Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool

The Buccoo Reef is a crown jewel of Tobago’s marine life. It is one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean, it offers a window into a vibrant underwater world of fringing coral reefs.

The reef is located on the western coast of the island of Tobago. It is a protected marine park and is one of the largest coral reefs in Tobago.

Visitors can take glass-bottom reef-boat tours to view the stunning array of marine life and coral formations that make up the fringing reef system. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular activities in the area.

What to Expect

The Coral Gardens: A slightly deeper area of the reef, known for its stunning coral formations and diverse tropical fishes, that can be viewed through the glass bottom reef boats.

The Nylon Pool: A natural, waist-deep area in the reef that was named by Princess Margaret in 1962, who reportedly said the water was as clear as her nylon stockings.

The Sand Bank: This is a natural formation of sand deposited in a small area of the reef. It is sometimes visible depending on the tides and currents.

Bon Accord Lagoon: The Buccoo Reef borders the Bon Accord Lagoon, creating a complex ecosystem essential for the island’s sea life and mangroves.

Essential info

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

Sun Protection: The sun reflects off the shallow water intensely. Wear reef-safe sunscreen or a rash guard to protect your skin and the delicate corals below.

Footwear: While the sand is soft, some areas near the reef can be sharp. Consider water shoes if you plan on exploring.

Booking Your Tour: Most tours depart from Buccoo Beach, Store Bay, or Pigeon Point. You don’t always need to book online; you can often find reputable local operators directly on the beach, but checking reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Instagram first is always a good idea.

Beyond the Reef: Local Culture
If you have time, many tours also stop at No Man’s Land, a secluded beach nearby. It’s the perfect place to relax after your swim, enjoy a local snack, and take in the view of the coastline

Overall, Buccoo Reef is a must-visit destination for anyone on the island of Tobago, offering a unique blend of natural marine beauty, adventure, and local culture.

About Tobago

Districts of Tobago
Tobago was previously divided into seven (7) parishes while under colonial rule.
- Saint Patrick
- Saint Andrew
- Saint David
- Saint George
- Saint Mary
- Saint John
- Saint Paul
In 1980 the Tobago House of Assembly replaced this system with twelve (12) local electorial districts and seats in the assembly.
- Bacolet/Mt. Saint George
- Goodwood/Belle Garden
- Bethe/Mt. Irvine
- Black Rock/Whim/Spring Garden
- Buccoo/Mt. Pleasant
- Canaan/Bon Accord
- Lambeau/Signal Hill
- Parlatuvier/L’Anse Fourmi/Speyside
- Plymouth/Golden Lane
- Providence/Mason Hall/Moriah
- Belle Garden East/Roxborough/Deleford
- Scarborough/Calder Hall
In 2021 an additional 3 seat were added making it 15 electorial districts.
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About Tobago | Beaches | Popular

Pigeon Point
Pigeon Point is a popular beach and tourist destination located on the southwestern tip of Tobago, which is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

The beach is known for its soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and scenic views of the nearby Buccoo Reef. The area has been developed into a beach resort with facilities such as restaurants, bars, changing rooms, and water sports equipment rentals, including kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis.

Pigeon Point is also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving due to its proximity to the Buccoo Reef, which is home to a diverse array of marine life. The beach is accessible by car or taxi from the nearby Crown Point area.

Pigeon Point is one of the island’s most known beach.
The entire peninsula is also known as Pigeon Point Heritage Park.
- Life guards
- Security
- Cabanas
- Water sports
- Shops
- Restaurant & Bar
- Entrance fee – $20.00 TTD for Adults, Kids $10.00 TTD
  under 6 yrs – free
Read More Pigeon Point
Island

Tobago
Tobago is a beautiful Caribbean island located in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles. It is one of the two main islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a country in the Caribbean Sea. Tobago is located about 30 kilometers northeast of Trinidad and covers an area of approximately 300 square kilometers.

The island is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and unique culture. The capital of Tobago is Scarborough, which is also the largest town on the island. The island is home to a population of approximately 60,000 people, and the official language is English.

Tobago has a rich history and is known for its colonial heritage. It was once a Dutch, French, and British colony before gaining independence in 1962. Today, Tobago is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse wildlife.

Some of the popular attractions on the island include Pigeon Point Beach, Store Bay, Buccoo Reef, and Nylon Pool. Tobago is also home to several festivals throughout the year, including the Tobago Heritage Festival, Carnival, Buccoo Goat Race, and the Great Fete Weekend.

Tourism is the main industry on the island, and there are plenty of accommodation options ranging from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. Some of the popular activities for visitors include hiking in the rainforest, bird watching, beach hopping, and visiting historical sites like Fort King George.

The local culture is vibrant and colorful, with music, dance, and festivals playing an important role in daily life. Some of the most popular festivals include the Tobago Jazz Experience, the Tobago Heritage Festival, and the Great Fete Weekend.

Overall, Tobago is a beautiful and welcoming island that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. It is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the Caribbean in a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path way.
Capital – Scarborough

People – ~70,000

Islands – 6

Villages – 36+

Districts – 15

Towns – 2

Length – 25.5 miles

Size – 116 mi²

Width – 7.5 miles

Latitude – 11.2337° N

Longitude – 60.6989° W

21 miles North-East of Trinidad.
Climate and Geography

In terms of climate, Tobago has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C throughout the year. The rainy (wet) season runs from June to December, but even during this time, the island still experiences plenty of sunshine.

Tobago’s climate is pleasant all year round. It is cooler and less humid than Trinidad because of the more frequent northeast winds.

Government and Population

Since 1889, Tobago and Trinidad have shared the same government. In 1980 the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) was instituted and was made responsible for administrative governance within the island, with local governance remaining with the city and county councils. In 1987, full internal self-governance was granted to Tobago. The population is approximately 70,000, of which 80 % are of African decent.

History

Tobago has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 5,000 years. The Amerindian Arawaks and the Carib tribes also inhabited the island, before it was colonized by Europeans in the 16th century and became a center of sugar production.

Tobago changed hands several times between the British and the French, and it was also briefly occupied by the Dutch and Spanish. Today, Tobago is part of an independent nation, but it still retains strong ties to the United Kingdom.
Read More Tobago
Beaches | Popular

Mount Irvine Bay

Mt. Irvine Bay is situated on the south western coast of Tobago, between the villages of Buccoo and Pleasant Prospect. The bay is a very popular spot on the island especially with surfers and limers.

SURFING

People have been surfing in Mt. Irvine Bay Tobago, since the late 1960’s. Today the bay is the go to spot for surfing on the Island. There are other known surfing spots along the coast but Mt Irvine Bay, with its right reef break and waves reaching up to 12 feet high is frequented by locals and visitors.
On the bay you can also find friendly surfing guides/instructors that can give you surfing lessons for a small fee, equipment provided.

FISH MARKET

Mt. Irvine bay has a small fish market where you can buy fresh fish daily, from various vendors. Prices ranges between TTD $20 – $40 per pound of, Mai Mai, Tuna, Snappers, Barracuda, King Fish, Grouper, Trevali, etc.

BEACH FACILITY

Mt. Irvine beach facility provides access to toilets, showers, security, and beach cabanas for public use.
A small fee of about $2 TTD may be required for toilet & shower usage.

LIFEGUARDS

Lifeguards are available and on duty 7 days a week from 10am-6pm. Safe swimming areas are marked with a Red & Yellow flag, while unsafe areas are marked with a Red flag.

BOAT TOURS

Coastal boat tours to the Buccoo Reef, Nylon Pool, No man’s Land, and other hidden bays around the island can be arranged with Screamer Boat Tours. They also do fishing trips and private beach limes.

LIMING

You may find many locals liming or hanging out on the beach on a regular basis. Anchor Bar and Grill is open daily and they are located directly on the beach. They serve various drinks and cocktails, as well as grilled and fried food.

SUNSETS

Sunsets on Mt. Irvine bay can get very colorful and mesmorising, depending on the time of the year. Sunset normally happens between 6pm – 7pm daily.

Read More Mount Irvine Bay
Forts | Popular

Fort King George
Fort King George is a historic fortification located on the island of Tobago in the Caribbean. It was built by the British in the late 18th century, during their colonial period in the region.

The fort was constructed in 1779 on a hill overlooking the harbor of Scarborough, Tobago’s capital. Its primary purpose was to defend the island against French and Dutch attacks, as Tobago was a valuable strategic location in the Caribbean.

Today, Fort King George is a popular tourist attraction and historical site. Visitors can explore the fort’s ruins, including the barracks, officer’s quarters, and cannons. There is also a small museum on the site that houses artifacts and exhibits related to Tobago’s history and the fort’s role in it.

In addition to its historical significance, Fort King George offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, including the Caribbean Sea and the town of Scarborough. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Caribbean history and architecture.

Fort King George is named after King George III of Great Britain.
The fort sits at the very top of Scarborough Hill (Fort Hill) with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Tobago’s capital town Scarborough and part of the south-eastern side of island.
- Preserved buildings
- Batteries
- Cannons
- Light house (old)
- Manicured Garden
- Museum
- Views of Trinidad
Read More Fort King George
Lagoon | Nature

Bon Accord Lagoon
Bon Accord Lagoon is a shallow lagoon located on the southwestern coast of Tobago, which is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea and part of the nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

The lagoon is separated from the ocean by a narrow strip of land, and is connected to the sea by a narrow channel. The area surrounding the lagoon is known for its mangrove forests and wetlands, which provide important habitat for a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers.

The lagoon is also home to a variety of fish, crabs, and other marine life. The area is popular for nature walks, birdwatching, and kayaking tours. Visitors can explore the lagoon and its surrounding mangrove forests on guided tours or by renting kayaks.

The lagoon is located near the village of Bon Accord, which is accessible by car or taxi from the nearby Crown Point area.

The Bon Accord Lagoon is surrounded by the mangrove wetlands and the Buccoo Reef making it an important habitat for many species of animals and marine life.

The lagoon is easier to access by water with boats, kayaks, paddle-board etc.

What’s near:
- Buccoo Reef
- No Man’s Land
- Mangrove Wetlands
- Pigeon Point
- Buccoo Bay
Read More Bon Accord Lagoon