snorkelling in Speyside

Joanne Green · Post by **Joanne Green** » Fri Jun 18, 2004 4:45 pm

I have read that it is possible to do drift-snorkelling at Speyside. Considering the current there, it seems like a good idea. Does anyone know which operators offer this?

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Jun 18, 2004 4:54 pm

Hi Joanne

Welcome aboard!

Virtually ALL the diving on Tobago is drift diving and you will certainly get the best rides off Speyside. There have been lots of comments on diver operations in the forum lately, so may I suggest that you use the Search button at the top of the page and check out the views and comments of people far more knowledgeable of the subject than I. The best dive operation in the immediate Speyside area is generally reckoned to be Aquamarine Dive who are based at the Blue Waters Inn in Batteaux Bay, Speyside.

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Fri Jun 18, 2004 7:02 pm

Frank's Tours (NB note "Frankies") out off behind the BWI does drift snorkelling by Goat Island over Angel Reef.

Heartily recommend Franks. My 8 yo was nervous for his first snorkel, 'scratcher' accompanied him whilst he floated in a ring.

Within 3 days junior was swimming out unaided in his purchased mask and snorkel naming fish and making me take him out hour after hour.

PS we got our masks at the Mangrove Shop (IIRC!) next to Yes Tourism - they even had purge valves in the mask - VERY helpful (the valves that is!).

Joanne Green · Post by **Joanne Green** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 4:10 pm

Dear Marc,

Thanks for the info. We're really looking forward to doing this. What time does Frank go out, how much does he charge, & how long are you out snorkelling.

Note to Steve-- I know all diving is drift diving. I was inquiring about snorkelling, however.

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Tue Jun 22, 2004 4:22 pm

Hi Joanne

So you were - teach me to read things more closely.

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 2:21 am

Now you've got me!

I am pretty certain they go out at 10am and 2pm. The early time may be a bit out, 2pm I am as sure as my memory will allow me

We went twice, first time included an hour on Little Tobago and then a good 30-45 mins snorkelling Angel Reef (saw masses of French Angels and Parrot fish).

Second time we just snorkelled (and met the 4ft+ barracuda).

It was cheaper to just do the snorkelling.

We didn't drift snorkel (ie you swim off and the boat follows - we had the boat stay put just in case junior got tired) as we had our 8 year old with us, but it was definitely an option.

If you want to pay by CC you get a ticket from the kiosk in the BWI car park and have to pop back to just by Jemma's to pay by CC, cash, pay at the kiosk.

The girl in the kiosk (name eludes me, sorry!) is very warm and helpful.

Sally · Post by **Sally** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 1:29 pm

The day my husband and I went out with Frank's we were the only customers, and we had 3 crew members. We had a very personable young man guide us on Little Tobago. He had been trained by his grandfather. The waters were rough that day, and my husband wasn't feeling well. The girl at the kiosk, Sharon I think, gave him suggestions to overcome the motion sickness. She was very nice.

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 1:02 am

That's it, Sharon. She was very friendly and helpful, showed my photos of her young son out at sea in the life-ring - that's how my boy did his first ever snorkel, after that there was no stopping him.

I know I'm like a busted record, but Franks were massively impressive.