TOBAGO DIVE EXPERIENCE

WHAT IS THE DIVING LIKE?

What types of Marine life can be seen?
Manta Rays, Sting Rays, Tarpons, Morays, Parrotfish, Angelfish, Triggerfish, occasional Reef Sharks and many other colorful tropicals. Approximately 700 species of reef fish are native to Tobago.
What about Coral formations?
Atlantic side - Well developed lush sloping reefs. Caribbean side - Primarily rock formations with encrusting sponge & coral growth. Approximately 300 species of Coral are found in Tobago, including the biggest single colony of Brain Coral in the world!
Is there any wreck diving or cave diving?
Yes, the 350'/125M  M/V Maverick was intentionally sunk as a dive site in April 1997.  This spectacular wreck is home to a Jewfish, an enormous Barracuda, countless schooling fishes and a fast growing coral reef.  Don't miss this dive!  No cave diving.
Is there any Drift Diving?
A form of drift diving is used, more aptly termed "live boating". The dive boat tracks a surface float trailed by the Dive master. If there is a current present, this would be classified as a Drift Dive.
What is the average range of visibility?
50-90 ft with 100 ft + not being unusual.
What is the average water temperature?
Summer: 27-28 C (81F) and Winter: 25-26 C (78F).
What are the depth ranges and are there currents?
Depth - Between 30-130 ft. The Atlantic has currents 0-3 knots. The Caribbean has minimal 0-0.25 knots.
Are the seas rough?
The Atlantic has a small chop year round. Rough seas may prohibit diving on some sites, but sheltered sites are always available. Caribbean is calm during spring/summer - choppy and can be rough in winter.
Is there any beach diving?
Yes - day or night, but in a very limited number of locations - Most diving is done from boats.
Are the dives guided and must everyone be part of a group?
All dives are guided and for safety we prefer everyone to dive with the group, especially while drift diving on Atlantic dive sites.  Groups are often sub divided according to experience, with separate guides.
Number and size of boats.
Four  Pirogues,  three  31ft  and one 28ft  all  fitted with twin Outboards.
Can snorkelers accompany the divers?
Yes, depending on availability of space.
Maximum number of divers per trip?
Between 6 and 16 depending on boat size.
Ratio of divers to staff on boat?
Usually 6 to 1.
Number of dive sites frequented?
Approximately 30, conditions permitting.
What is a typical profile?
Caribbean: Single tank AM 60ft/50min - Single tank PM 40ft/45min.
Atlantic:  80ft/40min - 1 hr surface interval followed by  50ft/45min.
Is computer diving allowed. Must divers adhere to the profile?
Computers are fine. Divers must stick to the profile although exceptions may be made at the dive master's discretion.
What times do the boats leave and return?
AM dive/9:30AM return varies if 1 or 2 tk - PM dive/1:30PM, returns 3:00PM.
How close are the dive sites?
Anywhere between 5 minutes to an hour and a half.
Are the boats equipped with showers, heads & shade?
No.
Are dive staff members Instructors or Dive masters?
Yes. They are all either.

EQUIPMENT

What size tanks are used?
Aluminum 80's and some Aluminum 63's.
Are the tanks' working pressures compatible with my regulator?
Yes, all tanks have K valves, and DIN adapters are available. Working pressure is 3000psi/207Bar.
Are lights included in night dives?
No, available for rent at $10
Are tanks & weights included for shore diving?
No, available for rent.
What rental equipment is available?
Regulator & BCD (per dive) $7 - Mask & fins (per day) $10 - Wet suits (per dive) $5 .
. Is freshwater rinsing & gear storage available?
Both facilities have rinse tanks and gear storage.

SAFETY

Are all boats VHF radio equipped. Do they carry first aid & oxygen?
Some have VHF, all carry first aid kits and oxygen.
Is there a hospital close by?
Yes, 20 minutes from Rex Turtle Beach Hotel, 1 hour from Manta Lodge in Speyside.
Nearest Hyperbaric Chamber? How do divers get there?
The Tobago Hyperbaric Facility at Roxborough is approximately 30 minutes by car from anywhere in Tobago.
Does a member of staff stay on board during the dive?
Yes, always.

SERVICES

Is this a full retail dive shop?
Yes, though stock may be limited at times.
Are photography and video rental services available?
Sea and Sea cameras available for rental.  Print film 1hr processing in Scarborough. No E-6 processing on island.
Are Advanced and Specialty Courses available?
PADI: Advanced, Advanced+, Rescue, Medic First Aid, Divemaster
PADI Specialties:  Night, Drift,  Deep, U/W Naturalist, AWARE Fish I.D., Equipment, Wreck
NAUI: Advanced, Rescue, Master Diver
NAUI Specialties: Night, Deep, Naturalist, U/W Modeling & More
Are repair services available?
Yes, regulator repair limited to Sherwood.
Is the staff trained for medical emergencies?
All are current in First Aid.
Does the staff speak English? other languages?
Native language is English, some staff members speak limited German.
What type of instruction/certification is available?
PADI and NAUI.

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SCUBA VOYAGES Dive Travel Services 595 Fairbanks St. Corona, CA 92879 USA