Dive into Tobago's Underwater Heaven
http://www.trinijunglejuice.com/tjjnews/articles/2888/1/Dive-into-Tobagos-Underwater-Heaven/Page1.html
By TJJ Admin
Published on 07-Jun-12
Photo: Sea turtles are a common site for divers in Tobago
The Guyana Current flows over the robust reefs of Tobago nourishing a kaleidoscopic marine ecosystem. Massive hard corals, including the world’s largest brain coral, and fields of huge barrel sponges twisted and sculpted by the constant press of moving water rest peacefully on the ocean’s floor. Every niche is crowded with both predators and prey. Manta rays inhabit the reefs year round; and Tarpon, Eagle Rays and even Hammerhead Sharks all attest to the integrity of the island’s ecosystem.
From July 22 to 29, 2012 Tobago will host its 3rd annual Underwater Carnival that will take divers into the depths of the island’s majestic underwater world.
Photo: There are many interesting items to discover beneath the surface of the ocean
The South/Crown Point: Popular for the Store Bay and Pigeon Point beaches, this tip of the island is also home to the Flying Reef near the airport. Here you’ll find nurse sharks relaxing under ledges and barracuda and tarpon hunting in the flow. Also on this end is Diver’s Dream, appropriately named because of its fields of barrel sponges and eagle rays.
Caribbean Coast/Mt. Irvine: Wreck divers will love this slice of the Caribbean coast for the MV Maverick wreck that has been attracting marine life since 1997. Once a car ferry, this superstructure now substitutes passengers for a kaleidoscopic array of marine life, including snappers and rainbow runners. Not too far away is Arnos Vale, a shallow reef inhabited by eels and shrimp.
Caribbean Coast/Upper Caribbean: A series of five exposed rocky islets that seem to have magically emerged from the water, the Sisters are the star of the dive scene in this area. Steep walls, canyons and drop-offs with seafans and gorgonians create a spectacular diving experience, and in the colder months, lucky divers spot passing hammerhead sharks. Closer to the shore the fringing reefs of Castara and Scotch on the Rocks provide protected access to some of the best macro diving sites.
The North: Split between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, diving in the North often means a free ride. Strong currents sweep through this area and the reefs are exploding with marine life. London Bridge and the St. Giles islands offer spectacular encounters with turtles, sharks and Tarpon on the Atlantic side, while off Speyside a swift drift through Bookends will be introduce you to the maximum profusion of life on Caribbean reefs.
Photos/Source: Sport Diver Magazine
The Guyana Current flows over the robust reefs of Tobago nourishing a kaleidoscopic marine ecosystem. Massive hard corals, including the world’s largest brain coral, and fields of huge barrel sponges twisted and sculpted by the constant press of moving water rest peacefully on the ...
Photo: Sea turtles are a common site for divers in Tobago
The Guyana Current flows over the robust reefs of Tobago nourishing a kaleidoscopic marine ecosystem. Massive hard corals, including the world’s largest brain coral, and fields of huge barrel sponges twisted and sculpted by the constant press of moving water rest peacefully on the ocean’s floor. Every niche is crowded with both predators and prey. Manta rays inhabit the reefs year round; and Tarpon, Eagle Rays and even Hammerhead Sharks all attest to the integrity of the island’s ecosystem.
From July 22 to 29, 2012 Tobago will host its 3rd annual Underwater Carnival that will take divers into the depths of the island’s majestic underwater world.
Photo: There are many interesting items to discover beneath the surface of the ocean
The South/Crown Point: Popular for the Store Bay and Pigeon Point beaches, this tip of the island is also home to the Flying Reef near the airport. Here you’ll find nurse sharks relaxing under ledges and barracuda and tarpon hunting in the flow. Also on this end is Diver’s Dream, appropriately named because of its fields of barrel sponges and eagle rays.
Caribbean Coast/Mt. Irvine: Wreck divers will love this slice of the Caribbean coast for the MV Maverick wreck that has been attracting marine life since 1997. Once a car ferry, this superstructure now substitutes passengers for a kaleidoscopic array of marine life, including snappers and rainbow runners. Not too far away is Arnos Vale, a shallow reef inhabited by eels and shrimp.
Caribbean Coast/Upper Caribbean: A series of five exposed rocky islets that seem to have magically emerged from the water, the Sisters are the star of the dive scene in this area. Steep walls, canyons and drop-offs with seafans and gorgonians create a spectacular diving experience, and in the colder months, lucky divers spot passing hammerhead sharks. Closer to the shore the fringing reefs of Castara and Scotch on the Rocks provide protected access to some of the best macro diving sites.
The North: Split between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, diving in the North often means a free ride. Strong currents sweep through this area and the reefs are exploding with marine life. London Bridge and the St. Giles islands offer spectacular encounters with turtles, sharks and Tarpon on the Atlantic side, while off Speyside a swift drift through Bookends will be introduce you to the maximum profusion of life on Caribbean reefs.
Photos/Source: Sport Diver Magazine