1 – Cove ***
Also known as Cove Slope or Deep Cove, this is an advanced dive site where a rich and healthy coral reef slopes from its crest at 26ft (8m) down to 80ft (25m). Sweeping Atlantic currents carry divers along the sloping profile of Cove where nurse sharks, large green moray and turtles hide. Although known for its large shoals of reef fish you may also see oceanic species such as Atlantic spadefish, palometa and oceanic trigger fish. Or even the occasional manta attracted by the nutrient rich currents.
2 – Cove Crack ***
An acute rock ledge lying behind the reef crest of Cove. The ledge runs perpendicular to prevailing currents and provides a shelter for divers where they can investigate the many overhangs and crevices. A beautiful dive site not only due to its attraction for pelagic species, but its form and topography alone make it well worth diving. When conditions allow, this is one of the best sites in Tobago waters but sadly it is not always possible to dive it.
3 – Majeston
Nurse sharks and sting rays can be regularly seen chilling out on this reef, but it is best known as a lobster breeding area. Prolific amount and variety of marine life, from sponges and corals to macro marine species and large rays and sharks.
4 – Divers Dream & The Shallows
Located off the southern tip of the island, and almost inter-connected, strong tidal currents can make these aptly-named sites difficult to dive. Conditions must be exactly right if either are to be attempted. Eagle rays are regularly seen and black tip sharks are not uncommon. Tiger sharks are sometimes seen. Nurse sharks and turtles find the ledges on the site a perfect hiding place. The site is probably best known for thousands of giant barrel sponges which have been misshapen by the currents. Some are over 2m in width.
5 - Divers Thirst
This is a continuation of Divers Dream and a little closer to shore. The current is a little less forceful here. As at Divers Dream, the main feature is the thousands of huge distorted barrel sponges. It is unusual to dive here and not see nurse sharks, while blacktip reef sharks are regular visitors. Visibility is around 15-25m, but can drop to zero when the Orinoco River is in flood.
6 – Flying Reef ***
This is a long sloping reef that lies off the Atlantic coast and runs parallel to the airport. It has a maximum depth of 50ft (15m) with the reef crest rising to 20ft (6m). There are three main drop points onto the reef allowing divers to repeat the dive several times without going over old ground. Depending on currents, this can be a slow easy dive or a fast drift where nurse sharks, rays and barracuda are common sightings. Black tip reef sharks and eagle rays are frequently spotted too. The reef also features a 200 year old anchor.
7 – Stingray Alley (Flying Reef Extension) ***
Slightly deeper and further down current from Flying Reef, Stingray Alley is also known as Flying Reef Extension. The reef slope is home to scorpion fish, morays and turtles. Large barracuda are often seen patrolling the edges. The same currents that carry divers along the profile bring nutrients and planktons and these attract stingrays up to 6ft (2m) wingspan which are often seen, buried in the sand at 56ft (17m).
8 – Kariwak ***
Kariwak is the classic Caribbean fringing reef. It can be dived from the beach at Store Bay to a maximum depth of 30ft (9m), or from a boat on the outer reef edge to 50ft (15m). Common inhabitants include many varieties of reef fish, moray eels, lobsters and often such marine species as squid, octopus and seahorses. Turtles and rays are also frequently seen. As a night dive, Kariwak is one of the best in the world as it hosts a prolific array of nocturnal marine life.
9 - The Rock
Located off the west of Cable Beach and near Ketchup Reef, this is an easy patch reef site with no redeeming features, so is seldom used.
10 – Ketchup Reef
A small fringing reef skirting the northern part of Milford Bay and named after a cargo ship full of – you guessed it – ketchup, which was wrecked here. No trace of the wreck remains. The reef has a maximum depth of 10-12m and features abundant reef life. It is a popular night dive.