Tobago Cays
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The Tobago Cays are a group of small, uninhabited islands protected from the sea by Horseshoe Reef. The water and reef colors are a kaleidoscope of gold, brown, blue, turquoise, and green. Small beaches of white sand blend into luminous, 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 sometimes strong.
The best approach is between Mayreau and Baleine Rocks, staying south of One Fathom Bank. Black-and-white day markers help you get the approach right. Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau look like one island for most of the approach. Don’t cut corners, lest you land on a coral head.
You can anchor just west of Petit Rameau, in the cut between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau, to the north or south of Baradel, or between Baradel and the other islands. Anchoring at Petit Tabac is not allowed. If you would like to visit, beach the dinghy. Shallow-draft yachts can anchor to the east of Baradel. Moorings are available in the Cays but are neither compulsory nor always reliable, so check. They mainly surround the turtle-watching area. Do not anchor between the moorings and the turtle-watching area, on reef or seagrass, or at Petit Tabac.
There are strong currents in the cut anchorage, so using a mooring is recommended.
When heading south from the Cays, it is safest to pass round the lee of Mayreau, though the Cays do have a southern channel (South Exit) that is okay for the experienced when the light is good. Avoid using this southern route as an entrance, as it is hard to find and many charter yachts have gone aground in the attempt.
The below fees are in EC $ and take effect on January 1st, 2023. The TCMP online payment system is up and running at tobagocays.org. Mooring and anchoring fees are the same at $60 EC a night. Fees are collected by park rangers daily, or you can pay online.
