Tobago's waters are home to four species of sea turtle. From SUP boards, kayaks, and snorkels, we've had some incredible up-close encounters — here's what to look for and how to behave responsibly.
Few wildlife encounters on the water match seeing a sea turtle glide beneath your paddleboard. In Tobago, it happens more often than you might think. The island is a critical nesting and feeding ground for several turtle species, and the reefs and seagrass beds around the coast are rich turtle habitat.
Which species might you see?
The most commonly spotted is the hawksbill turtle, which feeds on sponges around Tobago's coral reefs. Leatherbacks — the largest sea turtle on earth — nest on the island's beaches between March and August, and are occasionally spotted offshore. Green and loggerhead turtles also pass through.
Responsible turtle encounters
Sea turtles are protected under Trinidad and Tobago law. When you encounter one on the water:
- Stay calm and keep your paddle strokes slow
- Never chase or block a turtle's path
- Keep a respectful distance — if it looks at you, you're too close
- Don't touch or feed turtles under any circumstances
The Turtle Tour
Our dedicated Turtle Tour and Nylon Pool experience is designed around responsible wildlife watching. We visit known turtle resting areas and snorkelling sites with guidance from Duane, who has been observing these animals in Tobago's waters for years.
The goal is always the same: leave the turtles undisturbed, and leave you with a memory that lasts a lifetime.