Radical Sports Tobago — Attraction in Tobago

The Dottin tribe—Grandpa, Grandma, their son, daughter, and three grandchildren—embarked on their annual pilgrimage to the island paradise of Tobago, where stress is a foreign concept that never breaches its shores. The moment you step off the plane or boat, it feels as if an invisible barrier shields you from the pressures of the outside world, allowing the tranquil charm of this laidback jewel to envelop you completely. After settling into what has become our second home, the planner of the family—my daughter—swiftly laid out the schedule for the day, always ensuring that no two days are ever the same.

On our first day, we embarked on an eco-tour of Bon Accord Lagoon at 7:00 pm under the guidance of Radical Sports Tobago, beneath an overcast sky that deepened the darkness of the evening. Our family, split across three kayaks—two doubles and one single—set off on this adventure. Grandpa and Grandma shared a double with the youngest grandchild, while their daughter, with her athletic 10-year-old, paddled another double with the middle grandchild. The single kayak was expertly navigated by their son.

The lagoon is renowned for its bioluminescent plankton, which creates a breathtaking spectacle in the dark. As our kayaks glided through the water, these tiny organisms, when disturbed, emitted a soft light, causing the water to shimmer and glow. Fish darted about, their movements creating trails of light, while the dragging of our hands through the water sent ripples of luminescence around our palms and fingers. Given the dark night, accentuated by the overcast conditions and the glass-like surface of the lagoon, the vivid natural light show transformed the lagoon into an otherworldly realm of magic and wonder. The gentle, ethereal glow made the experience feel almost surreal.

Our tour guide, equipped with a headlamp (the only light allowed to avoid disturbing the environment), balanced confidently on a stand-up paddleboard as he led our group of six kayaks with a combination of knowledge, pleasant disposition, and enthusiasm. His bubbly spirit made the ominous backdrop of the night feel safe and welcoming. At one point, he even dove into the clear water, showing us various sea creatures, including a sea cucumber with its leathery skin, that looked menacing but, as he assured us, were harmless. We encountered a stingray, which he confidently convinced us posed no danger.

The tour was an adventure filled with beauty and discovery, with the added bonus of a solid upper body and abs workout for those looking to test the speed of their kayak. For anyone who hasn't yet visited the Lagoon, it's an experience well worth the trip. Tobago, with its serene beauty and magical moments, never fails to captivate and...

Our group signed up for the BioLuminescence Tour through Radical sports. You have a choice of kayak or SUP. It was priced at 400 TTD and our tour guide was Brett, one of the owners. He was an amazing guide, his energy and enthusiasm got the whole group going. Its an easy paddle in the lagoon and don't let weather deter you as it changes quickly in Tobago and you are protected in the lagoon. Remember BioLuminescence is nature and somewhat unpredictable so there are many factors in how strong the effects. None the less, Brett is so knowledgeable it's like having a naturalist along for the tour. On the night we went the BioLuminescence was not super bright or active but we were able to see it amongst the mangroves and throughout the paddle. Brett also showed us many creatures as we went so the tour was not a let down despite the minimal BioLuminescence activity. I won't spoil all the surprises but we had a lot of laughs and really enjoyed all the sealife that you don't see during the day. Finally at the mid point of the tour we got to experience really strong BioLuminescence catching it like glitter in our shirts and swimming through it like comets. Brett is a very knowledgeable person and was super accommodating to our group. We were there two nights before a national geographic film crew was coming to do a feature on the Bon Accord Lagoon. He even helped us out with a car rental securing us excellent rates. Overall the tour far exceeded our expectations and was worth every penny. I would go to Radical for any watersports rentals and know I am dealing with an honest and...

Our bioluminescent tour with Duane was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our stay in Tobago. Swimming in naturally glowing water is a magical experience—like stepping into a real-life Disney movie. That said, there are a few things to consider before booking.

We were a mixed group of adults and kids (ages 5-12), and since the tour departs from Pigeon Point, expect to paddle a total of about three miles. Some found this invigorating, others challenging, and a few outright exhausting.

Duane, our guide, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience even more enjoyable. However, there were some downsides:

• One kayak in our group was slower, and on the way back, they lagged behind and felt abandoned. The second guide, who was meant to stay at the rear, should have provided more support.

• The tour was on the expensive side.

• The group size was a little too large for my preference.

Final Thoughts:

I would absolutely do this again—the bioluminescence alone is worth it. However, if you’re looking for a less physically demanding option, there are more affordable tours that take you directly to the glowing waters without the...