Education and diving business

[Tom G]

Hi Everyone,

I am considering purchasing a dive business in Tobago and I have a grade school aged child and wonder if anyone could help me with the educational system there - both pimary and seconary(quality, standards etc) ALso, if anyone has dove both the Crown Point area and Charlotteville area and can compare the diving it would be most helpful. I don't know if the Charlotteville area has enough tourism to support a stand alone shop without connection to a sizable hotel. Any reviews on the Tropikist in Crown Point? Any help on any of theses subjects would be great...Thanks

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Tom

Welcome aboard!

Before even considering education and the complex and difficult problems of getting work permits and residency, I would strongly urge you to read our Dive articles (which will largely answer the dive side of your questions) and dive-related topics in our Sightseeing, Tours, Sport & Activities forum. Frankly, until you have had extensive experience diving in Tobago's waters, it could be a major mistake to think about becoming involved with a business here.

I am writing this reply only a few hundred metres away from the Tropikist. Five years ago I considered it the worst large (over 50 beds) hotel on the island. Fortunately the Trini owners appear to have taken heed of the constant criticism, both here on myTobago and on other travel sites, and brought in new management. During the past three weeks I have spoken to three couples staying there. All described the hotel as "OK", but none enthused and all seemed a trifle embarassed when asked where they were staying (highly noticeable since visitors are so often delighted with their accommodation and tell you the name with pride, wanting to share their good fortune).

[Kevin Hampson]

Hi Tom,
Most of the diving at the north end is on the Atlantic side around Speyside which is why it can support 3 largish dive centers, There are a few reefs around Charlotteville but nothing on the scale of Speyside, but you are closer to the various pinicals such as the Sisters and St Giles Islands which are all good sites but more weather dependant.

If you dig around in the posts you'll find a few dive reports from me on both north and south end diving.

But full agreement with Steve unless you know what you’re getting into the diving in Tobago can be very dodgy some of the sites have killed people even those with experience and local knowledge

If you get the chance talk to Stuart Sampson he is very knowledgeable having dived all over the Island.