Tobago - west/east

[hogge]

I am right now looking into a diving vacation in feb 2014 (2nd-16th Feb).
I have checked the scandinavian charter (package) operator and they have Tobago in their program.

Is this a good diving island?
Should I stay on the west or east side?

As I am (newly divorced) I wonder if there any resorts for single travelers (not only honey mooners).

Hogge

 

[DCBC]

Where you go largely depends upon your level of diving experience. If you want to dive shallow, Crown Point is good (fringing and some banking reef). It's located near the airport on the southwest. Most of the nightlife (if you can call it that) and major hotels are in the south. Once you're north of Scarborough, there are only smaller villages.

More advanced divers dive in the north-end; in-particular the Speyside area (NE east corner of the island). Driving standards and roads on the island are really poor and not for the faint of heart. It is however the only way to reasonably get around. Be prepared for drivers to stop without warning if the fancy takes them. Resist the temptation to look at any scenery while driving as you will likely get into an accident. If you decide to rent a vehicle, get a Suzuki Jimmy (rather than a car) from Sheppy's Auto Rental near the airport. Sheppy's a retired police officer and is known to most. People will have a tendency to leave your vehicle alone (not that this should be a problem). He's a great guy and fair (or at least has been so with me).

I had a Buddy who lived in Charlotteville (NW corner of the island) and who had a diving business there (CaribStu Diving Services). Unfortunately he has moved onto Trinidad and sold his business. Speyside was only a short drive, but the advantage was that we could dive on either side (Caribbean or Atlantic) quickly. The wind, current and waves can be difficult at times, so this worked-out great. This is what causes less experienced divers problems in the north.

As you have limited diving experience and seem to be looking for more of a social atmosphere, I'd recommend you stay in the south unless you want to mainly focus on diving. Have a great trip!

Check-out this link for some examples of a few of the northern dive sites commonly visited: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw0u-fNRcso

 

[phoenix31tt]

It's a great diving island on Both sides, as DCBC said the east side tends to always have at least a little current whereas the west side has options for sheltered dives as well as dives with current if you are up for it.

If you are trying to stay away from people then Speyside (east) is your best bet, it's more akin to country. The capital and major towns are in the west/south so there you will also find more activity. DCBC the roads would've probably been improved since last you were there but unfortunately the driving standards have not, it's an island and lots of people drive as such. However the quickest/easiest road to Speyside is very hilly with lots of turns and twists, so if you arent up for that i recommend you remain closer to the capital

There are no resorts that are exclusively for single travelers, but there are alot of resorts that aren't necessarily dedicated honeymooners etc, they may also not be the best resorts on the island.

If you need any assistance with locating reliable dive shops on either side of the island let me know.