Snorkelling in Tobago

[Catherine D]

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 23 February 2003

We are thinking of going to Tobago in March and I am keen to get in a lot of snorkelling. Can someone tell me if there is anything much to see off the beach at Coco Reef. What about close to other hotels on the island? We will hire a car for part of the time, but would like to stay close to a good reef.

[Steve Wooler]

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 23 February 2003

Hi Catherine

It all depends upon how experienced/adventurous a snorkeller you are. As unattractive as the sea-wall that protects the ‘lagoon’ at the Coco Reef is, I have to admit that it is rapidly becoming a useful habitat for lots of fish. The protected waters inside the lagoon make it an ideal introduction to snorkelling or for those less confident in more turbulent waters. It’s all relative of course, but none of the major luxury hotels have brilliant snorkelling directly off the beach. If you are a really serious snorkeller, I would suggest that you consider the Blue Waters Inn at Speyside.

Hope this helps.

[Paul J Corney]

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 25 February 2003

Its rare that I disagree with Steve but here goes: Speyside is really difficult for snorkelling unless you are a very serious swimmer - while the waters are good the currents are very strong and being on the Atlantic side you will undoubtedly be facing a strong wind. My order of preference (all on the clamer Caribbean side and can be accessed straight from the beach and easily by road): 1. Heavenly Bay, Castara, for stingrays, cuttlefish, Honeycomb cowfish and the usual Angelfish, Parrotfish plus Houndfish (looks like a small Barracuda) 2. Arnos Vale Hotel, Arnos Vale, most of the above (except rays) plus Doctorfish the occasional octopus and turtles, also spotted moray eels and Groupers 3. Pirates Bay (North of Charlottville), again most of the above, plus wrasse, grunt 4. Buccoo Reef is a very good place to start (we saw our only Shark there 5 years ago) but it involves going to Pigeon Point - see other postings for negative comments on this beach. I'd use Power Boats if you do decide to brave it. Hope this helps.

[Steve Wooler]

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 25 February 2003

Paul is absolutely correct (anybody else want to join this mutual appreciation society?). His suggestions are good practical advice and recommendation for most people. However in my defence, I must stress that I was stating the two extremes, from the most basic introduction to snorkelling at the Coco Reef to arguably the island's best, but not the easiest, snorkelling at Speyside's Angel Reef. Anyway, Paul - what happened to that promise to show us the best snorkelling at Arnos Vale. I guess we were gabbing too much.

[Ian S]

Post Recreated: Originally posted - 26 February 2003

There are some details of snorkelling on the following site :-

http://www.essentiallytobago.com and then click the 'snorkel' link on the bottom right of the home page.

Regards - Ian.