The Tobago Cays are a cluster of five small uninhabited islands — Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Jamesby, and Petit Tabac — protected within the Tobago Cays Marine Park, established in 1986. Encircled by Horseshoe Reef, the largest barrier reef in the Eastern Caribbean, this marine sanctuary is the reason most people charter in the Grenadines in the first place.
The reef creates a vast natural lagoon where the turquoise water is clear enough to read the depth from the cockpit, sheltered from the Atlantic swells. Inside the reef, depths range from 1 to 5 meters over white sand and scattered coral heads, offering some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean without needing to leave the anchorage. Sea turtles — primarily green turtles — graze on the seagrass beds around Baradal in such numbers that encounters are virtually guaranteed.
The marine park covers 53 square kilometers and is managed by a board of rangers who collect mooring fees, enforce no-anchoring zones in turtle habitat, and maintain the moorings that protect the reef from anchor damage. The result is one of the best-preserved reef ecosystems in the Lesser Antilles.
The most common approach to the Tobago Cays is from Union Island, just 4 nautical miles to the south. Clifton Harbour on Union Island has a well-stocked marina, customs and immigration facilities, and several provisioning shops. From Clifton, a morning sail brings you to the Cays in under two hours, passing the dramatic silhouette of the privately owned Petit St. Vincent.
An overnight stop at Chatham Bay on the west coast of Union Island or at Petit St. Vincent is a popular way to break the journey if arriving from the south. The anchorage at Chatham Bay is deep and well-protected, with a beautiful crescent beach and a beach bar serving fresh lobster.
For a full week-long Grenadines cruise, the classic itinerary runs: Bequia — Mustique — Canouan — Mayreau — Tobago Cays — Union Island, covering roughly 60 nautical miles over 7 days with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring ashore. A stop at Basil's Bar on Mustique — the legendary beach bar frequented by rock stars and royalty — is practically mandatory.
Inside the Cays, pick up a mooring ball on the western side of Petit Bateau or Petit Rameau. The moorings are well-maintained and rated for boats up to 60 feet. Stern anchoring to the beach is permitted at Petit Rameau's western shore for dinghies and small craft only.
Horseshoe Reef is the main snorkeling attraction — a sweeping arc of coral that stretches for over 2 kilometers, teeming with reef fish, brain corals, sea fans, and sponges. The reef wall drops from knee-deep shallows to 3–4 meters on the outer edge, making it accessible to snorkelers of all abilities while still offering enough depth for interesting exploration.
The seagrass beds off Baradal island are the primary turtle habitat. Green turtles feed here in groups of 10 to 20, and they are remarkably tolerant of snorkelers who approach calmly. The park rangers ask visitors to maintain a 2-meter distance and avoid touching the animals. Hawksbill turtles are also occasionally sighted on the reef itself.
Petit Tabac, the southernmost island in the group, gained fame as a filming location for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The reef around Petit Tabac is home to nurse sharks that rest in the shallows during the day, along with spotted eagle rays, southern stingrays, and schools of blue tang and sergeant majors. The island itself is a perfect Robinson Crusoe–style sandbar fringed with palm trees.
Moorings inside the Tobago Cays Marine Park are managed by park rangers who patrol daily in small boats. The mooring fee is $10 EC (approximately $4 USD) per night, payable in cash to the rangers. No anchoring is permitted in designated turtle protection zones, which are clearly marked with buoys around Baradal.
Local boat boys regularly visit the anchorage selling fresh lobster, lambi (conch), and tropical fruit — bargaining is expected and part of the deal. Prices are fair and the seafood is as fresh as it gets. Some boat boys also offer barbecue services on the beach.
Fresh water is extremely limited on the Cays — there are no natural sources and no shore facilities. Provision fully from Union Island before sailing over. The Grenadines Marine Fuel station in Clifton sells diesel and gasoline, and the small supermarkets stock basics including ice, rum, and canned goods. For more extensive provisioning, stock up in St. Vincent or Barbados before heading south.
The park operates on VHF Channel 68. Rangers can advise on mooring availability and weather conditions. The best time to visit is December through May, when trade winds are steady at 15–20 knots, seas are moderate, and rainfall is minimal. June through November is quieter but wetter, with occasional squalls.
**Q: Do I need to pay to enter Tobago Cays?**
Yes. The Tobago Cays Marine Park charges a mooring fee of $10 EC (approximately $4 USD) per night. Park rangers patrol the anchorage daily in small boats and collect the fee in cash. The funds go directly toward reef conservation, mooring maintenance, and turtle protection programs within the park.
**Q: Can I anchor in the Tobago Cays?**
Anchoring is only permitted in designated zones within the marine park. No anchoring is allowed in turtle protection areas around Baradal, which are clearly marked with buoys. Mooring balls are provided on the western side of Petit Bateau and Petit Rameau and are well-maintained for vessels up to 60 feet. Using the moorings protects the fragile reef from anchor damage.
**Q: Where do I provision before visiting Tobago Cays?**
Provision on Union Island before sailing to the Cays. Clifton Harbour has small supermarkets stocking basics including ice, rum, and canned goods, plus a marine fuel station selling diesel and gasoline. For more extensive provisioning, stock up in St. Vincent or Barbados before heading south. Once at the Cays, local boat boys visit the anchorage selling fresh lobster, conch, and tropical fruit at reasonable prices.
**Q: Is snorkeling gear needed at Tobago Cays?**
Yes — bring your own snorkeling gear. Rental options are very limited in the Tobago Cays area, and there are no dive shops or equipment rental facilities on the uninhabited islands. Horseshoe Reef and the turtle seagrass beds off Baradal offer some of the finest snorkeling in the Caribbean, so having your own well-fitting mask, snorkel, and fins is essential to make the most of your visit.
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