The Buccoo Reef

This was such an exciting adventure! Looking at a coral reef upclose and personal is, I would say, one of the most awesome experiences I have ever had! It was like going to another dimension of sorts where the plants and wildlife were utterly non terrestrial. It's one thing to see it on the TV but its definitely another whole deal in real life.

Buccoo Reef

The Buccoo reef is is marine park just off the south western coast of Tobago. It is considered to be one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean and is home to a multitude of tropical marine flora and fauna. If you're in Tobago, the Buccoo reef is a must visit. On my last Vacation to the Island, we decided to take a tour of the reef. These tours are carried out with glass-bottomed boats so that the reef can be viewed easily. When they get to the actual reef, they let you snorkel and mingle amongst the corals and fishes.

Boarding The Boat

The tour boats pick passengers up at Store Bay, one of the most popular beaches in Tobago. We had to wait for the one we made reservations with, but that wasn't too long. Hilariously enough, the name of our boat was "Sugar Lips"!

The inside of the boat was pretty much rudimentary except for the glass windows on the FLOOR. Don't worry they assure you that even if the windows were removed, the boat would not sink and would still be operational. Yeah, Physics!!!

There's always time for quick selfies! Don't mind the "sleep-whenever-get up-whenever" look. We're on Vacation!

The boat ride along the way was calm and comfortable which took about 30 minutes. The water was very tame even though the skies looked as if rain was going to fall. Luckily enough, for the whole trip, it did not!

We were allowed to walk around (not that there was much space where we were sitting) and I decided to go to the top deck or roof of the boat. The view from above the boat was magical. You could see all around and I felt so small in a sea so vast. Other people soon followed and Like myself, they decided to stay because it was so much more fun than below.

Another selfie! This time atop the boat as aforementioned. It was really windy and exhilarating!

The Reef

When the boat stopped off at the reef, the tour guides gave us snorkel gear and instructions. Diving in, I became immersed in a new world. There were foreign structures everywhere, it felt as if wherever I looked, there was no repetition in any way! The colours were marvelous and overwhelming as well as the size of the things! After slowly adjusting to the majesty laid out before me, I started to notice schools of fishes. They were as varied as the structures and even more colourful. The thing was that they were retreating and seeking refuge among the corals because of our presence. Regardless of this, I still got to see many species of wonderful colours and patterns!

I wish I had underwater camera gear but sadly I did not, so I could only take pictures above the water. This does NO justice but it's good "B-roll" what can I say?

All in all this was a wonderful experience and I quite enjoyed the ability to be immersed in a brilliant marine world chock full of new lifeforms I had not laid eyes upon before. The boat ride back was leisurely and just in time with the sunset. I could not have asked for a better experience.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and thanks for coming along if you lasted till the end!