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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    Tobago Heritage Festival

    The Tobago Heritage Festival is an annual event that takes place on the island of Tobago in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The festival celebrates Tobago’s rich cultural heritage and traditions and takes place over a two-week period in late July and early August.

    During the festival, visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural events and activities, including traditional music and dance performances, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts exhibitions, and local cuisine. The festival also features historical reenactments and demonstrations of traditional skills such as boat-building, basket-weaving, and wood-carving.

    One of the highlights of the Tobago Heritage Festival is the “ole time wedding” reenactment, which is a recreation of a traditional Tobagonian wedding from the past. The festival also includes a “parang” competition, which is a type of traditional music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago.

    The Tobago Heritage Festival provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about Tobago’s rich history and cultural heritage, and to experience the island’s unique traditions and way of life. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Tobago’s past, present, and future, and is a must-see event for anyone visiting the island.

  • Birds of Tobago

    Tobago is home to a rich diversity of bird species, including both resident and migratory species. Some of the most commonly observed bird species on the island include:

    1. The Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda): This striking bird is found in Tobago’s forests and woodlands. It has a long, curved bill and a bright, iridescent green body.
    2. The Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota): This distinctive bird is found in Tobago’s forested areas. It has a bright blue crown and a long, racket-shaped tail.
    3. The White-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus ensipennis): This hummingbird species is found in Tobago’s forests and gardens. It has a distinctive, curved bill and a metallic green body.
    4. The Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus): This seabird species is found along Tobago’s coasts. It has a striking red bill and long, white tail feathers.
    5. The Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima): This bird of prey is found in open areas throughout Tobago. It has a distinctive yellow head and black body.
    6. The Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens): This large seabird is found along Tobago’s coasts. It has a distinctive, angular wingspan and a bright red throat pouch.

    Tobago is also home to several species of parrots, including the endangered Trinidad and Tobago endemic species, the Trinidad piping-guan. Other notable species include the white-necked jacobin, collared trogon, and the yellow-bellied elaenia. Tobago’s Main Ridge Forest Reserve is an excellent place to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

    These are just a few of the many bird species that can be found on Tobago. The island’s diverse range of habitats, from forests and woodlands to coastal areas and open fields, provide a home to a wide variety of bird species.

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    The Cocrico Bird

    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.

  • Forts

    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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

  • Things to do in Tobago

    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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.

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    Snakes of Tobago

    Tobago has approximately 21 species of non-poisonous snakes recorded on the island. Sizes range from some inches up to 15 feet. Snakes like Boa Constrictors, Ratonels, Horsewhips, Doctor snakes etc. are a common sight in developed areas.

    Although they are not commonly seen by visitors to the island, the snakes of Tobago are generally harmless to humans. Native snakes play an important role in the island’s ecosystem by controlling rodent populations and other small pests.

    One of the most common snakes found on Tobago is the Horse-Whip or brown vine snake (Oxybelis aeneus), which is a slender, arboreal snake that feeds on lizards and small birds.

    It is important to note that while Tobago’s snakes are generally not dangerous to humans, visitors to the island should still take care when exploring natural areas and should avoid disturbing or handling any snakes they may encounter.

    1. Trinidad Burrowing Snake –  Amerotyphlops trinitatus
    2.  Boa Constrictor – Macajuel – boa constrictor
    3. Tree Boa – Cascabel – Corallus ruschenbergerii
    4. Rainbow Boa – Epicrates maurus
    5. Tobago false Coral – Erythrolamprus ocellatus
    6. Doctor Snake – Erythrolamprus melanotus
    7.  Ratonel – Pseudoboa neuwiedii
    8. Royal ground snake – Erythrolamprus reginae
    9. false coral – Oxyrhopus petolarius
    10. Tobago one-lined snake – Atractus cf. univittatus
    11. Three-lined ground snake – Atractus trilineatus
    12. Fiddle-string snake – Imantodes cenchoa
    13. Cat-eyed snake – Imantodes cenchoa
    14. Red-nape snake – Ninia atrata
    15. Clouded snake – Sibon nebulatus
    16. Black snake – Drymarchon couperi
    17. Parrot snake – Leptophis ahaetulla
    18. Machete – Mastigodryas boddaerti dunni
    19. Horsewhip – Oxybelis aeneus
    20. Tigre – Spilotes pullatus
    21. Black-head snake – Tantilla melanocephala