Tobago

[Mick Penfare]

We are thinking of going to Turtle beach, Tobago in October. I'd be grateful for any opinions or advice on the place and the diving.

Thanks

Mick

[Jeanne]

Hi Mick,

We were at Turtle Beach (Rex resort) back in May this year, and we went diving with the local dive outfit on the spot at the hotel, as well as with Undersea Tobago, based at the Grafton Beach resort further down the coast.

Undersea Tobago picked us up from our hotel and we did a two tank dive with them. The first was on the Atlantic side, and was very choppy and with some substantial swell even at 25 meters, but well worth it, with masses of large fish (angels, rays, nurse sharks, parrots, barracuda etc). Getting back on the boat was an experience for most who were not as experienced or indeed 'roughty toughty UK diver trained'! The second dive was on the Carribean side, at Dutchman reef, and was much more sedate, but equally enjoyable, with beautiful fans and whip coral, and humungous sponges. The outfit was very professional,
and I can recommend them, all but for some strange dive profiles on the first dive from the dive master, who descended back to 20 meters from 8 for the final ascent... We did not follow him, hasten to add...

The hotel outfit at the Rex were laid-back to say the least. If you've dived in the UK, you will feel right at home with gruff and rough skipper and lippy crew, and bedside manners could be better... None of your carrying your gear or bottles for you, everyone mucks in. However, fair is fair, the diving was well organised, and we had some very good scenic dives further north.

You'll probably be sold 'the wreck'. My view is: unless you want to log it in your book, don't bother. It's the most boring 30 m dive of a relatively new wreck where you can swin through and that's about it.

The highlight of our holiday was to watch the huge leatherback turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Right in front of the bar, the rooms, it was awesome. However, sadly you are not very likely to see them, at this time of year.

Have a good time! Tobago enchanted us. It's still small, backwater, and not yet spoiled by mass tourism.

The Rex is ok, food and staff were great, the rooms were basic, however spotlessly clean. The beach is superb.

Jeanne

[Bren Tierney]

Hey Mick,

Hope this helps - superb diving, by the way!

<a href="http://www.bsacforum.co.uk/forums/travelclub/posts/418.html" >http://www.bsacforum.co.uk/forums/travelclub/posts/418.html</a>

Cheers,
Bren.

[Mick Penfare]