Things To Do In Tobago
Tobago is without doubt one of the greenest, lushest islands in the Caribbean offering a wide variety of sports and recreational activities. In addition to the beautiful palm-fringed beaches and vibrant, colorful reefs Tobago also boasts the oldest forest reserve in the western hemisphere and several bird sanctuaries. So whether your idea of a holiday is working up a sweat planning your next assault on the golf course from your lounger by the pool, going one on one against one of the gamefish species or hiking the rainforest trails with one of the nature guides, you're sure to find plenty to do. Take a look at our interactive map for a preview of some of the sights around Tobago.
Golf
There are two par 72 courses in Tobago both of which have resident Pros and equipment rental. The PGA designed championship standard course at Tobago Plantations Golf & Country Club is laid out around historic and natural landscape features including ruins of the original sugar mill estate, mature trees, the mangrove forest and artificial lakes (which are becoming important wildlife habitats). Mount Irvine Bay Golf Club is the award winning golf resort designed by Commander John D. Harris and is considered by many to be the finest course in the Caribbean. The course is located just a few minutes drive from Golf View Villas on the Caribbean side of the island, and boasts spectacular ocean views.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Tobago is without doubt one of the premiere destinations for scuba diving in the Caribbean. There are several reputable dive operators offering scuba diving for the novice or more experienced diver, among them is Coco Motion who also offers snorkeling trips to the more secluded bays as well as private boat charters. Several glass-bottom boats depart from Store Bay daily for snorkeling trips to Coral Gardens and Nylon Pool.
Sea Kayaking
A unique way to view the island's coastal flora & fauna is from the sea. Based on Man-O-War Bay in Charlotteville at the north end of the island, Tobago Sea Kayak Experience also offer tours from Pigeon Point.
Other Sports
There are many other sports available in Tobago including tennis, horseback riding, surfing, wind surfing, deep sea fishing, sailing and for the truly adventurous, mountain-biking with Slow Leak Mountain Bike Tours.
Hiking & Birdwatching
 Tobago's tropical rainforest, wetland areas and savannahs abound with an amazing diversity of plant and animal species. While not as prolific as in Trinidad, the birdlife in Tobago is impressive. With over 200 species recorded, even the most avid birder is likely to add at least one or two new species to their personal list. A trip to the rainforest should not be missed. Ancient plant species thrive under the forest canopy encroaching on waterfalls and forest pools. While you can certainly explore the forest hiking trails on your own, going with one of the knowledgeable nature tour guides will add to the experience. David Rooks is one of Tobago's better known ornithologists and tour guides offering trips to the Little Tobago bird sanctuary, the mangrove forests and the rainforest.
Beaches
Most of the best beaches are along the Caribbean coast of Tobago. Store Bay Beach, Pigeon Point and Mount Irvine Bay at the south end of the island are the most popular beaches for swimming and have restaurant and restroom facilities. Lovely, crescent-shaped Englishman's Bay near Castara is an idyllic palm-fringed beach off the beaten track and is also an important Leatherback Turtle nesting beach. Great Courland Bay (aka Turtle Beach) and Grafton Beach are also prime nesting sites. Pirate's Cove on Man-O-War Bay at the extreme north end of the island is another quiet, tranquil beach. This one is not for the faint-hearted however. Access is a walk of about half an hour along a dirt track hugging the hillside and then down a long flight of stone steps. Well worth the effort though.
Shopping
Although Tobago is not known as a shopping mecca, there are a few retail shops offering good quality locally made products.
Shore Things Café & Craft Shop on Old Milford Road in Lambeau (check out the desserts at their seaside café too), Planet Ceramics at Pigeon Point, Cotton House in Bacolet, Things Natural and D'Art Yard in Crown Point are some of the retailers that offer gifts and crafts produced in Trinidad & Tobago. In addition there are there are beach vendors offering a variety of carvings, batiks, etc. but if you are looking for locally made products "caveat emptor" ... many of these items are imported and sold as souvenirs. Hand-rolled premium cigars are available from Tavaco Cigar Company on Shirvan Road.
Dining and Evening Entertainment
Several of the larger hotels on the island have excellent restaurants and nightly entertainment. If you would like to venture out into "mainstream Tobago", the choices are nearly endless depending on how adventurous you are. This list is only a sampling of some of the eateries and night spots close to Golf View Villas:
 The Cat and Fiddle Lambeau 639-4347 - light fare, live entertainment on weekends.
Amadeus Plymouth Rd 639-6735 - intimate atmosphere, limited but well designed menu, fabulous desserts. Be sure to call ahead for reservations.
Kariwak Village Hotel Crown Point 639-8442 - well deserved reputation for its imaginative Caribbean cuisine.
The Seahorse Inn Grafton Beach Rd 639-7759 - romantic, al fresco dining overlooking Grafton Beach, nightly entertainment during high season.
Dillon's Seafood Restaurant Crown Point 639-8765 - Go out sport fishing with Dillon's Super Cool and have your catch cooked for dinner free of charge. It doesn't get fresher than that.
Pelican Reef Crown Point 660-8000 - a lively night spot offering a wide variety of creole and international cuisine, nightly entertainment.
Arnos Vale Waterwheel Arnos Vale 660-0815 - sumptuous open air dining amidst the ruins of an old sugar plantation in a rainforest garden. Be sure to call ahead.
Kaiso Club Casino Canaan 631-1000 - gaming club, free pick up.
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