I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the snorkeling in Tobago. I am not a very strong swimmer and want to be able to snorkel somewhere safe. Also is it necessary to take a boat tour to go snorkeling or can you just go from shore. Thanks.

Just FYI you can snorkel with a lifevest on. You won't be able to dive down but you can swim along the surface just fine.<BR><BR Liz

Hi Debby,<BR><BR>Can't tell you about snorkeling in Tobago, but just wanted to reassure you that the above poster is correct - wear a life vest and you'll do fine. I am a HORRIBLE swimmer (I sink like a stone!) and I had the BEST time snorkeling off Puerto Morales (north of Playa Del Carmen). It was so much fun. Relax and enjoy yourself!

Debby: I've snorkeled in some of the best places (Fiji, Cozumel, Cayman) and Tobago is one of my favorites. It was a great combination of great fish AND coral. We snorkeled in many different spots over the week we were there and always snorkeled from the shore. I saw beautiful fish, turtles, moray eels and great coral. You'll love it. We very much did the "local" thing and tried to stay away from the touristy areas and attractions and had a wonderful time. The Atlantic side is very rough, but beautiful. We snorkeled on the Caribbean side. You'll love it!

Theres a type of vest designed specifically for snorkeling, it has the advantage of letting you adjust buoyancy by blowing air into it.Here's a picture www.discountdivers.com/fx/istvest.html<BR>A "dry" snorkel is also good esp for for weaker swimmers since it keeps water out of the tube so your less likely to choke. Cost more but worth it.

We just got back from Speyside and were disappointed that the water was so rough. It is supposed to have the best snorkeling and diving on the island but due to the Christmas Winds (Dec through Feb) there was very little visibility. We found ourselves wishing we had stayed on the other side of the island.<BR><BR>If you are not a great swimmer, another option is to wear a wet suit top. It will keep you buoyant so you don't have to worry about sinking but you won't have the bulk of a life jacket. However the water is such that you can just float on top of the water and simply kick your feet once in awhile. It really doesn't require too much effort as long as you are in a sheltered spot without too many waves.<BR><BR>Good luck!<BR>Joni<BR>

Hello,<BR><BR>How expensive are these island? What recommendations are there for a place to stay? How are the beaches? Are there many or just one long one? Would it be worth going from Ohio for a week? Any information would be great!! <BR><BR>Thank you,<BR>Miriam<BR>