The Tobago Cays

Lobby

The Tobago Cays are a group of small deserted islands protected from the sea by Horseshoe Reef. The water and reef colors are a kaleidoscope of gold, brown, blue, turquoise, and green. There are small sand beaches and clear water. On cloudless nights, the stars are cast across the sky like wedding confetti thrown in an excessive gesture of bonhomie. Even squalls can be dramatically beautiful as they approach from afar. The anchorage is, however, open to the full force of the ocean winds, which are occasionally strong. The water here is so beautiful you will almost certainly want to jump right in and maybe snorkel to the nearest reef. 

Tobago Cays is a national park, and for a while, debate raged between those who envisage a "Disneylike" park with welcome centers, a dock, buildings, and moorings, and those who love it just as it is. For the moment the new park authority is doing an excellent job. No building is envisaged, the islands are looking cleaner than they have in many years, the vendors drive slowly and there is great area where you can snorkel with turtles. 

Please help keep the Cays wonderful. Fishing is not allowed, nor are jet or water skis. Use the dinghy moorings; do not anchor your dinghy. 

Anchoring your yacht is permitted behind Horseshoe Reef and around the islands in sand only. Adventurous and experienced skippers could sail outside Horseshoe Reef (the approach is easiest from the south exit) and find temporary anchorage in Petit Tabac on sand bottom only. This is strictly eyeball navigation and for calm weather only. Even so, it is small and rolly. 

Local boat vendors hang out in the Cays during the season selling everything from ice, bread, and lobsters to jewelry. They are a friendly bunch and very obliging if you need them to bring you ice or bread the next day. If you want to be left alone, they will do that also. Sydney, one of them, offers a big stock of t-shirts; ask him to show you some of the Carriacou Fidel productions art t-shirts ~ each one is a painting by a local artist reproduced on a shirt. Another vendor, Mr. Fabulous, sells lobster and offers a water taxi.  An article about the Cays from the last visit I made can be found here.