Too choppy for inexperienced swimmer?

[Maggie Stack]

Dear forum users
I plan to come in July-August and I want to snorkel. I am frightened that the "pounding surf" may be too rough for me since I am barely able to swim and want very calm water away from lots of tourists!
Any advice?
Maggie

[Steve Wooler]

Hello Maggie

Welcome aboard!

I believe the seas are normally at their calmest in those summer months, so at least that helps. To be frank, there's no easy answer. Conditions can vary so much from day to day, from beach to beach. However, if you are 'barely' able to swim, I would have to say that chances are probably low, if we are being realistic.

Where are you staying? If you are fortunate enough to be staying at the Coco Reef, then you will have no problem - their lagoon may be considered an awfully ugly monstrosity by many, including myself, but it is rapidly developing into a really notable mini-reef with lots of fish and totally calm waters.

[Joanne Green]

Hi Maggie--

The snorkelling on Tobago is so great that I wouldn't want you to miss out on it because of your lack of swimming ability. Anywhere that you would rent snorkle gear, you can also get a snorkle vest. This is not a big bulky life vest that you might wear when boating. This is a slimmer design that allows the snorkler to float on the water with complete confidence. Remember, too, that your body has an incredible amout of natural boyancy in salt water. And, like Steve said, the seas are much calmer in summer, so you should have no problems. Of course, if you take a snorkeling trip in a boat, you don't have any surf to contend with, and there are lots of operators that offer trips. Just make sure that you go out with one that has the vests. Enjoy yourself!!

[Paul Tallet]

Ironically, the best snorkelling areas are the calmest areas (although some reefs have some strong currents) and your main problem will be to get in the sea and then back out of it ... once you are face down gawping at the beautiful Corals you would find it pretty OK.

The man made beach of Coco Reef, as Steve says, is the ideal place and, if you are not staying there and you are not too scared of depths, you can have a lovely swim from Store Bay and around the outside of the breakwater.

The next best place I can think of is Mount Irvine on the west side where the Mount Irvine Hotel Restaurant is located ... you don't need to go too far out and normally the sea is calm on that side ... lovely Corals to see when the water is clear.

Otherwise, as Joanne says, get a life jacket ... other options are boat trips as they can supply you with all the safety you need and look out for you.

For beginners that are prepared for a bit of exercise I would recommend the Tobago Sea Kayaking Experience in Charlottesville where you can be taken to some of the most beautiful, safe and tranquil snorkelling areas in Tobago.

Hope this helps

Regards

[Neil Roberts]

Dear Maggie, We were out there last July and are going again this year and I am a very weak swimmer. On only a few occasions was the surf on the heavy side and generally the caribbean side of the island presented few problems. It is of course all that Tallet fellow's fault with the unpredictable weather but I wouldn't worry too much. Although there was too much surf for me to snorkle there, Bacolet Bay was still my favourite, with Arnos Vale being the one I would go back to for 'easy' swimming and excellent snorkelling both close to the shore and far out into the bay, so my wife tells me! She is the swimmer of the family!! I can assure you that they both have excellent beach bars. I hope you have a good time, Best wishes, Neil Roberts.

[Bob White]

Agree with Paul on snorkelling at Mount Irvine. Best months seem to be June-August. All our family from youngest to oldies safely paddle around, watching a good array of fish. At Christmas period into January/February, waters in this area are less calm and used for surfing by locals.