Black Jack Hole - Tobago

Black Jack Hole is one of those sites that just feels right, especially if you catch it when the trevally are in. We've seen schools of blackjack fish so thick here in late spring and early summer, they turn the water dark. It’s an exhilarating wall dive, dropping to about 21 metres, perfect for experienced divers who appreciate a good current and bigger fish action. Even without the trevally, the reef itself is beautiful. Large sea fans and sponges coat the slope, creating plenty of hidey-holes. We often spot green morays peering out, and the Nassau groupers here are particularly chunky. Keep an eye out for spotted eagle rays gliding past in the blue, and if you’re lucky, a blacktip shark might cruise by. The visibility is usually excellent, around 20-25 metres, making for some epic wide-angle photo opportunities. We’d suggest diving this one early in the morning, before the dive boats from Crown Point arrive, to really soak up the atmosphere. It’s a site that always delivers something exciting, a real highlight of Tobago diving.

Location
Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, Caribbean
Coordinates
11.293500, -60.497600
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Buccoo Reef

Best Time to Dive in Tobago

The warmest water temperatures in Tobago occur in January, averaging 28.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.1°C (air: 24.4°C)
  • February: 28.1°C (air: 24.3°C)
  • March: 28.1°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • April: 28.1°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • May: 28.1°C (air: 25.6°C)
  • June: 28.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • July: 28.1°C (air: 25.4°C)
  • August: 28.1°C (air: 25.8°C)
  • September: 28.1°C (air: 26.5°C)
  • October: 28.1°C (air: 26.1°C)
  • November: 28.1°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • December: 28.1°C (air: 24.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Tobago

Nearest Dive Centres to Black Jack Hole

Marine Life in Tobago

Home to 344 recorded species including 323 reef fish, 5 other, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 sharks & rays, 2 hard corals, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Black Jack Hole

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Black Jack Hole in Tobago?
The Black Jack Hole dive site in Tobago offers a maximum depth of 21 meters. As a reef dive, it drops away sharply, providing an interesting profile for divers to explore.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Black Jack Hole?
Divers at Black Jack Hole can expect to encounter stunning sea fans and sponges as the reef drops away sharply. The site is teeming with marine life, including spiny lobsters, green moray eels, large Nassau groupers, barracuda, tarpons, spotted eagle rays, blacktip sharks, and snappers. It's also famous for its huge population of blackjack fish, also known as Black Trevally.
How challenging is the Black Jack Hole dive site for scuba divers?
The Black Jack Hole dive site is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This rating suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond basic certification, offering a rewarding challenge.
When is the best time of year to dive Black Jack Hole for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The optimal time to dive Black Jack Hole for specific marine life sightings is between May and July, when a huge population of blackjack fish (Black Trevally) takes residence. Divers can generally expect excellent conditions with an average visibility of 23 meters. For more general information on dive seasons, check our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive Black Jack Hole?
Given that Black Jack Hole is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site, an Open Water Diver certification with some experience is generally recommended. Divers with Advanced Open Water or equivalent certifications will be well-prepared for the conditions and depth.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at the Black Jack Hole dive site?
Divers at Black Jack Hole can typically expect excellent water clarity, with an average visibility of 23 meters. While specific current information is not provided, the good visibility generally indicates favorable diving conditions for exploration.