Tobago Windsurf and Kitesurf Resorts

Tobago is the island that can provide a magnificent tropical film setting for the next "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie. If you close your eyes and imagine an idyllic tropical island you will probably picture this island.

This island has beautiful sand beaches and spectacular waterfalls, caves and steep cliffs, as well as, mountain peaks covered with rainforest. It has cocoa, breadfruit, papaya, mango, and citrus growing wild all over the island. Shallow blue lagoons with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs with vibrant marine life along with breathtaking coastal views; this is Tobago. According to legend the island is the home of Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe. There is even a cave on the island where Robinson Crusoe supposedly lived.

Tobago is the smaller of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The population of Tobago is about 60,000. The official language is English. It is located 30km northeast of Trinidad and southeast of Grenada. It lies outside the hurricane belt. Unlike bustling Trinidad, this little island is sleepy, and Trinidadians come here to spend their vacations or weekends. Local Tobagonians are friendly people, however they are accustomed to see tourist as their local fellow Trinidadians. Tobagonians philosophy about the tourist is “they will come here anyway”. Therefore, even with the fact that pretty much the only industry on the island is tourism; the customer service standards correspond to the philosophy.

Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace and the capital of all Caribbean Carnivals. Carnival is the event of the year. Trinidadian and Tobagonian culture was evolved around Carnival and therefore, locals know how to have fun here. (Everyone is welcome, so get a costume and have the time of your life!) After Carnival is over the whole nation spends the year waiting and getting ready for the next one. Soca and Calypso musical styles originate from these islands. Every year the record studios in Trinidad release hot Soca hits for the whole Caribbean. Wining to Soca is the unique national dance style.

Most local folks truly believe that there are two types of people in the world: Trinis (Trinidadians and Tobagonians) and those who wish they were Trinis.

Tobago is a great place for a windsurfing or kitesurfing holiday. The winds are normally east to north east from October to May, averaging 12 to 20 knots. During spring they switch east to south east, about 8 to 15 knots until the rainy season in July. There is always the occasional exceptional day in between. November to January have the most constantly strong winds. The best intermediate and beginner conditions are in August to December, as low tide makes water conditions very smooth in the lagoon. June usually produces the strongest winds averaging 25 knots.

A word of caution: February is normally the Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. If you plan to visit the country at this time make sure you book your flight and accommodation 4-6 months in advance.

Constant and consistent trade winds blow almost all the year round. The sailing location is breathtakingly beautiful! At a low tide the water is flat, and crystal clear blue. There is no need to use a wetsuit in the warm Tobago waters, so don’t bother to bring it. The place is ideal for beginner to advanced sailors. The shallow waters of Tobago are perfect for practicing at any level. Windsurfers watch out for your fin since some areas are seriously shallow.

You can sail upwind to a small sandy island, or go out to the edge of the reef - you'll be amazed at how far away it really is. However, don't try to cross; it is only possible to pass the reef at a high tide in a few specific channels. Outside lurks big and gnarly surf conditions. That may sound inviting, but fast, powerful waves that break on to dry reef is a totally different matter to having fun at your local beach break. Especially when the surf is so far offshore that you are totally on your own if anything goes wrong. The rescue boat may not be able to get over the reef or handle the surf. Kiters looking for wave sailing should talk with the locals at the board shop to get some pointers (they will also look-out for you if you need to be rescued, at a cost). There is some great wave sailing for the experienced.

The best beach to windsurf or kitesurf from is Pigeon Point beach. Off shore of Pigeon Point is Buccoo Bay where you will actually sail. The offshore Bucco reef has created an ideal tropical lagoon set up.

At Pigeon Point you have to pay a nominal fee of TT$10 (US$1.60) every day to enter the area. Once you are there you can enjoy the choice of beaches, bars and eateries. Facilities also include crafts shops, a diving concession, paddleboat rentals, changing rooms, showers and picnic tables.

This bay has one of the little wanders of the Caribbean: the Nylon Pool. The Nylon Pool with its crystal-clear waters and a white-sand-bottom is about 2 km offshore where you can enjoy a dip in water only 1 m (3 ft) deep. You will not want to leave this place once you reach it. It is absolutely spectacular!

If the swell is big then head to Mt Irvine Bay. You will be treated to some seriously hollow wave action that breaks over a shallow sand and reef bottom. An area call the Bone Yard, can have some huge, sweet, wave action but take caution; as this is one of the fastest moving waves you will ever see. Some locals have tow-in surfed this wave; make sure you get the low-down before hitting the water.

Tobago Plantations Beach has quite a consistent side onshore wind and a moderate surf (~1m/3ft). This beach offers some good kiting. Due to the wind direction (on-shore), be careful when launching and landing; as some of the trees can sneek-up on your kite.

There are other windsurfing and kiting spots on the island but they may take a bit of hunting down and may only be for the experienced sailors. If you are prepared to do a little searching, then you may discover a virgin beach where it would feel like no human has ever been!

You can still feel like Robinson Crusoe in a solitary cove on this island. This feeling will last only until Saturday, when the Trinidadians fly over for a weekend on the beach.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing Holidays in Tobago.