Locations in the Tobago Cays : Baradel - Egg Reefs - Horseshoe Reef - Jack Sparrow island - Jamesby Beach - Petit Bateau - Petit Rameau - Petit Tabac - Sail Rock - Worlds End Reef - Pictures of the Tobago Cays You can start a slideshow directly here :Picture slideshow of the Tobago Cays Read here about the Boat Vendors in the Tobago Cays

 

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.

The five cays are uninhabited and is a National Park protected by the government in an effort to ensure that the Tobago Cays continue to offer an unrivaled marine experience in its spectacularly clear turquoise waters and shallow reefs.

The Tobago Cays are serviced by local dive operators on the nearby islands and most of the shops provide PADI and/or NAUI instruction, certification, check-out dives and resort courses for the new diver.

Some local dive shops can even arrange to pick up and deliver sailors back to their yachts.

For the more experienced diver, sailboat and motor boat rentals are available for charter.

Approaching the Tobago Cays

There are two approaches to Tobago Cays, one from the north tip of Mayreau to the west, and from the south tip of Mayreau to the southwest.

I do not recommend entering by the southwest approach unless you are very familiar with the location of the three reefs that form a dangerous chicane. The safest approach, and the one recommended by most doctors, is the one from the west. Simply motor about one quarter mile off the north tip of Mayreau, then head towards what appears to be one island (it’s actually two, Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau) at approximately 143 degrees. A small cruise ship is often anchored off Petit Rameau, so that will help guide you. The charts show two range markers on the island, however you have to be practically aground before you see them. Total travel time from Mayreau is about 45 minutes, and you will most likely be motoring, as the wind is usually right on the nose.

As you get closer, the water will turn from dark blue to aquamarine, then almost teal. Have a look over the side, as you will be able to see bottom clearly in about 25 feet of water. It’s spectacular, but quite unnerving at first when you incorrectly believe that you are going to run aground.

When you arrive at the cut between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau, you will have to slip through the gauntlet set up by the Boat Vendors. They hover here during the day, out of the wind and current, waiting for the “catch of the day” – you! They will follow you in and offer to guide you through the anchoring process, generally getting in the way. Ignore them, stay focused, and concentrate on making the perfect drop. If you screw up, they will step in to help, expecting a big tip of course. Talk about pressure!



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 currently, debate rages between those who envisage a "Disneylike" park with welcome centers, a dock, buildings, and moorings, and those who love it just as it is.

You can start a slideshow directly here :Picture slideshow of the Tobago Cays

Based on the Tobago Cays article in Chris Doyle's guide for the Caribbean on Doyle guides

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.

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 currently, debate rages between those who envisage a "Disneylike" park with welcome centers, a dock, buildings, and moorings, and those who love it just as it is.

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.

Do not give your garbage to youths for a fee ~ despite protestations to the contrary, they have been dumping it on the windward side of Baradel.

If you have a beach barbecue, make sure you remove all your debris, including the charcoal.

If you use a local to do a barbecue for you, return the next morning to make sure it has been cleaned up properly.

The record of these barbecue vendors to date has been poor, with the apres barbecue beach sometimes looking like a tip.

Horseshoe Reef

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.

Petit Tabac

Anchoring near Petit Tabac is on sand bottom only. This is strictly eyeball navigation and for calm weather only. Even so, it is small and rolly.

Yachts should not anchor on the outer reefs such as World’s End and Egg Reefs, nor should they anchor among any of the reefs between Petit Rameau and Mayreau, except in the anchorage we show directly east of Mayreau.

These areas are ecologically sensitive.

Petit Rameau

Worlds End

Egg Reefs

Beach Vendors

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. Avoid those offering barbecue fish lunches ~ they have been taking the fish from the reef.