Tobago is a Diver’s Paradise!
Tobago is known for, and boasts of some of the most vibrant and diverse coral reefs in the Caribbean region. These reefs are famous for their beauty, rich marine life, and ecological significance.
The coral reefs around Tobago support an extensive array of marine species, including colourful corals, tropical fish, sponges, and other invertebrates. They are crucial habitats for many marine organisms, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds.
Several popular dive sites around Tobago offer opportunities for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts to explore its stunning reefs. Buccoo Reef, located off the coast of Buccoo Bay, is one of the most famous and accessible reef systems in Tobago. It features an impressive variety of corals and marine life, including vibrant coral gardens, schools of fish, and occasional sightings of larger marine creatures such as sea turtles and rays.
Nylon Pool is another unique attraction in Tobago, known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and sandy bottom. It's actually a shallow sandbar located in the middle of the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling and swimming.
For my dive enthusiasts, let me suggest another area on the island that has exquisite reefs but may not be a popular the Buccoo reef/Nylon Pool, which is Speyside. Speyside is said to be a diver’s sanctuary, because of the many stunning underwater diving sites located in the area. The dive sites there are truly world-class, and virtually unparalleled in terms of species diversity. Tobago, being located just north of Venezuela and the mouth of the Orinoco River, means it’s fed year-round by the nutrient-rich Guyana current which provides sustenance for the reefs and attracts an abundance of life to the area. The largest brain coral in the world is also located in one of the diving sites in this area of Tobago.
Speyside has many diving sites that one can choose from, for all skill level of divers: Angel reef, Black Jack Hole, Bookends, Japanese Garden, Kelleston Drain and Shark Bank.
Angel Reef is lovely at night because of its clear visibility and quiet currents. Star, Starlet, Honeycomb and Plate corals are seen there.
In the Black Jack Hole site, Eagle rays, Blacktip sharks and Black Jack fish are spotted perusing this reef.
Bookends is situated between two large rocks with a vertical gap. Crevalle, Nurse sharks are sighted sharing a home in the Elkhorn corals.
Japanese Garden has all types of sponges located in its site with Queen Angel fish, Parrot fish swimming in between them.
Kelleston Drain has the magnificent Brain coral, Sea rod, Sea plumes, Caribbean butterflies, Black Durgon and Angel fish riding the strong current.
Shark Bank is for advanced divers; the sea is very unpredictable. Hawksbill turtle, Damselfish and Blennies are dappled within this diving area.
So, there it is, with so many choices available, it is not easy to decide which site is best suited to your interest. You may actually find yourself paying repeated visits just to make sure, you don’t miss any of the magnificent and exciting floral gardens and farms found below the surface of these waters.
As of recent with the oil spill debacle, preserving Tobago's reefs is of paramount importance due to their ecological significance and the economic benefits they bring through tourism and fisheries. Efforts to conserve and protect these reefs include cleaning up the affected areas and the various marine creatures. And there are also marine protected areas, sustainable tourism practices, and community involvement in conservation initiatives.
References:
https://visittobago.gov.tt/east-tobago-speyside-dive-sites
http://www.tobagohoteltourism.com/underwater-world/
Diver’s memorabilia available at: https://yomikexclusive.com/collections/tank-top/products/mens-tank-top
