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Dive Review of Manta Lodge/Tobago Dive Experience in
Trinidad and Tobago/Speyside

Manta Lodge/Tobago Dive Experience, Apr, 2014,

by Eric Schindler, AZ, US (Contributor Contributor 16 reports with 19 Helpful votes). Report 7582 has 1 Helpful vote.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 3 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 3 stars Environmental Sensitivity 4 stars
Dive Operation 3 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 2 stars
Advanced 3 stars
Comments Diving in Tobago doesn't fit into any of the usual patterns of a Caribbean land based operation. We were there over busy Easter period and had less than six divers on each dive. Sean Robinson, owner of the dive shop and the Manta Lodge is a legend in the sport, and a well known figure/character? in the town. Posted times for dives...and meals are just suggestions and none of the usual regimented structure of dive trips occurs. You learn to relax and take the day as it evolves. Food and lodging are fine - this is a Caribbean dive vacation how it used to be - clean bed, aging lodge, honor system bar for beers and perfect for land based diving of 3-5 days.
So, how is the diving in this neck of the woods? Reefs are in unusually good shape for the Caribbean, and there is still color and fish to some degree. Prepare for currents (drift diving is the norm), surge, swells and excellent visibility (over 100 feet except for one dive close to shore when dropped to 30). We never were able to get to the more advanced, signature, farther offshore sites due to ocean conditions, but this is not uncommon; conditions are said to be calmer in summer. Our dive master had been there three years and only caught a glimpse of hammerheads once, to give you perspective.
Speyside is at the end of the island and I recommend renting a car to give you freedom to explore the island in the afternoons. Best restaurant is Jemma's Tree House - don't miss it!. We checked out Blue Waters for a drink, and ate at Frank's Bird Watch café as well, but food at Manta Lodge was where we ate most of our meals. We spent the last day exploring Trinidad and recommend Asa Wright Nature Center

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Palau, Indonesia, Maldives, Various Caribbean, Mexico, etc
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy, rainy, cloudy, dry Seas choppy, surge, currents
Water Temp 77-80°F / 25-27°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 30-120 Ft/ 9-37 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Dive safe, smart, and within limits. Guide will ascend with you when you are ready
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? no

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 3 stars Tropical Fish 3 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter N/A Boat Facilities N/A
Overall rating for UWP's N/A Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments We are not photographers. Dive boat is reasonably spacious, and no dedicated camera space, but able to handle a couple of cameras/equipment without problem
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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