The entire area of Tobago is home of "Manta Madness". They
are found in a number of separate sites, usually the areas exhibiting the
greatest currents. Sightings tend to drop in the winter, growing in frequency
though the spring and the summer.
ATLANTIC / SPEYSIDE SIDE
Japanese Gardens
- Gentle currents push you along sloping reef covered with hard and soft
corals till you make a turn through Kamikazee Cut where the current picks
you up and spits you through a large cut in the reef and deposits you in
a lovely calm area.
Batteaux
Bay - This spot is considered the absolute corner of the Carribbean where
the conflicting currents have the greatest influence. Atlantic Manta Rays
are seen here. They are very comfortable with the company of divers but
also physically interact with each other. Their presence is explained by
the continual supply of food provided by the unusual sea conditions.
Flying Manta
- Current is so bizzarre your bubbbles go down before they come up.
Keleston
Drain - Mild drift carries the diver along prolific sloping to what is
reputed to be the largest single Brain Coral in the Caribbean.
Alps - One
of the most advanced dives in the ares due to some fairly stiff currents.
Huge mountain-like formations give this site its name and make it visually
interesting. The dive ends at Tarpon Bowl which is a shallow dish-like
formations where the Tarpon likes to hang out. Great photo op.
CARIBBEAN SIDE
Amos Vale -
Large coral and sponge encrusted formations in 40ft water. Great site for
inexperienced divers because of the shallow depth and lack of current.
More experienced divers will enjoy the site because of the variety of marine
life.
Englishman's
Bay - A profusion of soft corals in 30-8-ft. Fair chance of seeing Turtles,
with an expansive beach for the surface interval.
Mt. Irvine
Wall - Shallow wall starting at about 25ft sloping to 55-60ft. Great site
for "oddities" like Batfish, Scorpionfish, Sea Horses, Flying Gunards etc.
Also reported more Queen Angelfish per square ft than seen anywhere else!
Sisters -
One of the true Tobago standouts. It is a cluster of rock pinnacles which
breaks the surface and drops to a depth of 140ft. A variety of environments
exists here. There are rock formations with corals between each pinnacle.
This is a great area for pelagics and Barracuda sharks. Strong currents
can be common here.
The Giles
- Off the north end of the island, this is also an unusual set of rock
formations. This consists of several seperate sites, the most well known
and distinctive being London Bridge. This is a large arch carved out of
stone formed by the enduring force of the water. Underwater the site is
a series of canyons.
