Diving in Tobago Cays

Explore 4 dive sites in Tobago Cays, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Tobago Cays

The warmest water temperatures in Tobago Cays occur in January, averaging 27.9°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C (air: 26.2°C)
  • February: 27.9°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • March: 27.9°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • April: 27.9°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • May: 27.9°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • June: 27.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • July: 27.9°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • August: 27.9°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • September: 27.9°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • October: 27.9°C (air: 28.3°C)
  • November: 27.9°C (air: 27.5°C)
  • December: 27.9°C (air: 27.0°C)

Marine Life in Tobago Cays

Home to 256 recorded species including 223 reef fish, 12 hard corals, 8 whales & dolphins, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 2 sharks & rays.

Dive Site Difficulty in Tobago Cays

Tobago Cays has 1 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Tobago Cays

Based on average water temperature of 27.9°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Tobago Cays

  • Young Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Miligan Island - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Allwash Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Battowia Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Chateaubelair Islet Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve / Marine Park (IUCN Category IV)
  • Frigate Island - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Isle Quatre Marine Reserve / Marine Conservation Area - Marine Reserve / Marine Conservation Area / Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • LaPaz Rock Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Petit Canouan Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Pigeon Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Petit St. Vincent Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Union-Palm Island Marine Conservation Area - Marine Conservation Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Sail Rock Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Savan Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Big Cay Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • West Cay Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Bequia Marine Conservation Area - Marine Conservation Area / Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category VI)
  • Tobago Cays-Mayreau MP/MR/Wildlife Reserve - Marine Park / Marine Reserve / Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category II)
  • Canouan Marine Reserve / Marine Conservation Area - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Catholic Island Wildlife Reserve - Wildlife Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Mustique Marine Reserve - Marine Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • South Coast Marine Park - Marine Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Tobago Cays-Mayreau MP/MR/Wildlife Reserve - Specially Protected Area (Cartagena Convention) (IUCN Category II)
  • Owia Salt Pond - Recreational Area (IUCN Category III)
  • Rabacca River Recreation Park - Recreation Area (IUCN Category V)
  • Rawacou Beach - Recreational Aeea (IUCN Category III)

Getting to Tobago Cays - Nearest Airports

  • Canouan Airport (CIW), Canouan - 4 km away, approx 19 min travel time
  • Argyle International Airport (SVD), Kingstown - 59 km away, approx 80 min travel time
  • Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND), Saint George's - 87 km away, approx 110 min travel time

Dive Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical underwater visibility and water temperatures for diving in Tobago Cays?
While specific underwater visibility data is not provided, divers can look forward to warm waters in Tobago Cays. During the best months for diving, the water temperature consistently averages 27.87°C, creating comfortable conditions for exploration.
What specific marine life highlights can scuba divers expect to encounter in Tobago Cays?
Divers exploring Tobago Cays can anticipate encountering vibrant marine life within its protected marine park. The area is particularly noted for its pristine reefs and is a significant site for turtle nesting, offering unique opportunities to observe these majestic creatures.
Which dive sites are considered the best in Tobago Cays for scuba diving?
Among the top dive sites in Tobago Cays are Horseshoe Reef, a beautiful reef suitable for beginners, and the exciting wreck dives of FEDERAL QUEEN and HMS PURUNI for intermediate divers. Additionally, intermediate divers can experience the thrilling drift dive at Petit Tabac.
What level of diving experience is recommended for scuba diving in Tobago Cays?
Diving in Tobago Cays caters to a range of experience levels, from beginners to intermediate divers. Sites like Horseshoe Reef are ideal for those just starting out, while intermediate divers can explore challenging wreck dives such as FEDERAL QUEEN and HMS PURUNI, or the drift dive at Petit Tabac.
What is the most common way for travelers and divers to get to Tobago Cays?
Information regarding the most common ways for travelers and divers to get to Tobago Cays is not provided in the available data. We recommend checking local travel guides or contacting regional tourism boards for current transportation options.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in Tobago Cays, and when is the best time to visit?
Based on water temperature data, the best time to visit Tobago Cays for diving is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when the water consistently averages a warm 27.87°C. Specific information on other seasonal variations, such as currents or marine life migrations, is not detailed in the provided context.
How strong are the currents typically when diving in Tobago Cays, and how do they affect dives?
While specific data on typical current strength across all sites in Tobago Cays is not provided, the presence of a dedicated drift dive site like Petit Tabac suggests that currents can be significant enough to offer exciting drift diving experiences for intermediate divers. Divers should always consult with local guides for current conditions before entering the water.
Beyond marine life, what unique features or underwater landscapes make Tobago Cays a special dive region?
Beyond its vibrant marine life, Tobago Cays stands out as a special dive region due to its status as a protected marine park, ensuring pristine underwater environments. Divers can explore beautiful natural landscapes like the Horseshoe Reef, as well as intriguing historical sites such as the wreck dives of FEDERAL QUEEN and HMS PURUNI.