Cruises in the Caribbean are spectacular and provide an insight into the laid-back lifestyle of the West Indies. When visiting this lovely group of islands it is essential to take a shore excursion to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the land and absorb some of the amazing history that is waiting to be told.
Tobago is an island rich in natural beauty with some interesting and stimulating shore excursions awaiting the visitor. Dip a toe into the life of this lovely island and experience it at first hand.
AN ISLAND’S RICH HISTORY
One of the most comprehensive excursions on offer is that which offers a tour through Tobago’s history and landscape. A drive through the capital, Scarborough takes visitors to Fort James passing by the Mysterious Tombstone of Betty Stivens. This gravestone bears an epitaph which has puzzled people for over 200 years and it is great fun to try and guess its meaning.
The drive along the Mount Irvine Road which follows the beautiful northwest coast will have cameras clicking and stops at Mount Irvine Bay Hotel and Golf Club. This course was created from an old sugar plantation and has some of the best views across the Caribbean Sea.
The trip then takes visitors to Store Bay, one of those beaches with white sand and palms gently waving in the warm breeze which makes everything think of the Caribbean.
The excursion returns to Scarborough and Fort King George which dominates the town and provides amazing views along the coastline. Then it’s finally onto the Botanical Gardens and a leisurely stroll among the indigenous plants.
LANDSCAPES, REEFS AND RAINFORESTS
An excursion for the more intrepid is one which takes visitors to Buccoo Reef for the snorkelling experience of a lifetime. From Pigeon Point beach the glass bottom boat takes visitors out to the Reef where they can snorkel or simply relax. After watching the multi-colour fish it’s off to the Nylon Pool where it is possible to swim in the shallow waters. This is surely not to be missed.
Of course, Tobago is more than palm fringed beaches. It has a vast array of tropical wildlife and exotic plant life. A trip to the Tobago Forest Reserve is essential for those interested in natural wonders who want to experience something of the jungle. There are over 200 different species of birds and animals here and cameras, binoculars and comfortable walking shoes are essential!
Another excellent excursion for nature lovers is to the Tropical Gardens and Nature Reserve where it is possible to see hummingbirds, parakeets, woodpeckers, egrets and jacamars.
Argyle Falls are, perhaps one of the most beautiful of their kind. They are situated in the rainforest interior and this trip takes visitors right into the thick of it. The guide leads the way though overhanging trees and exotic flora, along narrow paths, to the three-tier falls which are about 175 feet high.
It is possible to swim in the cold waters and relax, listening to the sounds of the rainforest.
These excursions provide a snapshot of the beautiful island of Tobago. With such a contrast of landscape the island is certainly going to be a talking point and the photographs taken will provide memories for many years to come.
This article was contributed by Lloyd, a freelance writer and blogger, on behalf of Cruise.Co.Uk.
