Snorkelling in Tobago

[Doreen V]

Does anyone know of a tour operator who provides safety vests for snorkellers. Is this not the law in Tobago. We have visited Barbados recently, where everyone who went in the water to snorkel had to wear safety vests, even if they did not inflate them. Thanks. DV

[Allan + Maria]

Hi Doreen, when we went to Tobago end March/Beginning April this year, and went on several snorkelling trips, it was totally optional whether or not people wore lifejackets to snorkel, although personally I chose to wear one for snorkelling on 3 out of 4 such trips because I feel more secure and find it easier to snorkel with one on. The boats I believe have to have lifejackets on board under the law, but there's no law saying you must wear them to snorkel out there, though the operators are very happy for you to use them. For your info, there were definitely lifejackets on board Franks Tours (which go out to Little Tobago and surrounding reefs from Blue Waters Inn near Speyside) and also on board Cocomotion, a speedboat based at Mt Irvine Bay which does trips up the coast past Castara (recommended!) as I used the jackets on both of these boats. The other trip we did was out to Buccoo Reef and there the water is so shallow there's really no need to wear lifejackets as you can stand if nec (though you shouldn't because of damaging the coral) Hope this helps. I'm sure Steve or another informed local person will enlighten you about the laws themselves but hope this practical info is of use to you.
Maria