Goat Island (Japanese Gardens) - Tobago Scuba Diving Site

Japanese gardens runs along the side of Goat Island which is located at Speyside at the north end of the Island. As the name suggests this site is a veritable garden of coral's both hard and soft and the colors are exceptional.

Japanese Gardens is off the western end of Goat Island you will find another site to see mantas. This is the Atlantic side of Tobago so the sea is often choppy and with some currents. Always be aware of these currents - you may come to enjoy them. Good coral specimens are to be found.

On dives in Tobago you will find large array of fish like Groupers, Jacks, Sergeant Major fish, Parrot fish and Trumpet fish with some areas having Reef Sharks, Tarpons, Eagle and Manta Rays.

The dive begins in 50-60ft and curves around Goat Island, there can be strong currents on the curve so it is advisable to stay close to the coral and out of the main stream. Just around the curve there are some rocks that the diver must pass though followed by some small caves where Nurse sharks like to hang out. From here the current usually helps the diver along passing over large Brain corals and passing large schools of Jacks.

As a matter of interest the house on Goat Island was once owned by Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond 007 books.

Corals! Corals! Corals!

A beautiful array of colorful, hard and soft corals is home to many types of reef fish!

Goat Island - At a Glance:

• Location: Speyside
• Depth: 65ft
• Dive time: 40 mins
• Time to site: 10 mins
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
• Drift: 0-4 kts