Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool Boat Tour — Snorkel Buccoo Reef and Swim in the Nylon Pool
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; basic swimming ability recommended for snorkeling sections
Overview
Hop a licensed Boston Whaler from Buccoo Jetty for a three‑hour private tour that snorkels Buccoo Reef, lets you wade in the famous Nylon Pool, and rounds Pigeon Point’s No Man’s Land. Small groups, clear water, and close coral encounters make this a must for Tobago visitors.
Buccoo Reef & Nylon Pool Boat Tour — Snorkel Buccoo Reef and Swim in the Nylon Pool
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You push off from Buccoo Jetty on a compact Boston Whaler, the engine a steady heartbeat beneath your feet as the island falls away behind you. Sunlight polishes the Caribbean into a sheet of glass and, in minutes, the boat ghosts over shallow, emerald water where coral gardens fan out like secret cities. The captain eases the throttle: your first stop is Buccoo Reef, a living framework of coral ridges where parrotfish pick at the edges and schools of colored dartfish twist through channels.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Use biodegradable sunscreen and apply 15–20 minutes before getting on the boat to protect coral and your skin.
Wear reef shoes
The sandbars and reef edges are sharp and slippery — lightweight reef shoes protect feet when entering/exiting the water.
Go early for calmer seas
Morning departures usually offer the clearest water for snorkeling and fewer boats at the Nylon Pool.
Listen to the guide on anchoring
Follow instructions to avoid stepping on coral and to keep gear out of the water when not swimming to reduce reef damage.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Parrotfish
- Brown‑booby or frigatebirds gliding above the reef
History
Princess Margaret’s visit in the 1960s popularized the name "Nylon Pool" after she likened the shallow white sand to nylon fabric.
Conservation
Buccoo Reef faces pressures from warming waters and boat traffic; opt for operators who use moorings and brief guests on reef etiquette.
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Adventure Hotspots in Scarborough
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the coral — essential for all visits.
Snorkel mask (optional)
The tour supplies snorkel gear, but a well‑fitting personal mask improves visibility and comfort.
Reef shoes
Protects feet on sandbars and rocky edges when boarding or wading.
Light rashguard or windbreaker
Provides sun protection and warmth if the sea breeze picks up.