Wildlife· Tobago· Windward Islands
Dolphins and Whales off Tobago
11° 20.1′ N · 60° 36.0′ W · approximate
Pods of dolphins often meet yachts on the north-coast run between Charlotteville and the leeward bays, riding the bow wave, spy-hopping and tail-slapping. Nineteen cetacean species have been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago waters, including baleen whales and sperm whales.
Practical
Position is a representative point about 0.8 nm off the north coast west of Corvo Point, between Bloody Bay and Man-o-War Bay, on the route where cruisers report dolphins (approx). Sightings: a 2014 cruising blog met several pods (scarred adults and young) just after leaving Man-o-War Bay heading west; Elizabeth Brouse (2012) had dolphins cross the bow on the sail to Charlotteville. No dedicated whale- or dolphin-watching operator on Tobago was found in any source opened. CCARO, a Trinidad and Tobago non-profit, says 19 cetacean species have been seen in local waters, including 2 baleen whales, the sperm whale, several dolphins and a beaked whale; report sightings (with photos or video) and strandings through the forms on ccaro.org. Keep a lookout and slow down when whales are near; do not chase or swim with them.
Best for
Bow-riding dolphins on the north-coast passage
Season
Year-round
Nearby
- Boulder Valley Dive (Man-o-War Bay)2.4 NM away
- Man-o-War Bay Anchorage (Charlotteville)2.5 NM away
- Bloody Bay Beach2.6 NM away
- Sisters Rocks Dive2.6 NM away
- Fort Campbleton (Charlotteville)2.7 NM away
- Pirates Bay Moorings (Charlotteville)2.8 NM away
- Pirates Bay Snorkel (Man-o-War Bay)2.9 NM away
- ERIC Dive Centre (Charlotteville)3 NM away