Views and recommendations on Tobago

[Nismo]

After getting the latest Scubadiving mag, Tobago looks like a good place for my wife and I to go on vacation. Airfare looks to be ok, and resort prices too. Curious to what others thought about the island, the resorts, and packages. Thanks to all in advance.

My wife and I have been diving for just over a year. We have done mostly quarry dives but did one trip to Cozumel and I dove in Bonaire if that helps with dive operator suggestions. We like to beallowed to dive our own profiles, but don't mind being guided to see things of interest.

 

[Doc]

In Tobago, there are two kinds of diving,.

In the South end, near the airport, you will find some lovely reefs with shallow delights. The dive ops are very much so used to new divers as they cater to many day divers and cruise ship divers.

The North end (Speyside) is Mr Toad's Wild Ride in terms of currents, far more unpredictable and challenging than Cozumel. You do not decide to follow your DM, you must follow them or you will likely be in a world of hurt. It is for most poeople, "advanced diving" not only due to the severity of the lateral currents but also the occasional down currents.

Both ends will have you likely using small boats, backrolls. The South end does have some larger boats, though. In the North, you will have to be able to do rapid descents to get below the surface currents.

The North is a fabulous peparation for the Galapagos.

Lots of info already here on SB

 

[chauncy19]

was there awhile ago. agree with RoatanMan particularly about the north as never did the south. besides the diving it is my favorite place. had a great/magical time in Charlottesville and Tobago.
Bob

 

[Bosun]

We had a great time in Speyside at Manta Lodge diving with TDE who were very good. The currents were ripping and yes advanced dives. We saw lots of sharks and one Manta. The walks in the area and Little Tobago were great for wildlife and lots of exotic birds (feathered ones that is).

 

[snorkymn]

I was in Tobago last month and stayed at Sandy Point Beach Club and went diving with Frontier Divers. They're a pretty good a good operation. Did some south side dives, which were great, and some Speyside dives, which were also great. Only saw 1 shark the whole week, but averaged one turtle a dive. The DM's did point out some things, but not as much as some other shops I've been to in other countries/islands. (They have to hold on to a float the whole time they're under water, so the boat can track them, so seem to be limited slightly to what they can do.) But I'd still recommend them.. I have pretty good eyes and watch for macro stuff to begin with. There were a couple of dives in Tobago where the coral is he most colorful I'd ever seen it. And the size of the barrel sponges there were huge!!!! I'll probably be going back to Tobago sometime, and would stay at the same place and use Frontier Divers again. (My girlfriend also liked them and said she would go back.)