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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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    Tobago Carnival is an annual festival held on the island of Tobago in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The carnival takes place in the weeks leading up to Ash Wednesday, which falls in February or March 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.

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

    One of the highlights of the Tobago Carnival is the traditional J’Ouvert celebration, which takes place in the early hours of Carnival Monday. 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.

  • 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:

    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.

  • Lizards of Tobago

    Tobago is home to several species of lizards, which play an important role in the island’s ecosystem. Some of the most commonly found lizards in Tobago include:

    1. Tobago Gecko: This species of gecko is endemic to Tobago and is only found on the island. They are usually found in the forested areas and can grow up to 5 inches long.
    2. Common House Gecko: This species is not native to Tobago but has been introduced to the island. They are typically found in and around human habitation and are often seen around lights at night.
    3. Green Iguana: This large species of iguana can grow up to 6 feet long and is found throughout Tobago. They are often seen in trees and can be identified by their distinctive green color.
    4. Anole Lizards: Tobago is home to several species of anole lizards, including the crested anole and the knight anole. These lizards are known for their ability to change color and are often found in the forested areas of the island.

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    Rain Forest

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    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.

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    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.

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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.

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    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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