When you snorkel or dive in the Tobago Cays, you can see right down to the sandy bottom even in quite deep water — that is because there is very little pollution and the sea stays beautifully clear. Beneath you, huge brain corals, fan corals and tube sponges create an underwater city where hundreds of species of brightly coloured fish dart in and out.
Hawksbill sea turtles are one of the most famous residents of the Tobago Cays. These gentle creatures are protected inside the marine park, and snorkellers regularly swim alongside them as they glide slowly through the warm water nibbling on sea grass. You can also spot stingrays resting on the sandy floor and curious barracudas hovering in the current.
The five islands — Petit Bateau, Petit Tabac, Baradal, Jamesby and Petit Rameau — are covered with low green shrubs and ringed with white sand. They have no roads, no shops and no permanent houses. Visiting sailors anchor their boats in the lagoon, sit on the beach, and enjoy the total peace and quiet.
Tobago Cays was made an official marine park in 1987, which means fishing with nets and anchoring on the reef are not allowed. Rangers patrol the area to make sure everyone follows the rules. Because of this care, the coral here is some of the healthiest in the entire Caribbean.