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Bon Accord Lagoon

The Bon Accord Lagoon is fringed by mangrove wetlands and an important habitat for many species of marine life. Because of this wetland the whole area is accessible only by boat, making it popular destination for Island boat tours.

Related Guides

  • Butterflies of Tobago

    Tobago is home to a diverse range of butterfly species. Some of the most commonly observed species on the island include:

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

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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.

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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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    October Carnival

    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.

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    Snakes of Tobago

    Tobago is home to several species of snakes, although they are not commonly seen by visitors to the island. The snakes of Tobago are generally harmless to humans, and they play an important role in the island’s ecosystem by controlling rodent populations and other small animals.

    One of the most common snakes found on Tobago is the common racersnake (Alsophis antiguae), which is a small, non-venomous species that is usually found in forested areas. Another species found on Tobago is the brown vine snake (Oxybelis aeneus), which is a slender, arboreal snake that feeds on lizards and small birds.

    The Tobago coral snake (Micrurus circinalis) is also found on the island, although it is relatively rare and is only found in certain areas. This species is venomous, but it is not aggressive and will generally only bite if it feels threatened.

    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.

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

    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