & Tobago is a haven for "yachties" during the hurricane season. To get an idea of what the weather is like here right now, check the National Weather Service website.
The majority of hotels and guesthouses are located at the southern end of the island, close to the airport. The drive from one end of the island to the other winds along the coastal road through fishing villages and small hamlets. Keep in mind that we drive on the left side of the road here. Neither an international nor local drivers licence is required for visitors staying for a short period of time. There are only 2 gas stations north of Scarborough - at Roxborough and Charlotteville - so its a good idea to gas up before you head off on your island tour. While most folks here are very friendly, happy to stop and chat or help out if they can, it is not advisable to pick up hitchikers.
Local currency is the TT dollar which is currently (Jan 2005)
exchanged at approximately TT$6.00 for US$1.00 and roughly TT$9.00
for £1.00. US currency is readily accepted throughout both islands.
Banking hours are 8:00am to 2:00pm Monday thru Thursday; 8:00am to
1:00pm and then 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Fridays. Please note there are
NO banks or ATMs north of Scarborough. So if you are visiting the
north end of the island please make sure you have enough cash on hand,
as not all establishments accept travellers checks or credit cards.
When making purchases remember that there is a 15% goods and services tax (V.A.T.) added to most prices. To avoid unpleasant surprises, always inquire whether your purchase is vatable.
If you wish to bring along any personal electrical appliances,
please note that electricity here is 110 volts/60 cycles. North American appliances will work fine here but voltage and socket configuration
is different to that in the UK and Europe.
 There are several scheduled and charter airlines that offer
direct service from Europe into Tobago. Delta Airlines now offers direct flights from Atlanta to Tobago. Most of the other North American airlines that service Trinidad & Tobago arrive and depart from Trinidad
but there are several domestic shuttle flights per day between the
two islands via
BWIA,
Tobago Express, L.I.A.T. or
Caribbean Star. In addition to the domestic airbridge service, there is also a daily ferry service between the two islands. Recently this service was upgraded for the "high season" with the addition of a 900 passenger catamaran which operates daily from December to May, making the one-way trip in approximately 2½ hours. The second boat, offers service daily except Saturdays and makes the run in a little over 4 hours. Please check with the Port Authority about current fares and departure times. International passengers please remember that there is a departure tax of TT$100.00 payable at the airport after checking in for your flight home. This tax is often included in your package if you have purchased your holiday through a travel agent.
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