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Nesting Sea Turtles

ByTobago Guide
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Turtle Season

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.
Tobago Guide

Useful Information from locals, to help you have the best experience while on the island of Tobago.

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    Cocrico

    The Cocrico bird, is a bird species native to Tobago. It is a large, ground-dwelling bird that is known for its distinctive call, which sounds like “cock-a-rico”.

    The Cocrico bird is found throughout Tobago and especially in Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve, a protected area of lush rainforest that covers over 14,000 acres. The bird is an important symbol of Tobago’s natural heritage and is featured on the country’s coat of arms.

    The Cocrico bird is a beautiful bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a brown body with a white-tipped tail, a bright red crest on its neck. The bird is primarily a fruit eater and is an important seed disperser in the forest ecosystem.

    Due to habitat loss and hunting, the Cocrico bird is considered a vulnerable species, and efforts are underway to protect and conserve the bird and its habitat. Visitors to Tobago can take guided tours of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve to see the Cocrico bird and other endemic bird species in their natural habitat.

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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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    Bon Accord Lagoon

    Bon Accord Lagoon is a shallow lagoon located on the southwestern coast of Tobago, which is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

    The lagoon is separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of land, and is connected to the sea by a narrow channel. The area surrounding the lagoon is known for its mangrove forests and wetlands, which provide important habitat for a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers.

    The lagoon is also home to a variety of fish, crabs, and other marine life. The area is popular for nature walks, birdwatching, and kayaking tours. Visitors can explore the lagoon and its surrounding mangrove forests on guided tours or by renting kayaks.

    The lagoon is located near the village of Bon Accord, which is accessible by car or taxi from the nearby Crown Point area.

    The Bon Accord Lagoon is surrounded by the mangrove wetlands and the Buccoo Reef making it an important habitat for many species of animals and marine life.

    The lagoon is easier to access by water with boats, kayaks, paddle-board etc.

    What’s near:

    • Buccoo Reef
    • No Man’s Land
    • Mangrove Wetlands
    • Pigeon Point
    • Buccoo Bay
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    Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool

    Buccoo Reef is a popular tourist destination located on the northwest coast of the island of Tobago, which is part of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The reef is a protected marine park and is one of the largest coral reefs in Tobago.

    Visitors can take glass-bottom boat tours to view the stunning array of marine life and coral formations that make up the reef. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities in the area. The nearby Nylon Pool, a shallow crystal-clear pool in the middle of the ocean, is another popular attraction.

    In addition to its natural beauty, the Buccoo Reef area is known for its vibrant culture and nightlife, with the Sunday School street party being a particularly popular event.

    Overall, Buccoo Reef is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tobago, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture.

    • 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

    The reef borders with the Bon Accord Lagoon, together they create an important and complex marine habitat for hundreds of sea and land creatures and for the livelihood of many people living on the island.

  • Fishing in Tobago

    Fishing is an important activity in Tobago, both for commercial and recreational purposes. Tobago’s waters are home to a diverse array of fish species, including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and barracuda, making it a popular destination for sport fishing enthusiasts.

    There are several fishing villages along the coast of Tobago where visitors can experience the local fishing culture and sample fresh seafood. Some of the most popular fishing villages include Charlotteville, Castara, and Speyside.

    There are also numerous fishing charters and tours available for visitors who want to try their hand at catching their own fish. These tours typically provide all necessary equipment and offer expert guidance on fishing techniques and safety.

    It is important to note that sustainable fishing practices are encouraged in Tobago to ensure the long-term viability of the island’s fish populations. Some local organizations, such as the Tobago Game Fishing Association, promote catch-and-release practices and advocate for responsible fishing practices.

    Overall, fishing in Tobago is a popular and rewarding activity for visitors, but it is important to respect local regulations and engage in sustainable practices to preserve the island’s marine ecosystem.

    Spear fishing (shooting fish) is another great way to get some decent size ones. Tobago normally has clean, clear, warm waters and if you’re an experience diver there’s an abundance of hunting grounds to choose from.  As with every other technique, the catch would vary depending on tide and seasonal changes along with the diver’s skills and experiences.

    • Snappers, barracuda, parrot-chub, groupers, sharks, grunts, horse-eye jack, tarpons and catfish are some of the species hunted.

    Pulling Seine (shooting seine) is a more traditional way of fishing, with mostly the older generations and some rural villages still doing it. The concept is simple and can be very rewarding but it is a tedious and slow process. The catch is simular to those caught by sand and rock fishing with a combination of;

    • round-robin, balaho, sprat, herine, sardine, flaunders, squids, bonito, jacks, and needlefish.

    The seine may also catch some unwanted/uneaten species such as:

    • sea-porcupine, bat-fish, jellyfish, starfish and sprats.

    “Shooting seine” is normally done early in the morning from around 6am but there are some instances where it is done at various times during the day.

    • Grafton, Turtle beach, Castara and Charlotteville

    are some of the places where you can see seine-fishing and participate.

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