Scarborough, Tobago – As Tobago gears up for the busy winter and cruise ship tourist season, reef tour operators are making preparations. Recently, Michael Frank, a seasoned boat owner and operator of Frankie Tours, shared crucial insights into the upcoming months during his appearance on the “Tobago Updates Morning Show.”
Frank’s discussion highlighted the importance of proper authorization, especially in light of a recent incident at Buccoo Jetty. The incident saw police intervention and the temporary halt of operations for some vessels, underscoring the strict permits needed to operate on Tobago’s reefs and within marine protected areas.
Understanding the regulations for reef tours is vital for both operators and visitors to ensure safe and legal enjoyment of Tobago’s pristine marine environment, particularly around popular sites like the Buccoo Reef Marine Park. Operators must possess valid vessel registration, captain’s licenses, and insurance, and adhere to passenger capacity limits.
For a comprehensive breakdown of what reef tour operators can expect, the necessary permits, and details surrounding the Buccoo Jetty incident, more by Arianna Scipio.