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.
The Main Ridge Forest thrive on a mountainous volcanic spine that traverses about two-thirds of the length of our cigar-shaped island from its north-east tip. On one side of the island, the land rises steeply into the hills while, on the other side, it drops sharply to sandy beaches below.
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including over 200 species of birds, over 600 species of butterflies, and numerous species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. It is also an important watershed that provides drinking water to local communities.
The forest reserve offers numerous hiking trails and nature walks, as well as opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The reserve is also an important site for research and education, with several institutions conducting studies on the ecology and biodiversity of the forest.
The Main Ridge Forest Reserve is a crucial component of Tobago’s natural heritage, and its protection and conservation are vital to the island’s future sustainability.
Hailed today as the western hemisphere’s first legally protected tropical rainforest, Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve had been established in 1765 by the Young Commission well over a century before German botanist Alfred F.W. Schimper coined the term tropische regenwald, or ‘tropical rain forest’ in 1898.
Tobagonians are also justifiably proud of what many consider to be the passage of the world’s first environmental protection act, when on April 13, 1776, after 11 long years of lobbying by English physiologist Stephen Hales and British MP Soame Jenyns, a law was passed protecting Tobago’s Main Ridge Rain forest as a Crown Reserve, saving it from demise due to deforestation by early colonial plantation owners. Were it not for Hales, whose research revealed the symbiotic relationship between forests and rainfall, the plantation owners who plundered the forests for its lumber and cleared it for cultivation would have destroyed not only forest but the island’s vital water resource.
Over two centuries later, with world tropical deforestation estimated putting the destruction or degradation of rainforests at around 100,000 sq. km. (39,000 sq. miles) a year, we are thankful that Tobago’s little slice of rainforest heaven has been protected for over 200 years and will continue to be protected indefinitely. We invite you to explore our lush rainforest – it is our gift to you to explore, wander through and enjoy its many wonders.
RAINFOREST BIODIVERSITY:
South America’s rainforest biodiversity is phenomenal and having once been attached to the mainland, Tobago has benefitted from this natural boon and even shares some species with northern Venezuela that do not exist in Trinidad. It is this diversity and its ease of access
RAINFOREST WILDLIFE
Of the 220-plus species of birds recorded in Tobago, at least 100 may be spotted in the Reserve, and mammalian wildlife such as armadillos, agoutis, wild hogs, red squirrels, raccoons and opossums still roam the forest’s undergrowth. Several bat species, including a piscivorous (fish-eating) bat, also inhabit the forest. The Reserve is also home to a number of non-venomous snakes as well as many lizards and frogs. Insects abound, with many species awaiting discovery.
RAINFOREST VEGETATION
Tobago’s Main Ridge Reserve affords naturalists the rare opportunity to examine the multi-dimensional strata of a tropical rainforest. A closed 30-50 metres (100-165 feet) high canopy umbrellas the rainforest. Its emergent layer has the largest trees, which sometimes protrude over the canopy. Large lianas (or climbers) are common while ferns, palms and slow-growing trees dominate the understory. On the ground layer there is a profusion of seedlings and herbaceous plants as well as a plethora of wild orchids, bromeliads and other epiphytes. Rippling streams and cascading waterfalls add a refreshing dimension to the Reserve.
RAINFOREST IN REREGENERATION
Hurricane Flora – which in 1963 ravaged about 75% of the forest – left a rare opportunity to witness amid the surviving old-growth trees, a rainforest’s re-growth. Over four decades later, Tobago’s rainforest is now a living example of a rainforest regenerating as lush ground vegetation and slender trees emerge in a protected environment. In a century or so, there will be huge trees, a dense canopy and minimal ground vegetation. This form of conservation is indeed rare, especially on such a small accessible island.
RAINFOREST ACCESSIBILITY
Via the Rainforest Reserve Road, from just south of Roxborough to Bloody Bay, a leisurely drive will take you through this mature forested area. Eventually you will reach Gilpin Trace, one of the main trails in the Reserve. Another way to investigate the natural bounty of the rainforest is to take one of the several hiking tours that follow Amerindian trails of old with one of our certified tour guides.
Tobago has a rich history, and as a result, there are several forts located on the island that were built to defend against colonial powers. Some of the most notable forts in Tobago include:
Fort King George: Built in the 18th century, Fort King George is the largest and most well-preserved fort in Tobago. It offers spectacular views of the island and the Caribbean Sea, and it now houses the Tobago Museum and the National Archives.
Fort Bennett: Located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Fort Bennett was built in the 17th century by the Dutch to defend against attacks from the French. It is now a popular spot for visitors to take in the breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding coastline.
Fort James: Built in the early 18th century, Fort James was constructed by the British to defend against attacks by the French. Today, it is a popular spot for hiking and bird watching, as well as for taking in the scenic views of the coastline.
Fort Granby: Located on a hill overlooking Great Courland Bay, Fort Granby was built in the 18th century by the French to defend against the British. It offers stunning views of the bay and the surrounding countryside.
Fort Milford: Built in the late 18th century by the British, Fort Milford is located on a hill overlooking Scarborough and the Atlantic Ocean. Today, it is a popular spot for visitors to take in the panoramic views of the town and the sea.
Overall, Tobago’s forts offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and provide visitors with stunning views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. They are well worth a visit for anyone interested in history or looking for a unique perspective on the island.
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 off the shoreline, is another popular attraction.
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.
Tobago is home to a diverse range of butterfly species. Some of the most commonly observed species on the island include:
The Blue Emperor (Morpho peleides): This large butterfly is known for its brilliant blue wings, which are often visible from great distances. It is found in forested areas throughout Tobago.
The Postman (Heliconius melpomene): This striking butterfly has black wings with bright orange spots and a red stripe. It is found throughout Tobago in a variety of habitats.
The Zebra Longwing (Heliconius charithonia): This species has long, narrow wings that are black with white stripes. It is found in forested areas and gardens throughout Tobago.
The Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia): This butterfly has brown wings with large eyespots that resemble the eyes of a deer. It is found in a variety of habitats throughout Tobago.
The White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae): This species has white wings with black and orange markings. It is found in open areas and gardens throughout Tobago.
These are just a few of the many butterfly species that can be found on Tobago. The island’s diverse range of habitats, from forested areas to open fields and gardens, provide a home to a wide variety of butterfly species.
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.
Tobago is a beautiful island in the Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse natural attractions. Here are some things you can do in Tobago:
Visit Pigeon Point Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in Tobago, known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and picturesque views. You can rent a beach umbrella and lounge chair, go for a swim, or try your hand at water sports like snorkeling or jet skiing.
Explore the Rainforest: Tobago is home to a lush rainforest that is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty. You can take a guided tour through the forest, go bird watching, or hike to some of the island’s stunning waterfalls.
Visit Buccoo Reef: This is one of the most famous coral reefs in the Caribbean, known for its vibrant marine life and clear waters. You can take a glass-bottom boat tour to explore the reef, or go snorkeling or scuba diving to get up close and personal with the fish and coral.
Check out the Historical Sites: Tobago has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical sites, including Fort King George, the Tobago Museum, and the Courland Monument. These sites offer a glimpse into the island’s colonial past and the struggles of its indigenous people.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Tobago is known for its delicious food, which is a fusion of African, Indian, and European influences. Be sure to try some of the island’s signature dishes, like crab and dumplings, callaloo soup, and doubles (a popular street food made with fried bread, chickpeas, and chutney).
These are just a few of the many things you can do in Tobago. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or just relaxing on the beach, Tobago has something for everyone.
