Climate and geography

Tobago's climate is pleasant all year round. It is cooler and less humid than Trinidad due to the north-east winds. The sun can be quiet strong so don't forget proper sun protection!

The best season for a visit is in the "dry season" between December and May. From June to November it is more humid with a higher chance of rain.
Tobago is situated on the southern end of the west Indies, just outside the usual path of hurricanes and other tropical storms.
Diving conditions are good all year round!

Traffic and roads

Left-hand traffic! The main roads are paved, most small side roads are unpaved. An international drivers license is recommended. You will find a variety of national and international car rentals, most of them are located in the vicinity of the airport.
Public transport is poor, taxis and collect taxis are available everywhere and anytime.

General information

• The language spoken on Tobago is English

• Local time is GMT - 4 hrs

• Local currency is called TT Dollar, US Dollars are also accepted. Exchange rate is 6 TT $ for 1 US$. VISA, AmEx and MasterCard are accepted nearly everywhere

• Domestic and commercial supply voltage is 110 V, 60 cycles, you might need a transformer for electronic devices, sockets are US standards

• Only a few mobile phone companies have roaming contracts with the local operator (TSTT), a tri-band phone will be needed

• Basic medical attention for minor ailments is available, medical services are free at the general hospital and at one of the local health centers

Entry

You will need a valid passport and a return or ongoing ticket. On entry you will get a tourist visa for 90 days. A departure tax of 100 TT $ is charged to all passengers leaving the country.


Celebrations and Festivals

A kaleidoscope of colours, cultures and artistry, beads, sequins and feathers, beautiful women, pulsating music, and a two-day street party that will never be forgotten - this is Trinidad Carnival! Tobago Carnival, while much smaller in scale than Trinidad's, reaches its crescendo on the weekend after Ash Wednesday.

Easter is one of the most important festivities on the island, though it is completely different from the Easter known in Europe. A typical part of it is a goat and crab race, drawing a large crowd to the villages of Buccoo and Mt Pleasant.

Angostura Tobago Sail Week scores of yachts descend upon the island, racing to win, in the waters around Crown Point. Sailors of all nationalities gather to race. This week is the perfect blend of superb sailing, fantastic parties and Angostura Rum!

The Fisherman Festival on St. Peter's Day is in honor of the patron saint of the fishermen. The biggest celebrations take place in Charlotteville, in the Man of War Bay, with other smaller festivities up and down the coast.

The Tobago Heritage Festival is the most keenly anticipated event on Tobago's cultural calendar, running for two weeks in late July into early August. The action moves nightly from village to village, with communities presenting local tradition of dance, music, storytelling and food. Typical presentations are the Ole Time Wedding, Reel and Jig, Folk Tales and Superstitions, the Salaka Feast and the Invocation Dance.

The Carib Great Race is a classic powerboat race between Trinidad and Tobago, it is a great chance to see boats of different sizes and classes, many of them travel the 85 miles through rough offshore water averaging more than 90 mph.

Tobago Fest is a recent addition to Tobago's social calendar, taking place at the end of September. In keeping with Trini-style Carnival tradition, there is a parade of Bands, a Fest Queen Contest, Night Mas, J'ouvert, soca concerts and steelband.

Cycle Tobago is predominately a track cycling event with two road races and has now grown into the largest and most successful series in the Caribbean. This venue has become a favourite with international riders.

On Sundays all roads lead to the village of Buccoo, where the world-famous, open-air revel known as Sunday School has a mixture of reggae music, bars, dollar gambling tables, food and lots of dancing.