Named by Princess Margaret of England during her 1962 honeymoon – after she likened it to the “transparency of a nylon” and its resemblance to a swimming pool – the Nylon Pool is one of Tobago’s premier tourist destinations. Formed by an offshore sandbar and tranquil lagoon, the Nylon Pool offers a serene and calming swimming experience. A beautiful natural wonder, its 3-foot deep crystal-clear and brilliant turquoise blue waters invite exploration and relaxation, making it a must-see – and must-swim – for anyone visiting the tropical Caribbean Island of Tobago.
Two fun legends are associated with the Nylon Pool. According to local superstition, this natural beauty possesses not one, but two mystical powers. It is believed that those who dip into the Nylon Pool can turn back the hands of time by ten years, while couples who share a kiss within its waters are blessed with the promise of lasting happiness and success in their relationship. Eager to test this fate, every couple among us seized the opportunity to exchange kisses in the pool. As for the anti-aging claim, only time will tell. Find me in 2034 to see if that legend holds true!
The Nylon Pool’s mystical reputation is well deserved, thanks to its crystal clear, turquoise waters that remain surprisingly warm and refreshing, even in February – a far cry from the frigid Pacific Ocean off the California coast or Atlantic Ocean during the winter months. The shallow depth allows for a clear view of the seabed and your toes, creating a fascinating and fun experience. I remained in the pool until being nicely summoned back to the boat by a tour operator, leaving rather reluctantly, as our time had come to an end.
The pool is conveniently located near another popular Tobago tourist destination, Buccoo Reef, and is easily accessible for most visitors. From the cruise ship port, it’s a short 15-to-20-minute drive, and only about a 10-minute drive from the ANR Robinson International Airport. This accessibility is a notable advantage compared to other Caribbean destinations like the Pitons in Saint Lucia (blog coming up!) or the Maracas Waterfall in Trinidad (blog also coming up!), which both require lengthy journeys. We opted for a cruise ship-sanctioned tour, prioritizing convenience and safety. Choosing a tour through the ship provides peace of mind that we wouldn’t be left behind. We were booked with the Tobago Buccoo Reef Glass Bottom Boat Tour, which I’d recommend, as they gave us a memorable and worry-free adventure in Tobago.
The boat tours depart from both Pigeon Point and Store Bay. The Nylon Pool sits west of Buffo Bay and east of Buccoo Reef, so most tours – if not all – include visits to both the reef and the pool. Typically lasting 2-3 hours, these tours are conducted on a double-decker, glass-bottom boat, presenting visitors with various advantages and considerations. Opting for the top deck offers a better, unobstructed view of the pool and reef from above, plus the stunningly blue Caribbean Sea. However, the trade-off is you sacrifice the ability to view the glass bottom and will be exposed to direct sunlight for the duration of the tour. It’s also important to note that these boats lack onboard bathroom facilities. However, there is a decent restroom with showers and changing rooms at the dock, which visitors may use before and after the tour.
Overall, no trip to Tobago would be complete without taking a dip in the picturesque and tranquil Nylon Pool. Although access requires booking a tour due to its distance from shore (it’s too far out to swim to), the experience is unquestionably well worth the price. Among the nine places across multiple islands we visited during our weeklong Caribbean vacation, the Nylon Pool firmly stands among the top three. Whether you want to solidify your relationship or turn back the clock by ten years, come and discover its magic for yourself!
