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The waters of the great Orinoco River flood into the Atlantic not far from to ths south of Trinidad. While they prevent major coral formations in Trinidad, they provide unusually nutrient-rich waters around Tobago, supporting a diversity of marine life unusual even for the prolific Caribbean. The coastal waters of Trinidad and Tobago abound with coral reefs. There are about 735 species of reef-building or hermatypic corals the world over of which 39 are known to exist in the waters around Trinidad and Tobago. One major reef - Buccoo Reef, situated in the Southwest of Tobago which is built from more than ten thousand years of coralline growth and reef formation. Visitors to Buccoo Reef can view this under-water haven through glass-bottomed boats. It is easily accessible to non-swimmers, while for scuba-divers there are outstanding reef formations along the west and north-east coasts of Tobago. |
Even more aesthetically-pleasing reefs are to be found at Speyside and Man-of-War Bay in Tobago. At Speyside the Speyside Bay Reef, Big Reef and Bad Weather Rocks Reef are excellent dive locations for those with diving skills. The Charlotteville Alcyonarian Reef provides an opportunity to examine a type of reef that is peculiar only to the Caribbean region.
All known hard corals and most of the soft ones can be found around Tobago, plus hundreds of different reef fish, giant manta rays included. Turtles - the endangered leatherback, the green loggerhead and the hawksbill - all nest on the beaches along Tobago's west coast and Trinidad's north and east coasts.