In short
- Wear your swimsuit under a light cover-up.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the Buccoo Reef corals.
- Carry TTD or USD cash for tickets, tips, and park fees.
In this article
Getting ready for a trip to the Nylon Pool requires just a few essentials. Since you will travel by glass-bottom boat and spend time swimming in the Caribbean Sea, focus on sun protection and keeping your belongings dry.
What should I wear to the Nylon Pool?
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a light cover-up for the boat ride.
Facilities on the boats and at No Man's Land are limited, so arrive ready to swim. A light t-shirt or cover-up protects your shoulders from the sun during the 15 to 20-minute boat ride. Water shoes are optional; the sandbar is soft, but you might step on occasional coral fragments.
Do I need sunscreen for the boat tour?
Yes, but you must use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem.
The Buccoo Reef Marine Park strictly requires reef-safe products. Chemical sunscreens damage the fragile corals. You will spend up to 2.5 hours on the water, so also bring sunglasses and a sun hat to block the glare from the sea.
Should I bring my own snorkeling mask?
Personal snorkeling gear is recommended, though tours usually provide shared masks.
The standard tour includes a 30 to 45-minute stop at the Buccoo Reef Coral Gardens. Most boats supply basic equipment. If you want a guaranteed comfortable fit or prefer not to use shared gear, pack your own mask.
How do I protect my phone on the boat?
Use a waterproof bag or pouch for your electronics and valuables.
You will transition between the boat and waist-deep water at the sandbar. A dry bag prevents splashing water from damaging your phone when you take photos. Bring a beach towel to dry off after swimming.
How much cash should I bring to Nylon Pool?
Bring enough cash in TTD or USD to cover tour tickets, park fees, and tips.
Tour prices generally start around $25 to $30 USD (150-175 TTD) per adult. If your boat leaves from Pigeon Point Heritage Park, you need an extra 20 TTD for the park entry fee. Carry small bills for tips and beach snacks.
Are there things I should leave behind?
Leave heavy bags, expensive jewelry, and non-reef-safe sunscreens at your hotel.
Glass-bottom boats have limited space. Bring only what fits in a small day bag. Remember that removing sand, starfish, or marine life from the pool and reef is strictly prohibited, so do not bring containers to collect souvenirs.
Questions travellers ask
Can I bring my own snacks and drinks?
Yes, you can pack beach snacks and water. Many full-day tours stop at No Man's Land, which has no permanent facilities, so you must pack out all your trash.
Are life jackets provided on the boats?
Yes, all glass-bottom boat tours provide life jackets. Non-swimmers should wear them during the reef snorkeling portion of the trip.
Is the water warm enough to swim without a wetsuit?
Yes, the water temperature averages between 26°C and 29°C (79°F - 84°F) year-round. A standard swimsuit is all you need for comfort.
