Windward Coast, Tobago Attractions
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The windward coast stretches from Scarborough to beyond Speyside on a general southwest to northeast alignment. Most of Tobago's population is strung along this coast and consequently, the road can be busy. This coast is not as attractive as the northern coast, but has several cultural attractions.
Speyside, Trinidad and Tobago
This small fishing village on Tyrrel's Bay is the departure point for combined boat and hiking tours of both the local reefs and the bird sanctuary on Little Tobago Island. One of the departure points is the Blue Waters Inn which is about a km north of town. The Inn itself is a pleasant resting place on a quiet beach.The Bay is noted for its giant manta rays, turtles, moray eels and 70 species of coral. One of the oldest brain corals measures 12x20 feet and is still growing. Scuba facilities are available.
Little Tobago Island
Little Tobago Island on the extreme east end of Tobago across from Speyside, is an uninhabited bird sanctuary with several kms of trails. It most spectacular views are from the hills overlooking the seaward direction where Red-footed Boobies and Frigate birds can be seen swooping in significant numbers.Regularly scheduled glass-bottomed boats ferry visitors to the island, revealing the coral reefs below as they circle past the smaller Goat Island in Tyrrel's Bay.
Charlotteville
Charlotteville wraps itself around a cove of Man O' War Bay on the eastern end of the north coast of Tobago. Reaching Charlotteville by land requires a drive over some very steep roads from Speyside.The town is picturesque when seen from the access road and the harbor. This fishing village holds occasional fishing competitions. There are diving opportunities in the bay.Another viewpoint associated with the town is Flagstaff Hill which is reached by a road which branches off the one which descends into the town. Flagstaff Hill was the site of an American military radio tower during World War II. It is a grand place to watch sunsets.
First Historical Cafe
The history hobby of Kenneth Washington has turned the family cafe into a major history museum. The walls are covered with plaques which chronicle all aspects of Tobago from 1600 to the present. Those who compulsively read at the dinner table will love these well researched and written cultural history tales, language evolution tidbits and even driving habits over sandwiches and burgers. Of course, spouses can always watch the sea below.
Richmond Great House
Tobago once thrived on agriculture, and the island boasted 80 to 90 plantations with fine old houses. However, hurricane Flora in 1963 flattened almost all these mansions and the plants as well.Richmond Great House is now the oldest surviving such house with the central part being 150 years old.
