FAQS Frequently Asked Questions about the Blue Mango and Tobago
It's set at 1.00pm but we can be flexible if the rental situation permits it and your flight schedule is late.
Our hospitality begins at your pick-up point. Our driver will advise you where to exchange your currency and where to stock up on food and drink, he will also stop for you at the shops on the way in. Castara village itself has very limited facilities.
IMPORTANT - Airport Departure and Security Tax is payable by every traveler age 5 - 65 years for INTERNATIONAL flights. It is TT$100 per person or US$ equivalent. Children under 5 and Adults over 65 get a Tax exempt certificate.
What are the Electrical Standards?
US electrical standards so you may need to bring adapters. Tobago operates on 110-120 volts and 60 cycles of electric current.
What outside communications are there?
Use email service and cellular phones to keep in touch with the outside world.
How do I get to Tobago?
International airlines with direct flights to the island include British Airways, Excel, Thomas Cook, Virgin Atlantic, Lauda Air, BWIA West Indies airways, LIAT, Caribbean Star. Visit their websites for information. Frequent daily flights on the domestic route between Trinidad and Tobago are by Tobago Express and BWIA. There is also a daily fast sea ferry service.
Any Banks nearby?
None.
All banks and ATMs are in Scarborough or at the airport. There is a cambio at the airport. Best to do some conversion on arrival - for purchases in the local shops. Prices are listed in TT$ but US currency is widely accepted at TT$ 6 to US$ 1 You can possibly get a local shop to change small amounts for you.
Can I pay for my stay with Credit Card?
No. We accept Cash or Travelers Checks only.
Is a car required?
Yes, if you want to drive around and see more of Tobago. If you do hire a car, you may find it unused for many a day while you relax in Castara.
Rental - Car, Jeep or Bicycle?
How to get to Castara from the Airport?
We would recommend that you arrange for us to send a car to meet you at the airport. Airport; this should cost about TT$180 - US$30 -£20. If you hire an airport taxi note the tariff on display in the arrival lounge. After 9pm the rates increase by 50%.
And travel to Scarborough?
Regular scheduled bus service to Scarborough (single - TT$5 ) - tickets MUST be purchased BEFORE boarding the bus at the shop near the bus stop in Castara. A route (or shared) taxi to Scarborough costs approx. single - TT$7. The return taxi rank is over the road from Pizza Boys near the cruise port in Scarborough.
What's the population of Castara?
Approx. 500 to 600. They are friendly people living in the peaceful hilly village. There is little or no crime, but safeguard your valuables using the individual safes in the cottages. The local policeman can be found helping the fisherman.
Where can one go shopping?
In the village there are simple grocery shops. For anything more elaborate including drug store, dentist, souvenir shopping etc you need to go to Scarborough.
Where can one eat?
The Clay Kitchen - at the Blue Mango serves excellent food - chat to the cook, Rebecca and let her know what you want. There are a few local restaurants and a roti shop nearby. Farther afield you can drive to some good restaurants in the south west.
What about crime in Castara?
A relativelty low crime rate but like the rest of the world, there is some and it's increasing - take your normal precautions. We provide safes in each cottage to secure your valuables.
Is the Blue Mango on the beach?
It looks down onto the sun drenched beaches of the northern and southern bays of Castara nestled on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.
Can I see the rainforest?
Yes. You have views of the surrounding hills covered with the rainforest. Ten minutes walk out of Castara and you're in it. Bring your binoculars - the bird life and night skies are incredible!
Is the beach safe for swimming?
Yes so be ready for an invigorating day of swimming, snorkeling and diving. It is safe for children, but be sensible and supervise them. Bring your own snorkeling gear. You may be lucky to swim with the visiting dolphins.
Are there Dive shops in Castara?
No. but we have divers who stay here and travel to the many certified dive shops in other areas.
What of other water sports?
This is a fishing village - no jet skis, no water skiing, no wind surfing. You can do fishing trips or boat rides, sightsee on barbeque on isolated beaches.
Is Skinny-dipping allowed?
NO! Nude bathing is not allowed. Tobagonians are essentially conservative people. You may find a fisherman prepared to take you to an absolutely secluded beach by boat - take plenty of drinking water and tell someone so they check your safe return.
Does the resort have a swimming pool?
No. You will not need one, you are on a sandy Caribbean beach. The bathing here is absolutely wonderful!
Can I go fishing out to sea?
Wake early and catch the sun dawning and set out early with the fishermen in their boats. This can be arranged. For your own safety, please arrange this through Colin or make sure he knows you are going. Ensure you take a lot of bottled water, sun lotion and hats. Cover yourself, the sun is hot.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. Water is totally potable. If you prefer, bottled water can be purchased.
What health services are there?
In the village there is a health clinic. The main hospital and medical services are in Scarborough.
Any biting insects?
Yes. Nets are provided but don't forget to bring your antihistamine cream and after-sun creams. Some guests use Aloe vera to sooth the bites.
Is the sun strong?
Yes, you are just 11 degrees above the Equator! so bring ample suntan lotion - the cool sea breeze keeps you deceptively cool. We want you to be happy not crispy.
Ladies personal thingies?
Bring your own as local brands may vary or items may not be available. And men's thingies!
Can I find fresh fruit?
Fruit is sold in the village.
