Turtles in the Tobago Keys

The Tobago Keys are a small group f islands surrounded by reefs that have been designated as a national marine park. Navigation through the reefs takes some concentration and it is amazing to anchor seemingly in the middle of the open sea but protected from swell and heavy seas by the reefs. The area is absolutely beautiful, almost exactly like you would like a group of uninhabited islands in the Caribbean to be. We were however, a little taken aback by the sheer number of boats anchored between the islands and the reef. This is a busy attraction.

Shortly after dropping anchor we headed in with the dingy to the beach closest to the hawksbill turtle reserve. Emma was happy to wear her swimming goggles on her head but was not yet willing to put her face in the water. Seb and I took turns snorkeling through the turtles and splashing about on the beach with the monkeys. The turtles were beautiful. I think of turtles as being somewhat slow and cumbersome but these turtles seemed to fly and dance through the water able to adjust their course or speed with a seemingly effortless tip of a fin. We spent the next couple of days exploring the islands and snorkeling in the reefs. Once away from the turtle reserve the crowds thinned out a lot and we were able to find perfect little beaches and snorkel spots for ourselves alone.