The Nylon Pool: Is the Fountain of Youth in Tobago?

Explorers and Hollywood stars alike have been searching for the fountain of youth since the beginning of time.

Little did they know that it’s been off the coast of the Caribbean island of Tobago all along.  And it’s named after a pair of stockings.

In reality, the Nylon Pool is neither nylon or a pool.  It’s where an offshore sandbar forms a metre-deep wading area in the middle of the ocean, with water so crystal clear that when the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, visited, she likened it to the transparency of nylon.

The real story is that bathing in these waters is said to grant you everlasting youth. Plus a few other benefits (read on to find out).

How To Get to the Nylon Pool:

Pigeon Point, Tobago

Glass-bottom boat tours to the Buccoo Reef and the Nylon Pool depart from Pigeon Point and Store Bay, on the southwestern coast of Tobago, twice daily (usually 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.).  You can easily find tour ticket sellers at either beach – – they’re actively trying to sell the tickets.  It’s a good idea to check out the boat before you buy.  The boats vary in size, some with upper decks, and in the level of party atmosphere.  Also, you may want to ask whether the snorkeling gear is provided if you don’t have your own.  

The cost is generally around $170 TT or about $25 U.S. based on current exchange rates (updated 2019).  I bought my tickets at the beach at Store Bay for a 2.5 hour tour on “Cool Runnings“.  

You can also book tours tours online that include transportation to and from your hotel, as well as combine the Nylon Pool cruise with a Tobago sightseeing tour.

What to take:

You should wear your swim suit for the tour, with a coverup or under your clothes.  Keep in mind that, depending upon the boat, you may be sitting on wooden benches during the tour.

You’ll also need a beach towel, sunglasses and a good supply of sunscreen.  If you have your own snorkeling gear, you may want to bring that along as well.

The Buccoo Reef

Photo by Adrian Milliner, Flickr

The first stop on the tour, the Buccoo Reef, was called the third most spectacular reef in the world by French explorer Jacques Cousteau.  The massive reef is known for its colourful aquatic life and 40 species of coral.  The reef was declared a marine protected area in 1973.

Sadly, the reef has been badly damaged due to carelessly placed boat anchors and people walking on the reef, which is no longer allowed.  But you can still see the coral and some marine life at the reef.

The day I visited, the water at the reef was quite choppy, and it was difficult to see much through the glass-bottomed boat.

Due to the rough seas, the crew suggested that we skip the snorkeling and spend more time at the Nylon Pool instead.  The passengers agreed to move on.  After all, we weren’t getting any younger…yet.

The Legend of the Nylon Pool

Life would be infinitely happier of we could be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18.  -Mark Twain

Partially surrounded by the reef, the shallow water at the Nylon Pool was relatively calm, warm and a beautifully transparent shade of aquamarine. 

As the boat was anchored, our guide explained the legendary benefits of bathing in these serene waters: 

For women “of a certain age”, it’s said to reverse aging by 10 years.

For men, the water is reported to promote “male enhancement”.

For young couples, the story is that if they kiss in the waters of the Nylon Pool, their love will last a life time .

Does it work?

No doubt, there’s a rejuvenating quality to the experience.  It’s an incredible feeling, standing in the middle of the ocean in the soothing water, with your feet sinking into the soft, coral sand.  Coral sand works well as a natural exfoliant, and contains high levels of minerals and anti-oxidants.  It’s an automatic pedicure, and if you rub the sand on the rest of your skin, you’ll surely walk away with a youthful glow. 

I asked my Trinidadian friend to report on the “man benefits”.  He laughed and, as if in a Seinfeld episode, noted that, at least while you’re in the water, it tends to have the opposite effect.

No Man’s Land in Tobago & Magic

The tour makes a final stop for refreshments at a sun-drenched spit of white-coral sand known as “No Man’s Land”.  

A local magician entertained us on the way back and he was really quite good. 

That’s the thing about illusions and myths.  You simply have to suspend your disbelief for a moment and let the magic happen.

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.  –Sophia Loren

Where to stay in Tobago:

Crown Point Beach Hotel

I stayed at the Crown Point Beach Hotel in Store Bay, one of the places where you can catch the tour boat to the Nylon Pool.  It’s a standard three-star hotel, so it’s not fancy, but it is clean and comfortable.  The rooms have small kitchenettes so you can save on food and keep your beverages chilled.  This hotel is right across the street from the Tobago airport and it’s within walking distance of Pigeon Point, but the biggest advantage is that you have this beach and view right outside your door.  It’s a fabulous place to relax.

Check prices and availability at the Crown Point Beach Hotel in Tobago

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