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Tobago Cays

Travel Guide Caribbean Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tobago Cays

Introduction

Tobago Cays Beach

Even amongst the consummate natural beauty in the Caribbean, the Tobago Cays, part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, stand out for the exceptional character of their surroundings. An archipelago of five small uninhabited islands surrounded by a shallow water marine lagoon, the entire area is protected from the open Atlantic by a nearly 4 kilometre-long horseshoe reef. The protection of the reef creates an excellent anchorage, attracting as many as 3,000 yachts each year.

The Tobago Cays are the centerpiece of the recently-established Tobago Cays Marine Park.

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Cost

Fees for the Tobago Cays Marine Park are collected by park staff in a small skiff. The fee for private visitors is $10 per person. Moorings are available for $45/ day. See the Park Fee schedule for more details.

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Weather

The Tobago Cays have a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28 °C and 30 °C and average nights around 23 °C. Most rain falls between June and October with a chance of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weatherwise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budgetwise these latter months may be a good option as well.

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Sights and Activities

Excellent snorkeling can be found along the horseshoe reef and in the Baradal Turtle Sanctuary, where sightings of sea turtles are common.
Scuba diving is possible on the ocean side of Horseshoe reef and at the wreck of the Purunia, a British warship from WWI.
Hiking on the uninhabited islands
Lobster Barbecues can be arranged by the local boat boys.

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Getting There

By Boat

The Tobago Cays are accessible only by boat. Many visitors arrive by cruise ship or private yacht. Day trips and water taxis are available from nearby Union Island and several area resorts.

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Getting Around

The only way to get around the islands is by foot. Boat is the only way to get around between the 5 small islands.

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Eat

Boat Boys can provide freshly-baked bread and groceries from Union Island, or fresh seafood. Just make sure that any seafood you purchase was caught outside the Marine Park.

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