Tobago

Tobago’s diving has a deserved reputation for enormous brain corals and thrilling drift dives. Mixed with the warmer Gulf Stream, the Guyana current flows along the island’s Atlantic coast and up through Speyside at the northern end of the Tobago, providing some of the most spectacular drift dives in the Caribbean.

The current, whilst lowering the visibility slightly, attracts an impressive array of species including sharks, rays, turtles, schools of tarpon and jackfish and the odd whale shark.

By contrast the Caribbean coast benefits from the influence of the Orinoco River, whose nutrient rich waters support an abundance of marine life. Sheltered reefs of hard and soft corals, colourful sponges and a thriving fish population make diving the Caribbean coast a rewarding experience, regardless of your level of experience. This coast also boasts Tobago’s finest wreck, the Maverick, a former car ferry that was intentionally sunk in 1997 and lies in 30m.

Many of the best dives are around rocks that have become partly or wholly encrusted with sponge and coral. The Sisters lie about a mile off the Caribbean coast. Underwater these rocky outcrops plunge to over 40 metres and periodically attract some exciting species such as scalloped hammerheads.

Caribbean Coast Diving

The majority of dive sites off the Caribbean coast are not exposed to the strong currents that typify the diving off the Atlantic shoreline.  Divers staying at the Southern end of the island around Crown Point can dive on Caribbean coast dive sites, the Maverick, the Sisters and a few Atlantic coast drift dives that have been established at the Southern end of Tobago.  Over the summer months the influx of warm water from the Orinoco River raises water temperatures.  This leads to the appearance of suspended particles in the sea, reducing visibility, but in turn attracting large numbers of fish.

Speyside Diving

Speyside is a small village located at the remote Northern end of Tobago facing on to the Atlantic coast.  The concentration of over twenty excellent dive sites just a few minutes boat ride from Speyside made Tobago’s reputation as a dive destination.  Kelleston Drain is one of Speyside’s most renowned dives, home to the largest Brain Coral colony in the Caribbean. Measuring 3m in height and 5.3m across, the Brain Coral marks the culmination of a beautiful drift dive.  From November through to May, both Eagle and Manta Rays may be encountered at key sites like the aptly named Manta City.  Many of the dives in the area are exposed to currents making the diving more suitable to experienced divers.

Across the bay from Speyside lies Goat Island, famous as the former residence of Ian Fleming, and Little Tobago.

Diving For All Seasons

Tobago offers year round diving on an excellent range of dive sites that will satisfy both novice and experienced divers.  Underwater visibility ranges from 15m up to 50m.  A twin centre holiday that covers both Speyside and Crown Point is easily arranged.

Although Tobago is just 25 miles in length, local geography make it impractical to stay in a Crown Point hotel in the south and carry out regular day dives in the Speyside area in North, although specially arranged local day trips.  Twin centre stays can easily be arranged to make the most of the diving each end of the island has to offer.

Diving in Tobago is offered as boat diving.  Dive centres typically use locally designed boats, which offer shaded bench seating and a cylinder rack down the centre of the boat. The boats are fast and manoeuvrable giving swift access to most dive sites.  A limited amount of shore diving is available at Crown Point end.

Tobago South - Crown Point: Guests who are staying in the south, at Toucan Inn will be diving with Extra Divers, Crown Point

Tobago North - Speyside: Guests staying at Speyside Inn dive with Extra Divers, Speyside

Extra Divers are accredited as a PADI Resort and SSI Training facility, with 2 dive bases located at Crown Point and 1 at Speyside.  An excellent way to experience Tobago is to take advantage of a twin centre stay, split between the southern Crown point and northern Speyside.

EXTRA DIVERS - CROWN POINT

Extra Divers Crown Point is located at the Surf Side Hotel in Crown Point on the road leading towards Pigeon Point.  Extra Divers offer day boat dives and a full range courses at the Caribbean end of the Island.  The conditions on the Caribbean coast are moderate all year round and offer perfect conditions for both training, less experienced divers and divers wishing to concentrate on their photography.  The dive centre will transfer divers staying at the above hotels to Pigeon Point, from where their boats depart. 

Dive Packs

Incl. 2 boat dives/day, air tanks, weights and guide. All dive pack prices are valid for new bookings from 1st August 2010.

Dive Courses

Incl. loan of equipment & materials. Certification paid locally $US 70.  Prices valid for new bookings from 1st August 2010.

Early morning and night dives are available on request. Extra Divers offer a range of PADI courses and complete equipment hire.

Extras in Resort

• Night dive - shore:  US$ 45
• Night dive - boat:  US$ 55
• Excursions to Speyside and Sisters:  US$ 30
• Private guide:  US$ 35
• SSI / PADI certification: $70
• 3rd Dives: Available according to local diver numbers: US $50
• Nitrox: Currently only available at Crown Point.

Equipment rental - payable locally, per day:

• Full kit incl. computer:  US $30
• BCD: US $7
• Regulator: US $7
• Wetsuit (Shortie): US $7
• Mask, Snorkel, Fins: US $7
• Computer: US $7
• Torch: US $10
• U/W Camera (per dive): $30
• Tanks – 12l Aluminium. Some 8l tanks available.
• Valve fittings – DIN and International

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EXTRA DIVERS - SPEYSIDE

Extra Divers in Speyside is located at Speyside Inn.  This centre enjoys excellent access to more than 20 dive sites located within a few minutes' boat ride of the dive centre, and many more slightly further.  Extra Divers offer up to three daily dives, and a range of excursions to the further sites such as St Giles Island, London Bridge and the legendary Sisters of Bloody Bay.  Guests are also offered full day excursions to the southern tip of the island, where they can experience the diving available from Crown Point.

Dive Packs

Incl. 2 boat dives/day, air tanks, weights and guide. All dive pack prices are valid for new bookings from 1st August 2010.

Dive Courses

Incl. loan of equipment & materials. Certification paid locally $US 70.  Prices valid for new bookings from 1st August 2010.

• Night dive - shore:  US$ 45
• Night dive - boat:  US$ 55
• Excursions to Speyside and Sisters:  US$ 30
• Private guide:  US$ 35
• SSI / PADI certification: $70
• 3rd Dives: Available according to local diver numbers: US $50
• Nitrox: Currently only available at Crown Point.

Equipment rental - payable locally, per day:

• Full kit incl. computer:  US $30
• BCD: US $7
• Regulator: US $7
• Wetsuit (Shortie): US $7
• Mask, Snorkel, Fins: US $7
• Computer: US $7
• Torch: US $10
• U/W Camera (per dive): $30
• Tanks – 12l Aluminium. Some 8l tanks available.
• Valve fittings – DIN and International

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Tobago is one of the smaller Caribbean islands at just 25 miles long and 8 miles wide.  The coastline is largely undeveloped.  Crown Point peninsula in the south of the island is the location of the greatest concentration of hotels on Tobago.  Pigeon Point, a headland just to the north of Crown Point, offers a wide selection of daytime water sports activities.  Both of these areas offer a good choice of restaurants and bars. 

Getting Around

Travelling North from Crown Point and Scarborough, the capital, you'll find deserted beaches and secluded fishing villages.  The Northern end of Tobago is given over to mountainous tropical rainforest, which has been under careful conservation for over 200 years.  On the north eastern tip of the island travellers reach Speyside, the home of Tobago’s other fine dive sites. 

Speyside also attracts ornithologists from around the world, boasting a number of indigenous bird species.  The island has managed to retain much its uncomplicated charm and local costs make it more affordable than many other Caribbean islands.

Climate

Warm tropical climate tempered by trade winds.  Average temperature is 29°C with water temperature averaging 27°C.  The early months are dry and sunny. Jun - Nov is the wet season but rain falls in short sharp bursts and most days have plenty of sun.

Underwater Visability

Tobago’s nutrient-rich waters generally offer visibility in the range of between 20 metres to 30 metres.  A bad day may see visibility drop to 15 metres.  However, divers can enjoy as a result some of the finest reefs in the Caribbean.

Time

Tobago is -4 hours behind GMT

Currency

Trinidad & Tobago dollar (TTD)
£1 = 9.25 TTD as of June 2010

Activities

The Tobago mountain range has the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere.  International tourism is still in its early stages so the experience is a happy mix of local cultures and hotel comforts.  Places to visit include the Buccoo Reef for snorkelling, the Grafton Caledonia Wildlife Sanctuary, the Botanic Gardens in Scarborough and the wetlands of Bon Accord Lagoon.

Tobago Factbox

Flight Information

Monarch*
Summer 2010, to 27 Oct 2010 - Wednesdays only
Winter 2010 / 11, 04 Nov to 28 Apr 2011 - Wednesdays only (change from planned Thursday departure 12.08.10)

Estimated timings, may be subject to change:

Gatwick / Tobago 0930 - 1450 MON369
Tobago / Gatwick 1605 - 0655 MON368
*Flight touches down in Grenada on out or inbound.

Upgrade to Premium Economy available - please enquire when booking.

Premium Economy on Monarch:
In-flight benefits include:

• Wider seat with extra legroom - 34 inch seat pitch
• Increased seat recline, with adjustable headrests, pillows and blankets
• Individual Seat back or personal video entertainment system
• Complimentary use of upgraded headsets
• Give-away amenity packs
• Complimentary welcome drink and free bar service
• Upgraded catering with a choice of entrée and a superior wine

Airport benefits include:

• Priority boarding and baggage reclaim
• Fastlane service at peak times

Quotes for Virgin and British Airways also available.

Transfers: Approx. 10 minutes for Crown Point and 90 minutes for Speyside.

Departure tax: £10 included in the flight cost.

Passports

Passengers travelling to Tobago must have six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK.

Visas

No visa required for British passport holders

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Tobago, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio.  Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.  For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.  Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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