Located in the southwestern region of Tobago, of Trinidad and Tobago, lies the extraordinary Buccoo Reef. One of three coral reef ecosystems near the island, it’s by far the most visited and popular ecotourism attraction within Tobago. This is mainly due to the ease of snorkeling, which allows tourists to see the vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish, even without diving equipment. Many areas of Buccoo Reef are close to the surface, giving snorkelers an up-close and personal view of the beautiful marine life and coral formations.
Considered one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean, the Buccoo Reef Complex was designated as a protected marine park in 1973 and has been part of a Ramsar-protected site since 2005. The world-famous French oceanographer and explorer Jacques Cousteau once visited the reef, rating it as the third most spectacular reef in the world. The Buccoo Reef Complex spans about 4.35 miles (7 km) and includes five reef flats that enclose a shallow reef lagoon and the Bon Accord Lagoon. These reef flats can reach depths of up to 82 feet (25 meters), but many of the shallower areas are perfect for snorkeling.
We visited Buccoo Reef during our Caribbean cruise getaway, spending a day in Tobago. It was the most exciting adventure option on the island, hence why we chose it, and it was something all three of us eagerly anticipated. Even though we visited at the beginning of February, the weather was comfortable in the mid-80s, and the water was slightly warm, albeit comfortable enough. Unfortunately, it was quite windy, causing rocky waves. I’m not sure if we got unlucky with the wind or if that’s more common, but it took our boat crew some time to properly anchor the boat so we could get off and swim among the reef. While they did eventually anchor it, the wind made it challenging to stay near the boat while snorkeling around the reef. This is something to keep in mind if it’s windy during your visit and you are not a strong swimmer.
Snorkeling at Buccoo Reef was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our 7-day Caribbean cruise. The water was a stunning turquoise blue, and full of colorful tropical fish that made me feel like I was swimming in the film Finding Nemo. Although the wind and somewhat choppy waves made the experience slightly less enjoyable, neither could overshadow the beautiful underwater scenery and fish. Regrettably, I did not have a waterproof camera, so I couldn’t take pictures of the tropical fish and reef while swimming. However, we did get a small glimpse through the glass-bottom window on the boat, although those pictures and videos do NOT do it justice.
We toured the reef with Tobago Buccoo Reef Glass Bottom Boat Tour, one of the more popular companies on the island. If you book through Viator, tours typically cost around $76.00 per person before taxes and fees. We booked through our cruise ship, which was slightly more (bummer). The tours last 3 hours and 30 minutes, with a maximum of 20 people per tour. Morning and afternoon tours are available. Snorkeling gear, masks, and life jackets are provided, and the captain and crew keep a watchful eye on all participants, even diving with you if necessary. They allow cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour and offer convenient round-trip hotel transport in an air-conditioned bus. However, food, drinks, and towels are not provided, so definitely bring your own. Please note that a minimum of 2 people per booking is required.
Although the boat was rather old and somewhat rickety, it held up well and provided a nice ride. It’s a double-decker, so you can sit on the bottom or top deck, each with pros and cons. On the bottom deck, you’re shielded from the sun and have access to the glass bottom, but the view of the reef and turquoise waters is not as good as from above. On the top deck, you get unobstructed views of the beautiful scenery, but you’re directly exposed to the sun and wind. We opted for the top deck, which I highly recommend, but apply plenty of sunscreen – and perhaps bring a hat!
After swimming at Buccoo Reef, we moved on to the stunning Nylon Pool. For more details about this incredible natural wonder, check out my blog here! Nylon Pool in Tobago: Fountain of Youth & Eternal Happiness?
Overall, if you ever get the opportunity to visit the Caribbean, Tobago should be high on your list. One of my best memories from the trip was visiting Tobago and Buccoo Reef. The striking turquoise water and colorful fish are a sight to behold. While I am not a huge fan of the Caribbean overall (I’m simply a mountain and forest person), swimming among the beautiful tropical fish in the crystal clear water at Buccoo Reef was an unforgettable memory that I am so glad to have made. I highly recommend a visit to both Tobago and Buccoo Reef!
