December 2024 Scuba Diving Industry™ Magazine.pdf

TRAVEL

The Natural Beauty of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago – by Carlos Lander, Author “Beyond The Diving Course” Carlos is a 25- year veteran diver, amateur archaeologist, author, programmer, and statistician.

Throughout our exploration of the Caribbean islands, we've discovered that these lands are part of a broader macro- ecosystem shaped by nature and human activities. During the ceramic period,

Tobago has excellent resorts and five dive centers that service the entire island. Before planning your trip, contact one of these dive centers. They can help with arrangements and ac- tivities.

tribes from the Amazon delta region settled in Trinidad and Tobago. Subsequent groups, including the Barrancoid and Arauquinoid peoples, contributed to Trinidad and Tobago's cultural and archaeological landscape, leaving pottery, agri- cultural practices, and artifacts. In 1498, Christopher Columbus arrived and claimed the islands for Spain. During the colonial era, control of Trinidad and Tobago shifted between Spanish and French powers. Eventually, in 1814, Tobago was ceded to Britain and remained under British rule until it achieved independ- ence in 1962.

The dive difficulty varies from spot to spot, but drift diving is standard on the island. How- ever, the southwest part of the island is less demanding and

more for the novice diver. The visibility on the island is low (18 m) compared to other crystalline waters from the Caribbean, but in exchange, you will witness a wide range of marine life. You may also dive into some wrecks.

Plan your trips during the dry season from January to May: the island experiences lower rainfall, warm days, and cool nights. Tobago has a safety record in diving activities, so much so that no one remembers the last acci- dent recorded. However, the island has a Hyperbaric Chamber Facility and offers various free emergency care for tourists.

The arrival of Indian laborers fur- ther enriched the cultural landscape of the islands, marking the last sig- nificant wave of influence. This blending of cultures has created a vi- brant tapestry that characterizes Trinidad and Tobago today. It is known for its lively Carnival celebra- tions, eclectic music, and delicious food.

Reefs of Tobago – Thanks Derek & Evelyn Chung from Undersea Tobago for their warm welcome.

For the diver, the true adventure is in Tobago, the smaller island located northeast of Trinidad, separated by about 30 kilometers (19 miles) of water. Tobago has incredible bio- diversity on land and underwater. Are you wondering why Trinidad doesn't have diving? Trinidad is located remarkably close to the South American mainland, just about 11 kilo- meters off the coast of Venezuela. Hence, the ocean current drags sediments from the Orinoco River into Trinidad, mak- ing it less ideal for diving. In contrast, Tobago stands out due to its unique position at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, where its waters blend, at- tracting a captivating mix of marine fauna. Tobago established the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in 1776, making it the oldest legally protected forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere and one of the best spots in the Caribbean for the nature aficionado.

Air service internationally is excellent to Trinidad, with a short inexpensive jumper flight to Tobago makes this an ideal group destination, and something different from the rest of the Caribbean. In conclusion, the enchanting blend of tranquil rural life, breathtaking resorts, and remarkable wildlife creates an un- paralleled vacation experience for any nature enthusiast. The serene landscapes, adorned with vibrant flora and the sooth- ing sounds of nature, invite exploration and relaxation. Ad- ditionally, the peace of mind provided by a hyperbaric chamber on the island enhances its appeal, ensuring safety

and well-being for adventurers. With such a unique combination of features, this destina- tion truly stands out as a remarkable choice that is difficult to surpass.

email Carlos

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