Tobago Cocoa Estate
Tobago Cocoa Estate
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Organic cocoa estate tours for individuals and groups. DUE TO THE PRESENT CORONA VIRUS (COVID-19) THE ESTATE IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!
Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
50 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
19
Average
2
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Tsingiwoman
Basingstoke, UK114 contributions
Jan 2020
Harry and Browne were interesting and engaging guides to the fascinating estate. Showing off all the different plants that are involved in the production of chocolate and demonstrating the intensive labour involved in growing, picking and processing the cocoa pods.
Plucking leaves and berries and pods from various plants they encouraged us to nibble and savour the flavours.
The $120TT tour is one hour long and starts promptly at the estate gates at 11 o'clock on Friday mornings. The road to the estate is steep and rough, so don't make the trip unless you're booked onto a tour - you can do that on the email on their website.
As well as raw cocoa beans, herbs, coffee berries and anything else you can graze on, there's a sample of their award winning chocolate to taste at the end of the tour.
Plucking leaves and berries and pods from various plants they encouraged us to nibble and savour the flavours.
The $120TT tour is one hour long and starts promptly at the estate gates at 11 o'clock on Friday mornings. The road to the estate is steep and rough, so don't make the trip unless you're booked onto a tour - you can do that on the email on their website.
As well as raw cocoa beans, herbs, coffee berries and anything else you can graze on, there's a sample of their award winning chocolate to taste at the end of the tour.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara M
Springfield, MO3,230 contributions
Jan 2020
We had sent an email, as well, regarding if there were enough people for a tour. We got an email back saying just to show up at the gate at the right time. It was a little difficult to find, and some locals were not even aware of a cocoa plantation nearby. When we arrived, with a few minutes to spare, there were about a dozen others, so no problem. The tour took an hour or hour and a half, samples of fruits were given, along with instruction, in the gazebo shown in the picture. After the tour (which was very informative and interesting, we thought, we had samples of 3 kinds of chocolate. I ended up buying one bar, and a ball of baking chocolate. As a plus, the owner happened to be there the same day, so he threw in some other knowledge. I thought it was a wonderful day and well worth the entry fee.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MervynBibb
Norwich, UK51 contributions
Jan 2020
We made our own way to the estate on a Friday without knowing for sure that there would be a tour – they didn’t reply to our e-mail attempt to book a place. But the tour was very good and worth the $120TT per person fee. Our guides, Harry and Browne, were very informative and engaging and worked well as a team – we learnt a lot about the process of making chocolate (how many people know where it comes from?). We also, by chance, met the owner who was visiting from Sweden and gained an insight into the commercial aspects. Overall very informative and enjoyable – and the chocolate was exceptionally good………….
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcusBlandford
blandford10 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
We were really looking forward to visiting the Cocoa plantation as we have never been to one before.
Upon arrival we were told to walk through the gates to the bottom of the hill where we were met by a very sweet lady who did give us a very warm welcome.
We then proceeded up a hill where we were shown a cocoa plant ,coffee plant and loads and loads of herbs and spices we expected to see a cocoa plantation which would have rows and rows of cocoa plants.
At the end of our tour we asked if we could purchase chocolate or cocoa and we were told by the man behind the counter who looked very aggressive to purchase the chocolate from Fortnum and Mason everybody looked at one another in shock at such a suggestion of coming to a cocoa plantation in the caribbean and told to come home to England to purchase something you should be selling there.
We were then given a small chocolate which upon reading on the back was produced in France which seems to defeat the object somewhat .
Also the tour is not 1hr more like 25 mins which is disappointing to say the least.
Upon arrival we were told to walk through the gates to the bottom of the hill where we were met by a very sweet lady who did give us a very warm welcome.
We then proceeded up a hill where we were shown a cocoa plant ,coffee plant and loads and loads of herbs and spices we expected to see a cocoa plantation which would have rows and rows of cocoa plants.
At the end of our tour we asked if we could purchase chocolate or cocoa and we were told by the man behind the counter who looked very aggressive to purchase the chocolate from Fortnum and Mason everybody looked at one another in shock at such a suggestion of coming to a cocoa plantation in the caribbean and told to come home to England to purchase something you should be selling there.
We were then given a small chocolate which upon reading on the back was produced in France which seems to defeat the object somewhat .
Also the tour is not 1hr more like 25 mins which is disappointing to say the least.
Written October 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanette P
Miami, Florida, United States33 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
I visited this estate last week with my family and friends. We paid for an advertised tour of 75 minutes $10US per adult and children where about $8US. Tour ended up being no more than 30 minutes!. found this to be deceiving!
You only get to see the cocoa trees, learn about how they get cultivated and how the protect the fruits from birds. You also see the area were they put the cocoa seeds to dry. The chocolate is not manufactured at this Estate. They send the seeds to France and the chocolate gets made in France. They don't sell any chocolate at the Estate. You can find their chocolate in one of the airport's duty free stores (the last one in the first floor to the right after you pass security). Chocolate price is $14US for a small dark chocolate bar and for slightly larger bar it is $20.
During the tour we were not offered any chocolate samples but we asked and were given a small sample. Chocolate tasted great! They also give you fresh cocoa seeds for you to try. They tasted great as well!
It was an ok visit with some nice views and information but felt not worth the price!
From here I suggest going to the Argyle waterfall which is in the same area. They guy who gave us he tour of the Cocoa Estate offered to take us to the top of the waterfall for $20US. Luckly we told him "no thank you" and went on our own. When we got to the top is no big deal at all. It's just a very small drop of water. You can go on your own.
You only get to see the cocoa trees, learn about how they get cultivated and how the protect the fruits from birds. You also see the area were they put the cocoa seeds to dry. The chocolate is not manufactured at this Estate. They send the seeds to France and the chocolate gets made in France. They don't sell any chocolate at the Estate. You can find their chocolate in one of the airport's duty free stores (the last one in the first floor to the right after you pass security). Chocolate price is $14US for a small dark chocolate bar and for slightly larger bar it is $20.
During the tour we were not offered any chocolate samples but we asked and were given a small sample. Chocolate tasted great! They also give you fresh cocoa seeds for you to try. They tasted great as well!
It was an ok visit with some nice views and information but felt not worth the price!
From here I suggest going to the Argyle waterfall which is in the same area. They guy who gave us he tour of the Cocoa Estate offered to take us to the top of the waterfall for $20US. Luckly we told him "no thank you" and went on our own. When we got to the top is no big deal at all. It's just a very small drop of water. You can go on your own.
Written April 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi!
It is very unfortunate to hear about your recent visit to my cocoa estate Tobago Cocoa Estate.
We strive to provide the best holistic experience possible by incorperating all the elements.
Unfortunately we were not able to reach to your expectations.
I hope on your next visit to our beautiful Island you will give us a second chance.
Kind Regards,
Duane Dove
Owner
Written April 4, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ja5al1n
Worcester UK123 contributions
Jan 2020
Check opening times and days for visit. Good if you can go individually. Excellent and informative walk around a showcase of Caribbean fruits and plants. Site is off-road but accessible
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JC D
Paris, France31 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
It was really interesting to visit this place and discover how this magical thing which is chocolate get alive. Good explanations, beautiful trees and plants, and a little tasting very welcomed in the end.
Written June 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rerp
Kibworth Beauchamp, UK397 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
If you have ever wondered how cocoa is grown, this is where to find out. The beginning of the road to the plantation is made up and leads you into a false sense of security. After a short distance it changes into a VERY rough uphill trail. Eventually you arrive at the entrance. The plantation is operated by only 2 people so it is essential that you make a booking by E-Mail rather than just turning up. At some times of the year they are out on the plantation and at others they are fully occupied (when drying, beans need to be turned every 15 minutes!). Chocolate is sold mainly in Europe (the UK outlet is Fortnum & Masons). The tour lasts around an hour and costs TT60, with chocolate available for tasting and purchase at the end.
Written May 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tdemilly
Dowelltown, TN34 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
We decided to visit the plantation on an off season Saturday morning and were disappointed to read online that it was closed. I sent a PM on Facebook hoping someone might be there.....and within 15 minutes, the owner Duane Dove, responded and said come on over with our group of nine.
He met us at his gate and proceeded to share with us his knowledge and love for this farm. We also went around with his guide Harry....also extremely knowledgeable.
Duane went out of his way to accommodate our family group on his "day off" and we sincerely appreciated the hospitality. He and Harry took the time to explain Cocoa to the kids (6 thru 16) in a manner they could understand.
Well worth the time to visit and learn.
Finally, and as added bonus, Duane is a rum aficionado and he and I spoke of the wonderful rums that come from the region! I'm looking forward to his Rum book being published in English.
He met us at his gate and proceeded to share with us his knowledge and love for this farm. We also went around with his guide Harry....also extremely knowledgeable.
Duane went out of his way to accommodate our family group on his "day off" and we sincerely appreciated the hospitality. He and Harry took the time to explain Cocoa to the kids (6 thru 16) in a manner they could understand.
Well worth the time to visit and learn.
Finally, and as added bonus, Duane is a rum aficionado and he and I spoke of the wonderful rums that come from the region! I'm looking forward to his Rum book being published in English.
Written June 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robin042042
London, United Kingdom258 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
Turn off the main road where you see the waterfall sign. Drive through the estate to the gates of the farm. There is not a lot to see, but the location makes it an enjoyable hour. Check first as the opening hours are erratic.
The chocolate at the gate is more expensive than buying on-line. I recommend you try the cocoa ball (ÂŁ3, US$4.5), and grate it into coffee, over fruit etc.
The chocolate at the gate is more expensive than buying on-line. I recommend you try the cocoa ball (ÂŁ3, US$4.5), and grate it into coffee, over fruit etc.
Written February 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
what tour did you get that included choc estate?? can't seem to find any will be in tobago nov 2-9 2018
Written June 22, 2018
We were on a cruise ship that offered the tour.
Written June 22, 2018
where can you pick up a tour that includes this will be in tobago nov 2 -9 2018
Written June 22, 2018
We organised through the resort where we were staying when we did this tour
Written June 22, 2018
We contacted you to try and arrange a tour but you didn't respond. You provide a phone number on the website, but when you call it, it tells you to e-mail you to ask about a tour. I sent you an e-mail via your contact form to ask if we could join your tour on Friday 20th April (as you state that tours are on Fridays at 11am), but you never replied. Why provide a phone number when you aren't going to answer it? And why tell people to e-mail you when you don't respond to e-mails?
Written April 27, 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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