TOBAGO

Tobago is located in the extreme south eastern corner of the Caribbean, just about 70 miles from Venezuela. Separated from its popular cosmopolitan neighbor island Trinidad, by only 20 miles, as a tourists/dive destination Tobago has remained relatively undiscovered.

Tobago is 116 sq. miles mountainous, lush and unspoiled with a population of 47,000. This small population is scattered across Tobago mainly in small villages form Scarborough (the Center) to Charlotteville (the northernmost tip). Speyside is one such village on the northern coast.

The southernmost island of the Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago (blessed islands of La Trinite) were discovered by Christopher Columbus on his quest for new lands. Trinidad is known as the land of calypso and steel pan, renowned for its' two days of spectacular carnival every year. Famed for its oil and the La Brea pitch lake, one of the seven wonder of the world. Trinidad attracts thousands of visitors to its shores every year.

If Tobago is famous for any one thing in its own right it is the Scuba Diving. The Diving is unquestionably spectacular, especially in Speyside, rivaling some the the best in the world. Manta Ray (Manta Birostris) are found with unprecedented regularity in Speyside due to the richness of the waters.

The waters are very rich in nutrients which attracts hundreds of species of fish in a rainbow of colors from small butterfly fish to groups of Queen Angels, French Angels, Parrot fish, Tarpons, Grunts and the large majestic Manta Rays, which are famous for their interaction with divers. One of the dive sites has a Black Coral tree 8ft tall and Tobago also boasts one of the largest Brain Coral Heads, measuring over 12ft high and 16ft across. Many of the dive sites are affected by strong surge and surf, and some areas have heavy drifts. This however does not mean it is only suitable for experienced divers and there are many sites that offer gentle drift dives for beginners.

Diving off Tobago is done from an unusual craft called a pirogue which is designed especially to handle the unusual water conditions. Entries into the water are performed as backrolls. As most of the diving is drift, the divers usually stay together with the dive master who trails the surface boat. (Currents on the Atlantic can range from 0-3 knots in strength)

Excellent diving exists from one end of the island to the other. The northwestern coast is the most protected and calm area and on the rough days diving is done in the sheltered bays. Water conditions vary greatly. During the rainy season (July through September) the visibility of the water is affected (especially at the surface) due to overflow from the Orinoco River in Venezuela. At this time it is between 50-90ft. During the winter months visibility can easily reach as much as 125-150ft. Temperatures are very comfortable (78f in the winter and 81F in summer), a dive skin or light wet suit usually being sufficient.

Tobago has many attractions - from palm fringed beaches to clear tropical waters, displaying an abundance of marine life, wildlife and culture. For the naturalist, Tobago has some of the best bird watching, butterfly seeking and hiking the Caribbean has to offer.

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