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Lobby
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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.

click map to enlarge
since august 05
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