About Tobago
The History of Tobago:
Tobago was settled over 2,500 years ago by Amerindians moving north from the South American mainland. Tobago's close neighbour Trinidad was actually still attached to South America up till 10,000 years ago and consequently the diversity of wildlife on the mainland is still evident on the two islands - over 260 species of birds breed in Trinidad and Tobago.
Europeans first reached these islands in the form of Columbus on his third transatlantic voyage in 1498. Tobago was "discovered" by the English in 1508 and, as was the case for most islands in the Caribbean, it was then fought over by the Dutch, Spanish, English, French and settled by Latvians and buccaneers (and some others) well into the 18th Century. Bloody Bay, Pirates Bay, and Man o' War Bay bear testament to this past. The English controlled the island from 1762 with hiccups from 1781-1793 and from 1802-1803 when the island fell under French occupation. It was officially ceded to the English in 1814.
The island's rich soils saw Tobago being used predominantly for agricultural production but, as was the case with many of its Caribbean neighbours, it became increasingly less important in the 20th Century. In 1962 both Trinidad and Tobago gained independence from Britain and finally became a republic in 1976. Tobago is now almost wholly dependent on tourism - quite understandable considering the tropical naivety that pervades the island and the straightforward, genuine, unaffected friendliness of its people.
Facts about Tobago (& Trinidad)
Tipping:
Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. If it isn't included, tip 10%-15%.
Business Hours:
Retail Outlets: 8am - 4pm on Monday to Thursday and Friday until 6pm. Retail outlets based at shopping malls remain open till 9pm.
Offices: 8am - 4pm Monday to Friday.
Mail Service is available from 8am - 9pm. at the Piarco Airport and other major mail offices.
General offices operate from 8am - 3pm. Duty free shopping is available at the Cruise Ship Complex, Piarco International Airport, and selected downtown Port of Spain shops.
Note: Bank's are open from 8am to 2pm
Driving:
Visitors in possession of 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.
Drive on the Left: Thanks to our British heritage, we are supposed to drive on the left. Most of us observe this rule, but there are a few local drivers who prefer the middle of the road approach, even on blind corners. Approach corners warily, and when in doubt, sound your horn.
Watch out for animals: In rural areas, you may run into (literally) sheep or cows in the middle of the road. Chickens are everywhere, and rural areas are closer to the city center than you may believe.
What to do in case of an accident: Remain calm. Photograph the scene if possible. Otherwise, mark the position of the tires on the ground (scrape with a stone or chalk). Make sure that the other driver has done the same. Then you can move your vehicle to the side of the road. Call your rental agency, and report the accident to the nearest police station, even if the onlookers assure you that this is not necessary. Be sure to get the other driver's license plate number, and his insurance information.
Watch out for pedestrians: In many areas there are no sidewalks. Keep an eye out for pedestrians walking in the road, as well as for children playing - they may dart out suddenly.
Airports:
Tobago: Crown Point International Airport, 7 miles (10 km) from Scarborough (airport code "TAB")
Language:
English is Tobago's official language.
Economy:
Trinidad and Tobago has the most diversified and industrialised economy in the English-speaking Caribbean.
There are large reserves of petroleum and natural gas, and well developed heavy industries - iron and steel, methanol and nitrogenous fertilizers and petroleum products.
Air, sea and land transportation links are excellent, and telecommunications links with the Americas and Europe are completely modern.
During the 1970's, high world oil prices created a rapid expansion of the local economy, with real GDP growing by 72.5% between 1970 and 1977. These were the boom years in Trinidad and Tobago and much of the country's infrastructure was developed during this period. However, depressed oil prices coupled with high levels of public expenditure led to a prolonged period of economic contraction which began in 1988 and finally ended in 1993.
Now, after a period of radical economic adjustment under IMF and World Bank supervision, the government economic policy is well in line with prevailing market principles: trade liberalisation, open market-driven economy, rationalisation of the public sector, promotion of private enterprise and foreign investment, and development of exports and tourism.
Flora and Fauna:
Over 260 species of birds breed in Trinidad and Tobago. Over 150 migrate here from North and South America. Over 430 species of birds, and over 600 species of butterflies have been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago. There is also an enormous variety of trees, orchids, shrubs, insects and other wildlife.
Currency & Money:
The TT dollar ($TT) is the national currency, although US currency, travelers checks, and credit cards are widely accepted. ($6TT = $1US).
ATM's (Blue Machine's) are widely available in both Trinidad & Tobago, and most accept major credit cards
Dress Code:
Skimpy clothing is fine for the beach but nowhere else. Nude or topless sunbathing is against the law. Casual clothing is appropriate during the day and for evenings and at most restaurants. You'll notice that locals love to dress up, Trinidadians more than Tobagoans. Men may want to take along a coat and tie, several restaurants require them in the evening.
Climate:
The average temperature in the summer ranges from a low of 74F to 95F with an average humidity of 85%. In the winter the average high temperature is 91F and a low of 70F with an average humidity of 80%.
The tropical climate is tempered by northeast trade winds. The dry season is from December to May, but it is hottest between June and October. The climate in Tobago is pleasant most of the year and although May, June and July can be wet at times, the differentiation between the wet and dry seasons is much less acute.
The best time to go is December-May, when it's coolest and the least rainy. Daytime temperatures will be in the 80s F/28-32 C, with nights in the 60s-70s F/15-27 C. Because of the trade winds, it rarely feels excessively hot. June-November is the rainy season, when the islands are subject to more clouds, rain and humidity. Both islands are usually outside the path of hurricanes. Take a sweater or jacket because evenings tend to cool off quite a bit.
Average yearly temperature is 78° F. From June through November expect frequent rainfall in short but strong bursts. Tobago is slightly cooler and less humid than Trinidad.
However, some months of the wet season can be very dry and some weeks of the dry season can be quite wet - it's never so easy to say ...
Required clothing: Tropical lightweights are required. Rainwear is advisable, especially for the wet season.
History:
The first people who lived on the islands were mostly from the Carib and Arawak tribes of native peoples. After Columbus landed on Trinidad in 1498, the island was ruled by Spain for 300 years. During that time not many Spanish people moved there, but many French people came to Trinidad to get away from the revolution in their country. Later the British took over the island and some British people moved there.
Most of the people of Trinidad and Tobago today are descended from Africans and Indians (from the country of India) who were brought to the islands to work on big plantations. Today about 40% of Trinidadians and Tobagonians are black and 40% are Indians. The rest are mostly whites, Chinese and native peoples.
The culture, traditions, and folk practices of Trinidad and Tobago reflect the diversity of peoples. As such, Trinidad and Tobago gained designation as the "cultural capital" of the Caribbean.
Electricity:
115 volts/60Hz. Some areas also offer 230 volts/60Hz.
Government:
Trinidad and Tobago achieved independence from Britain in 1962 followed by republican status in 1976. The twin-island nation is currently a member of the Commonwealth
Fully democratic elections are held every five (5) years, since 1956. Universal adult suffrage, with a minimum voting age of 18.
A Bicameral legislature exists with the President as Head of State, Executive power lies with Prime Minister and Cabinet:
- Lower House (elected) - House of Representatives
- Upper House (appointed) - Senate
- The Tobago House of Assembly is responsible for administrative governance within Tobago. City and county councils are responsible for local governance. http://www.gov.tt
Emergency Services:
Police: call 999
Fire & Ambulance: call 990
Water Visibility:
The confluence of the strong Guyanese Current and the seasonal outflow of Venezuela's Orinoco River cause Tobago's waters to be rich in nutrients, making the vis variable, averaging between 50 and 80 feet. Can be far less following seasonal rains.
Departure Tax:
TT$100 (must be paid in local currency).
Geography:
Trinidad and Tobago are the southernmost islands of the Caribbean archipelago, and are geologically an extension of the South American continent.
Trinidad is separated from Venezuela by the seven (7) mile (11km) straits of the Gulf of Paria.
Location: Latitude 11°N, Longitude 60°W
Physical Area: Fish-shaped, measures 26 miles (42 km) by 7 miles (10 km).
Total Area: 116 square miles (300km2)
Major Towns: Scarborough, Roxborough, Charlotteville
Trinidad and Tobago comprises 1,980 square miles (5128km2), about one and a half times the size of the state of Rhode Island. The territory enjoys a tropical climate with average maximum temperatures of 32°C, (89°F). Tobago's temperatures are cooler, owing to the more constant north east trade winds. There is a dry season from January to May and a wet season from June to December. Annual rainfall is about 200 cm (40 inches) over most of the country. Trinidad and Tobago is just south of the hurricane belt.
Medical:
Trinidad and Tobago have hospitals in Scarborough, Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Mount Hope. There are also numerous health centers and clinics.
Domestic Ferry Service:
The Domestic Ferry Service is operated by the T&T Port Authority, providing transport for passengers, vehicles and cargo. Services include dining and bars (fast ferry).
Sailing Times:
- Monday to Sunday, 6:30am - 7pm
For most current schedule, check the Port Authority of Trinidad & Tobago - Ferry Schedules.
Taxis:
Taxis and maxi-taxis (colour coded mini-buses) run on fixed routes and generally operate from designated stands. Fares range from TT$2 - TT$10 on average. Off route transfers usually cost more.
Telephone Code:
1 (868) + seven (7) digit local number
Passport/Visa:
Passports needed by citizens of Canada and the U.S. Sufficient funds and proof of onward passage required by all. There's an airport departure tax of TT$100, payable in cash. Reconfirm travel document requirements with your carrier before departure.
Tobago Capital:
Scarborough, Tobago
Hotel Taxes:
10% service charge, 10% Hotel Room Tax
Time Zone:
Summer: EST (Eastern Standard Time), equivalent to GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)-5 hours; Winter: EST+1, GMT-4. Daylight savings time is not observed in Trinidad and Tobago.
Customs:
Travelers cheques and credit cards are accepted by most establishments. For Customs and Excise purposes only cash is accepted.