Trinidad & Tobago
Tobago Underwater Carnival
Prepare yourself for a wild ride when you dive the reefs of Tobago. This small island sits like a boulder in the middle of the Guyana Current, which reaches Tobago (and its sister island Trinidad) from South America, where the current picks up an infusion of nutrients from Venezuela's mighty Orinoco River. As a result, divers find top-notch reefs and marine life, ranging from tiny tropical fish to massive manta rays, and drift diving with the Guyana is spectacular. On the northern end of the island you'll find swift currents, colorful sponges and abundant hard and soft coral growth. On the southern end, slower-paced shallow reefs and mini-walls are popular. Tobago also features large pelagics like sharks and dolphins thanks to its proximity to the open ocean.
Dive In
Weather: Offshore trade winds keep the temperature in the mid-80s year-round.
Average Water Temp: About 80 degrees in summer, dropping to between 68 and 71 degrees in winter.
Average Visibility: About 80 feet, though it can be lower during the June-to-October rainy season.
Travel Savvy: U.S. and Canadian citizens must bring a passport. Departure tax of TT$100 must be paid in local currency.
Destination Links: Trinidad & Tobago Tourism, www.visittnt.com.
Prepare yourself for a wild ride when you dive the reefs of Tobago. This small island sits like a boulder in the middle of the Guyana Current, which reaches Tobago (and its sister island Trinidad) from South America, where the current picks up an infusion of nutrients from Venezuela's mighty Orinoco River. As a result, divers find top-notch reefs and marine life, ranging from tiny tropical fish to massive manta rays, and drift diving with the Guyana is spectacular. On the northern end of the island you'll find swift currents, colorful sponges and abundant hard and soft coral growth. On the southern end, slower-paced shallow reefs and mini-walls are popular. Tobago also features large pelagics like sharks and dolphins thanks to its proximity to the open ocean.
Dive In
Weather: Offshore trade winds keep the temperature in the mid-80s year-round.
Average Water Temp: About 80 degrees in summer, dropping to between 68 and 71 degrees in winter.
Average Visibility: About 80 feet, though it can be lower during the June-to-October rainy season.
Travel Savvy: U.S. and Canadian citizens must bring a passport. Departure tax of TT$100 must be paid in local currency.
Destination Links: Trinidad & Tobago Tourism, www.visittnt.com.
