Manta Lodge - Trinidad and Tobago

Tobago's claim to fame can be found underwater or on the pristine beaches, or in the ancient rainforests. Eco-tourists and scuba divers have long known about this Caribbean hideaway just 20 miles from the shores of South America. Now the rest of the world is finding out and Tobago is enjoying a lively tourist business and with that new hotels and recreation facilities. Manta Lodge is just one of those facilities.

Built by divers for divers, Manta Lodge sits on the hillside across from a small beach near the village of Speyside at the East End of Tobago. Close to the island's best dive sites, Manta Lodge's on-site dive shop, Tobago Dive Experience, whisks guests to the best drift dive and snorkeling sites in just a few minutes near Little Tobago Island and Goat Island, visible from your ocean view room.

Reasonably priced, the comfortable 22 room accommodations all feature ocean views, ceiling fan or air-conditioning, one or two beds, room to spread out, balconies, tile floors and baths. The two-story lodge has a small pool surrounded by colorful tropical plants and flowers always in bloom. The Green Moray Restaurant and bar serve meals and snacks daily, and a meal plan is available with your room accommodation package. The chef features local fresh fish and favorite Caribbean specialties every night at dinner. Usually there are two or three choices that include a full course meal and beverages from the bar.

A 60-minute taxi ride from Crown Point Airport, this location is away from the hustle and bustle of the busier West End. Rental cars and jeeps are available for weekly rental from the airport, or just by the day from the hotel. Casual is the keyword here, no need for dress up clothes or even shoes! Children are welcome, however there are limited grounds for play and the beach across the street is small. Babysitting service is available. The small village of Speyside is just a short walk away to savor some local flavor in the bar or have a scrumptious meal at Jemma's Sea View Kitchen, perched in a tree overlooking the beach.

Scuba diving is Manta Lodge's main focus with the on-site PADI and NAUI full-service dive facility, instructors and rental equipment available. Dive packages are also available.