Diving and Snorkeling in Trinidad and Tobago

Two of the most popular pastimes in the Caribbean are diving and snorkeling; Trinidad and Tobago is no exception.  It's hard to resist dipping your head below the surface of the sea and viewing marine life in an area of the world that has such crystal clear visibility and brightly colored tropical fish.

Diving vs. Snorkeling

It is important to note the differences between diving and snorkeling before you decide which of the two you would like to try (or if you want to do both activities).  Despite the fact that diving and snorkeling can often be done in many of the same areas, they are two very distinct entities. 

Snorkeling is the most common of the two activities, because it requires less time and effort to get started.  To snorkel, the participant dons a pair of diving goggles, flippers, and a snorkel, and swims just close enough to the water's surface to keep the end of their snorkel above water.  This allows allow air to cycle through the tube.  This allows the snorkeler to explore coral reef that is near the surface of the sea and swim with tropical fish without having to surface for air. 

Scuba (which stands for “self contained underwater breathing apparatus”) diving takes the sport a step further.  Divers wear an air tank during their underwater journey to allow them to dive deeper and get a closer look at coral reef, marine life, and wreckage sites. 

Many resorts offer snorkeling equipment to guests for free, and numerous dive shops sell equipment for low prices.  Scuba diving on the other hand, takes a little more effort.  In Trinidad and Tobago you must be a certified diver in order to rent diving equipment.  If you are not certified, you can take instructional courses through local dive shops, and many resorts even offer instructional courses as a perk for staying with them. 

Dive Sites

With over 300 species of coral surrounding Trinidad and Tobago, your exploration of sea life will never be dull and boring.  These reefs are colorful and as diverse as private gardens.  There are more than 30 dive sites in Trinidad and Tobago for you to visit.

Tips

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  Even with hours of training and a knowledgeable tour guide, there are a few things to keep in mind each time you head out into the water. 
• Pay attention to currents and how your body responds to them; you don't drift too far off course. 
• Wear a water proof watch to ensure you don't lose track of time, which can be easy to do underwater.
• Don't feed the fish or touch the animals or coral, this could cause their protective layers to be stripped away.
• Never stand or walk on a reef, and tread carefully in shallow water around reefs. Shuffle your feet to avoid stingrays, and watch out for sea urchin's spines.
• Never wear jewelry. Caribbean fish, barracudas especially, seem to be drawn to shiny objects that look like their natural prey, small silver fish.
• Avoid jellyfish, fire coral, and other stinging creatures.
• Never reach into holes or crevices; animals - especially moray eels - like to make their homes in them.
• Shark sightings are rare, and sharks that are spotted are usually passive. If you do see a shark, stay calm, and if necessary, move slowly out of the water.
• Never remove anything from dive sites and reefs.
• Wear waterproof sunblock.  Sunburns are a common side effect of the hot Caribbean sun, even under water.

Planning a day of diving or snorkeling during your Trinidad and Tobago vacation is sure to add a level of excitement to your stay.  Whether exploring the numerous coral reef, swimming with the fish, or viewing the spectacular MV Maverick wreckage, the waters of Trinidad and Tobago offer a type of majestic beauty that can't be missed.