A Diver's Geography

The entire island is completely engulfed with dive sites. We would need more space than a 1gig hard drive could hold to describe them all. We picked out several dive sites to give you a representation of the diving. These are dive sites that many of the local divers like. Those of you do a great deal of dive travel may not find that the "Hoopla" is deserving, but we felt with all the press we had to discuss them. There are better sites, but not as popular. If there is somewhere you have read about in Tobago or you just want more information email me. Scuba Adventure Safari has spent a great deal of time researching dive sites. We are bias because we get to do more diving here. But we will try to keep things level. We have added several new dive sites and you may not have heard of some of them. Unfortunately, magazine writers sometimes do not put the best tidbits, but you decide.

Caribbean side

Mt. Irvine Wall - A hop, skip and a jump from Tobago’s grand old Mt. Irvine Bay Hotel and Golf Course, sheltered beneath world class surfing exists one of the island’s most dramatic coral walls. Beginning at a modest depth of 35 feet and plummeting to a depth of 70 feet, this underwater fortification resembles an ancient castle wall. Massive boulders form the foundation of a vertical coral wall. The undersea extension of the shoreline cliff which plough downwards to the ocean floor. For an added bonus be sure to bring a dive light for detailed exploration of an endless network of caves and crevasses. There is an array of lobsters, crabs, octopus and a motley crew of moray eels.

Flying Reef - "At this time please fasten your seat belts and ensure that your seatbacks and tray tables are in their upright and locked position"! Prepare yourself for the flight of your life as you scream over a mile of reef. Take-off velocity is attained as soon as you hit the westerly currents which whisk across what appears to be an enormous dining table. As you rocket along effortlessly, a table spread of brilliant greens, yellow and pinks blurring beneath you, be sure to be on the look out for your table setting of giant boulders and rock spires , which rise up like candles and centre pieces.

Dropping down from 40ft to 80ft along the side of your table, you will slow down from 4 knots to a manageable 1 knot. You will cruise through canyon like cervices and cave -like ledges and overhangs. Here nurse sharks and turtles are the norm.

Sisters - For those who crave extreme adventure above and below the seas, there is no greater thrill than that of SISTERS. Impressive rock spires tower above the turbid waves and plunge to a depth of 130ft. Here is truly the landscape of giants, as divers are dwarfed and overshadowed by the immensity of the maze of canyons and alpine slopes sinking outwards from the towering pinnacles above.

This low profile reef is home to a wide variety of aquatic animals including Mantas, Eagle Rays, Barracudas, Tarpons, Jewfishes, and Sharks. These gentle giants patrol the landscape, sentries guarding a royal palace.

Arnos Vale - This calm sheltered diving is perfect for beginners and rusty old salts trying to get back into the swing of things. The dense rain forest of the bay seems to submerge itself beneath the waves and transform into a coral jungle. The variety of tropicals are profuse. This is a photographers paradise!

Englishman’s Bay - This is the site for turtle encounters, Turtle Terrace, a 30 - 80ft dive. There is a chance to see hawkbills , green and leatherback turtles. This is a great after dive site. Plenty of beach time with the expansive stretch of golden sand. A great place to sit and enjoy the sun and sand of a secluded beach.

London Bridge - When the forces of the ocean designed a natural arch bridge amidst the swirling currents off Charlotteville, on the north-west coast of Tobago, a porthole to a new dimension. Until you have experienced London Bridge you have missed out on the island’s alter-ego.

The natural rock arch crowns a large ocean pinnacle which rises up from a depth of 100ft. Dive groups may ride the surging rapids in a single file through the porthole arch, then drop with the drift and enter a cosmic realm reminiscent of mountains of the moon! After a mystical period of hovering in the open water, one then drops to 80 ft and rides the prevailing current around canyons and folds of the pinnacle base.

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Speyside diving

Japanese Gardens - The name of the reef sets up like World War II movie, just things are at peace and tranquil. It seems almost as if an Japanese artist sat down and painted his royal garden. A shallow sloping reef that begins at 30 ft and tumbles down gracefully to 80 ft. But "bam" A garden littered with brilliant colors. Hard and soft corals laid out in an arrangement to please the senses. You are at peace. But just when you are sure that your Sunday visit is complete here comes Kamikaze Cut. Like zeros from the sky, the current picks up speed readying itself for the run. At high speed you come barrelling down at two huge boulders. Sure that you will be glorious on impact. But wait, you discover that a crevasse has been cut through the rocks and you flame down into a calm and gentle reef. Released to the calm and tranquil waters of Tobago.

Batteaux Bay - Like two drunken sailors walking in a collision course down the street, Batteaux Bay is a conflict of two currents. So confused is the ocean’s life force that mantas and sharks come to see which sailor will fall first. The ocean floods the site with nutrients so necessary for these animals. You will experience utter awe at the power of mother nature.

The Alps - If the idea of wind blowing through your hair makes you excited then the Alps are for you. There is no skiing here but plenty of current. Huge mountain like formations give this locale it name because it resemble a view of the Alps. Outstanding underwater mountain peaks ready for its skiers. You need to be an advanced certified diver. The currents here are strong and unpredictable, bubbles go down before they go up, don’t be surprised.

Keleston’s Drain - What is most interesting about this location is possibly of the largest brain coral formation in the Caribbean, the grand old man of the sea. Many claim it to be the largest. If the unusual is your thing, then get the T-shirts on this one.

Bookends - Two stately nubs of black granite break through the surface providing the classic set of Bookends. These bookends enclose you in a sea of foam, providing a canopy that attract the Tarpons and Atlantic Manta Rays. You will discover that the crash of the waves is the beacon of the sea. The mild current propels you along a gentle slopping wall. The current likes to tease you by drawing you into deeper water.

Blackjack Hole - Located on the exposed southern wing of Little Tobago, Blackjack hole is a whirlpool of currents. A family of dolphins frequent this ocean "roller coaster". Playful antics and joyous merriment can best describe the activities of these animals.