It’s Turtle Season

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Nesting Sea Turtles

Between March and August each year, giant leather-backs, Hawks-bill, and Green sea turtles visit the shores of Tobago to lay their eggs. The process can take up to 2 hours from start to finish, going longer sometimes if the turtles are disturbed.

Some turtles will make multiply visits to the shores during the season untill the right spot is found. Once the nesting process is complete – aproximately 60 days later, baby turtle hatchlings will emerge from the sand.


What happens :

  • A sea turtle will find the right spot for a nest by checking the sand with both front and back flippers.
  • Sea Turtles dig holes up to 2.5 feet deep with back flippers only.
  • Once the right depth is met – between 60 -100 eggs are layed.
  • Sea Turtles will then gentle cover eggs with back flippers only.
  • They will then use both flippers to camouflage the area around the nest.
  • Once completed they then slowly return to the sea.


Popular Bays for sightings:

  • Turtle Beach – Great Courland Bay
  • Grafton Bay – Stone Haven Bay
  • Back Bay – Mt. Irvine
  • Lambeau Beach – Little Rockly Bay

Protection Guidelines

  • If possible, do not disturb, obstruct or approach a turtle that is coming to shore, laying or covering its nest.
  • Never handle Turtle eggs or try to sit, stand or ride on a Turtle.
  • Avoid using bright lights as it can confuse the Turtles or cause them to abandon their nests.
  • If observing – stay up to 20 feet away from Turtles while they are nesting.

Related Guides

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    Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool

    The Buccoo Reef is a crown jewel of Tobago’s marine life. It is one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean, it offers a window into a vibrant underwater world of fringing coral reefs.

    The Buccoo Reef Marine Park

    The reef is located on the western coast of the island of Tobago. It is a protected marine park and is one of the largest coral reefs in Tobago.

    Glass Bottom Reef Boats

    Visitors can take glass-bottom reef-boat tours to view the stunning array of marine life and coral formations that make up the fringing reef system. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities in the area.

    What to Expect

    The Coral Gardens

    ​The Coral Gardens: A slightly deeper area of the reef, known for its stunning coral formations and diverse tropical fishes, that can be viewed through the glass bottom reef boats.

    Nylon Pool

    The Nylon Pool: A natural, waist-deep area in the reef that was named by Princess Margaret in 1962, who reportedly said the water was as clear as her nylon stockings.

    Reef Sand Bank

    The Sand Bank: This is a natural formation of sand deposited in a small area of the reef. It is sometimes visible depending on the tides and currents.

    Bon Accord Lagoon

    Bon Accord Lagoon: The Buccoo Reef borders the Bon Accord Lagoon, creating a complex ecosystem essential for the island’s sea life and mangroves.

    Essential info

    • Size –  2.7 mi²
    • Type – Fringing Coral Reef
    • Largest in Tobago
    • Nylon Pool
    • Coral Gardens
    • Bon Accord Lagoon
    • Reef boat tours
    • Snokelling
    • No mans land

    Sun Protection: The sun reflects off the shallow water intensely. Wear reef-safe sunscreen or a rash guard to protect your skin and the delicate corals below.

    Footwear: While the sand is soft, some areas near the reef can be sharp. Consider water shoes if you plan on exploring.

    Booking Your Tour: Most tours depart from Buccoo Beach, Store Bay, or Pigeon Point. You don’t always need to book online; you can often find reputable local operators directly on the beach, but checking reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Instagram first is always a good idea.

    ​Beyond the Reef: Local Culture
    ​If you have time, many tours also stop at No Man’s Land, a secluded beach nearby. It’s the perfect place to relax after your swim, enjoy a local snack, and take in the view of the coastline

    No man’s land

    Overall, Buccoo Reef is a must-visit destination for anyone on the island of Tobago, offering a unique blend of natural marine beauty, adventure, and local culture.

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    Hillsborough Reservoir

    Hillsborough Reservoir, which was commissioned in May 1952, by His Excellency Sir Hubert Elvin Rance, then Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, is the only impounding reservoir in Tobago.

    The reservoir is located 870 feet above sea level, Hillsborough has a rustic beauty and an elegantly designed spillway which provides a safety outlet when the reservoir is too full. The reservoir has a maximum storage capacity of 1.02 million m³ and the water treatment plant located just below can produce up to 9,091m3 per day.
    Water from the reservoir serves areas such as Mt. St. George, Concordia, Whim, Mary’s Hill, Union and Les Coteaux.

    The raw water from the reservoir passes through two strainers that clear the incoming water of large debris such as branches, twigs and leaves before entering the chemical house. Aluminium sulphate (alum) is added to make the suspended particles of silt and mud in the water coagulate and form large and heavier particles that sink to the bottom of the sedimentation (or settling) basins. The water is then filtered through layers of sand and gravel, a process that removes fine particles still in the water. The final stage of the water treatment process is the addition of lime, to counteract the acidity of the water and the injection of chlorine to destroy any disease-causing bacteria.

    Construction of the Hillsborough Dam significantly changed the landscape but the catchment area and the reservoir still teem with an abundance of wildlife and a variety of flora.
    There are twenty-eight (28) species of birds documented at Hillsborough which will excite the interest of any bird watcher.

    WASA

    pictures of hillsborough dam in Tobago
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    October Carnival

    Tobago Carnival is an annual festival held on the island of Tobago. The carnival takes place in the month of october each year.

    The Tobago Carnival is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture, with a focus on the island’s unique traditions and heritage. The festival features colorful costumes, lively music, and energetic dance performances, with participants taking to the streets to dance and celebrate.

    Although the Tobago Carnival is a smaller and more traditional version of the larger Trinidad Carnival, which takes place on the neighboring island of Trinidad. The October Tobago Carnival still attracts a large number of visitors and locals each year, with events including calypso competitions, steelpan performances, and a grand parade.

    One of the highlights of the Tobago Carnival is the traditional J’Ouvert celebration, which takes place in the early hours of the morning. During J’Ouvert, participants cover themselves in mud, paint, and powder as they dance through the streets to the beat of steel drums and soca music.

    The Tobago Carnival is a lively and colorful celebration of Tobago’s culture and heritage, and is a must-see event for anyone visiting the island during the Carnival season.

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    Pulling Seine

    “Pulling seine” is a traditional fishing method used in Tobago and other parts of the Caribbean. The process involves a large net, called a seine, which is pulled through the water by a group of fishermen.

    To pull seine in Tobago, a group of fishermen typically launch a small boat or canoe from the beach and paddle out into the water. Once they have reached a suitable spot, they throw the net into the water and begin to pull it back towards the shore. As the net is pulled, it forms a large circle around schools of fish, which are trapped inside the net.

    Once the net has been pulled to the shore, the fishermen gather around and begin to haul in the catch. This can be a physically demanding process, as the net can be quite heavy and the catch can be quite large.

    Pulling seine is a traditional fishing method that has been used in Tobago for many years. While it is still practiced today, it is becoming less common as commercial fishing methods become more popular. However, some fishermen continue to use this method as a way to catch fish for their families and communities.

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    Easter Goat Racing Festival

    The Tobago Goat Race is an annual event that takes place on the Caribbean island of Tobago. It is a unique cultural event that has been held for over a century and attracts both locals and visitors to the island.

    The Tobago Goat Race is essentially a type of goat-racing event, where trained goats compete against each other in a race. The goats are typically bred and trained specifically for this purpose and are often adorned with colorful costumes and decorations.

    Goat Racing – Buccoo Tobago

    The event usually takes place in Buccoo, a small fishing village on the island’s west coast. It is a day-long celebration that includes food, music, and other cultural activities in addition to the goat races.

    The Tobago Goat Race is not only a fun and entertaining event, but it is also an important part of Tobago’s cultural heritage. It is a way for the islanders to celebrate their traditions and showcase their unique way of life to the world. If you happen to be in Tobago during the event, it is definitely worth checking out!

    Easter Tuesday
    Buccoo, a small seaside village on the southwest coast of Tobago, has hosted goat racing since 1925. Goat racing developed as a poor man’s equivalent to horse racing In the early twentieth-century, since horse racing was reserved for the local elite. Since horse racing traditionally occurred on the Monday after Easter Sunday, Easter Tuesday was chosen to run goat races by the Buccoo Goat Race Festival Committee, a sub-committee of the Buccoo Village Council, that organises the event annually.

    Easter Monday
    The village of Mt. Pleasant is also hosts to the goat racing festival which occurs on Easter Monday. A large gathering of family, friends and acquaintances also adds to the event’s popularity and attendance on the day.

  • Scuba Diving

    Tobago is an excellent destination for scuba diving, with a variety of dive sites that offer something for everyone, from beginners to experienced divers. Here are some of the top dive sites in Tobago:

    Speyside Tobago
    1. Buccoo Reef: This is one of the most famous dive sites in Tobago, with an abundance of marine life and colorful coral formations. Divers can expect to see everything from stingrays and moray eels to sea turtles and reef sharks.
    2. Speyside: This is another popular dive site in Tobago, known for its clear waters and large schools of fish. Divers can explore the reefs, walls, and pinnacles in the area, and may even spot dolphins or whales on occasion.
    3. Kariwak Reef: This is a great dive site for beginners, with shallow waters and plenty of colorful coral and fish. Divers can expect to see parrotfish, angelfish, and snappers, as well as the occasional octopus or squid.
    4. Mount Irvine Wall: This is a deeper dive site that is best suited for experienced divers. The wall drops down to depths of over 100 feet, and is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, barracudas, and rays.
    5. Japanese Gardens: This is a unique dive site with a maze of coral canyons and swim-throughs that are home to a variety of marine life, including octopus, lobster, and moray eels.

    There are many other dive sites to explore in Tobago, and dive operators on the island can help you choose the best sites based on your experience level and interests. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, Tobago offers an unforgettable underwater experience.