Surfing in Tobago
Tobago is a beautiful Caribbean island that offers excellent surfing opportunities for surfers of all skill levels. The island has a number of beaches and surf spots that are popular with both locals and visitors.
One of the best surf spots in Tobago is Mount Irvine Bay. It is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach with consistent waves and is suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The waves at Mount Irvine Bay are usually between 3 and 6 feet, making it an ideal spot for longboarders and shortboarders.
Another popular surf spot in Tobago is Bacolet Bay. This beach offers a variety of waves, from small and gentle to fast and powerful, making it suitable for surfers of all skill levels. Bacolet Bay is also a great spot for paddleboarding, snorkeling, and swimming.
Other surf spots in Tobago include King’s Bay, Castara Bay, and Englishman’s Bay. These spots offer a variety of waves and are suitable for different skill levels.
If you are new to surfing, there are several surf schools and rental shops on the island that can provide you with lessons and equipment. With warm water, consistent waves, and beautiful scenery, Tobago is a great destination for anyone looking to catch some waves in the Caribbean
People have been surfing in Mt. Irvine Bay Tobago since the early 1970’s. Today the bay is the go to spot for surfing on the Island. There are other known surfing bays along the coast but Mount Irvine Bay, with its right-hand reef break and waves reaching up to 3 meters high is frequented by locals and visitors.
The surf season in Tobago normally runs from late September to April, with peak season and swells happening during December to March.
On the bay you can find and hire friendly surfing guides that can give you surfing lessons and tours to secret surf spots around the island. Equipement may be provided.
History of surfing in Tobago
In the late 1960’s international visitors, mainly from the USA and Europe started surfing in Mt. Irvine, Tobago. This inspired locals like Michael Baker, Trevor Paience, David Achong and a few others to become the first to try the sport on the island. Since the 1970’s, the sport has grown steadily in popularity with the local youths of both Trinidad and Tobago. During the 1980’s 90’s and 2000’s there were various surfing competition held on Mt. Irvine bay, involving both local and international surfers. In 2016 “The Tobago Pro” competition was won by Andre Stewart of Tobago, and Adrian De Silva came in Second.
Right Surf Break
Mt. Irvine has a right hand surf break that rolls over a flat reef bed with patches of dead and alive fire corals. During high tide it can get very deep with most waves breaking off the point. At lower tides the waters can drop as low as 10 feet at the surf break.
Off the Point
The very big waves will start to peak off the tip of Rocky Point, (Back Bay). These waves can get as big as 3 meters high and become very powerful in rapid sets. Surfing off the point is only recommended for experienced surfers as the sets can get very heavy and dangerous.