Petit Tabac
Protected Area
Tobago Cays-Mayreau MP/MR/Wildlife Reserve
Why dive here
With 252+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, humpback whales, nurse sharks, orcas and sea turtles - Petit Tabac offers some of Tobago Cays's richest drift diving. Water sits around 28°C.
Petit Tabac, for us, is all about that easy Caribbean drift. You drop in, usually somewhere north of the island, and the current just carries you gently along a sloping wall. It’s not a dramatic drop, more a coral-covered incline that bottoms out around 20 metres. We love how relaxed it feels, like the reef is putting on a show just for you as you glide past. You’ll spot plenty of blennies popping their heads out of coral, especially the Pearl and Redlip varieties. Keep an eye out for Dusky Flounder blending into the sand patches at the base of the wall, they’re masters of disguise. Nurse sharks are a frequent sight, usually snoozing under ledges, and we’ve often seen barracuda hanging motionless in the blue. It’s a site that really rewards a slow pace and a keen eye. Our favourite way to dive it is first thing in the morning before any other boats arrive. The light is softer then, and the reef feels quieter, more intimate. It’s perfect for intermediate divers who enjoy a low-effort, high-reward drift, offering great photo opportunities and a chance to really soak in the smaller details of a healthy Caribbean reef.
Typical Petit Tabac Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Drift dive - carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and stay with your group. Brief the current direction before entry.
Reviews for Petit Tabac
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Petit Tabac
Petit Tabac Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Petit Tabac, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (12.63, -61.35) (0km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
27.87°C
82°F
Air Temperature
27.89°C
82°F
Wind Speed
8.04 m/s
15.6 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1013 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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