travelling to tobago for the first time in December 2004
can anyone give me information about snorkelling with turtles
or seeing turtles on a tour? I dont want to scare them
but I would love to see some -we are staying at the toucan inn
and would love to do a trip I am hoping the weather will be good
thanks
I imagine your are referring to the Giant Leatherback turtles. Sadly, they only come ashore to lay their eggs between late March and late July, so you are highly unlikely to see any. However, if you are a diver, you will no doubt get to see sea turtles.
Steve Wooler myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
Thanks for replying I dont dive but I can snorkel
This is a very useful site
and I know about the leatherback turtles having already read the posts
but was wondering if there were any in shallower waters
or dare I say it in any rescue centres sanctuaries?
I am also hoping for some sun in the first week of december
whilst a few tropical showers will be nice - hoping no torrential rain like
the UK
thanks
I think I can safely say you're bound to get lots of sun - but no turtles. There are no rescue centres or anything and these magnificent creatures are away swimming around the oceans of the world until they come to nest.
Steve Wooler myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
You can read my dive report for sept/october on diving with Adventure Eco Divers to give you a flavor of what you are missing.
I also did some snorkling at Englishman's bay and Arnos Vale beaches on the Carribean side. They both have great snorkling and I spotted a turtle (green or hawksbill) on each occasion. In fact the one at Englishman's bay had made a lair under some rocks about half way along the reef on the right hand side looking seaward. We spent about 5 minutes observing him/her. As long as we kept more than 3 meters away it did not seem to be too bothered.
In fact that is the secret when watching turtles is to pretent not to see then and only swim slowly in their direction. I am sure that turtle is still there if you care to look.
Hire a car and take in thoses beaches as part of your tour.
Sadly, you are unlikely to see the big Leatherbacks except fleeting glimpses whilst out to sea in a boat.
I saw a very big one 2 years ago that got caught in the fishing nets on Castara ... they let him go and thay all had a ride as they let him go ... I got this on film.
But here's a treat ... if you frequent Arnos Vale Beach you are fairly certain of a 'small' Turtle sighting at any time of the year.
I have also seen (and filmed) every year Turtles in Castara and Englishmans ... this is from snorkelling.
Be patient ... they are there.
Regards
Paul Tallet Public Relations Consultant for Mother Nature
Thanks for replying I will definately be snorkelling in the mentioned
places - my holiday partner is a scuba diver so I guess he will see plenty
of turtles!
Can I sulggest that you go snorkelling in Englishman's Bay only if you are a reasonably strong swimmer. The snorkelling is quite far out, and the current is often much stronger getting back to shore. Did anyone else find this? Arnos Vale is definately a top beach for snorkelling though so I second the recommendations above.
Englishmans is good ... it's Ok if you get out there and get back in, but once you are out there it's great.
They need a crane to just drop you in and pluck you out but otherwise the surf is lovely ... it's natural ... and why Englishmans could probably be described as one of the best beaches in the world?
It has to be seen/swum to be believed.
Regards
Paul Tallet Public Relations Consultant for Mother Nature
Hi Steve,
I think the big problem with Englishmans Bay is very steep drop off which can make it difficult when the tide is a bit low.
The first time I was there the tide was just about in and I had no problems getting in out. Last trip it was out and there was only a few meters beach before a drop off to about 1.5m, it may not sound much but trying to get out evey wave sucked me off my feet. I found the best way out was to swim in on a wave and just get stranded rather than stand up and try and walk out.
I didn't see any turtles, but there was a big shoal of fish being attacked by small barracudas
On the subject of turtles there are a couple of resident turtles in the bay at Bluewaters Inn. I saw them a few times out snorkelling and you almost always see turtles out on dives in the area.
There was a piece on divernet about a month ago, the new theory is leather backs may spend more time resident off the UK/Irish coast and only go to the Caribbean to breed so we may not be the only ones going to Tobago for our holidays.
I was snorkelling just off Arnos Vale in early October and a beautiful turtle swam right underneath me. It took my breath away. We also saw a leatherback turtle while we were out at sea. If possible do try to take a boat trip while you're there - I can't recommend Duck's or Marvin's trips out of Castara highly enough, they really make sure you see as much as possible of the wildlife and you do get a different perspective from the sea.
thanks for everyones replies I will certainly be looking out for turtles
and am not a brilliant swimmer so may avoid englishmans bay.
But I will be doing a boat trip or 2 I've heard the nylon pool is a beauty spot and will not be wearing any flip flops or beach shoes!
if I dont see a turtle I will have to go to the sea life centre in Brighton
where I am informed there is a huge turtle (poor thing!)
Boyfriend dives so he will probably see loads.
we'll be at the toucan inn in December 2 if anyone wants to look us up in the bar area!
I chose the toucan because it seemed to have consistently good reviews
especially on the trip advisor site where people seem to be quite fussy!
Hi Susanne,
If your not that hot swimming get your Boyfriend to check is local dive shop for a snorkelling vest, then you can spend all day in the water with confidence.
I am lead to believe that the Leatherback turtles have a great love of traveling.
For the purposes of this let us assume that a turtles year begins in Tobago between April and July laying eggs. As Kevin said, the turtles pretty much only spend their holidays in the warm waters around Tobago. Once they have deposited their eggs, they usually track north up along the east coast of North America, and onwards towards Greenland. It is then correct of Kevin to say that they spend some time off our very own coasts, before taken a more southerly track down the west coast of the European mainland and on down the African Coast. Apparently they then take a bee-line back across the Atlantic to Tobago, where they will nest again.
I therefore believe Susanne, that your quest to see a leatherback will unfortunately prove fruitless.
I agree with Kevin and Joe.I live in North Cornwall and it is not a rare thing to have leatherbacks stranded on the foreshore.Usually,with help,they manage to get refloated and go on their merry way.If the water wasn't so cold here I could perhaps hitch a lift!!!!David
The Nylon pool is not to be missed, it is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. To stand in the caribbean without land for miles around you is an awe inspiring experience. Also for all honeymooners going to Tobago, we were told that if a newly married couple kiss under water in the nylon pool, they will be together forever. I don't know if there is any truth in the superstition, our guide was probably just wanting to see us get water up our noses and in our ears trying to do it!!!!
We did do it though, and we are still going strong 6 months on!!!
