Things to Do in Tobago Cays

Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - Complete Travel Guide

The Tobago Cays are a pristine collection of five small uninhabited islands in the southern Grenadines, part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This marine park is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and powdery white sand beaches that create one of the Caribbean's most spectacular sailing and snorkeling destinations. The horseshoe reef that surrounds the cays provides protection and creates a natural aquarium teeming with tropical marine life. Accessible only by boat, the Tobago Cays offer an exclusive paradise experience where visitors can swim alongside sea turtles, explore pristine coral gardens, and enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The area is carefully protected as part of the Tobago Cays Marine Park, ensuring the preservation of its delicate ecosystem while allowing visitors to experience this natural wonder in its unspoiled state.

Top Things to Do in Tobago Cays

Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

The Tobago Cays are famous for their resident population of hawksbill and green sea turtles that can be easily spotted in the shallow, clear waters. The protected marine environment provides excellent visibility, often exceeding 100 feet, making it perfect for observing these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The experience of swimming alongside these magnificent animals in such pristine waters is truly unforgettable.

Booking Tip: Most day tours from Union Island or Mayreau include snorkeling equipment and guides. Tours typically cost $80-150 per person and include lunch. Book with operators who emphasize marine conservation and provide proper briefings about turtle interaction guidelines.

Sailing and Catamaran Excursions

The Tobago Cays are a premier sailing destination, with steady trade winds and protected waters making them ideal for both experienced sailors and beginners. Full-day catamaran excursions offer the perfect way to island-hop between the different cays, enjoying multiple snorkeling spots and pristine beaches. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure as you sail through some of the most beautiful waters in the Caribbean.

Booking Tip: Day sailing trips from Union Island or St. Vincent cost $100-200 per person including lunch and drinks. Private charters start around $800-1200 for full day. Book during dry season (December-May) for best conditions and confirm what's included in the package.

Beach Hopping and Relaxation

Each of the five cays offers pristine white sand beaches with their own unique character, from the expansive shores of Baradal to the intimate coves of Petit Rameau. The beaches are completely undeveloped, offering a true desert island experience where you can have entire stretches of paradise to yourself. The soft sand and calm, warm waters create perfect conditions for swimming and sunbathing.

Booking Tip: Access is only by boat tour or private charter. Day trips typically include stops at 2-3 different cays. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water, and snacks as there are no facilities. Tours cost $80-150 per person from nearby islands.

Coral Reef Exploration

The horseshoe reef surrounding the Tobago Cays is one of the Caribbean's most pristine coral ecosystems, home to an incredible diversity of tropical fish, rays, and other marine life. The protected status of the marine park has allowed the reefs to flourish, creating underwater gardens of staghorn coral, brain coral, and colorful sponges. Snorkelers and divers can explore multiple reef sites, each offering different marine encounters.

Booking Tip: Guided snorkel tours provide the best reef access and marine life spotting. Tours cost $90-160 per person including equipment and guides. Choose operators certified by the marine park authority and who follow sustainable tourism practices.

Photography and Wildlife Watching

The Tobago Cays offer exceptional opportunities for marine and landscape photography, with crystal-clear waters providing perfect conditions for underwater shots and dramatic aerial perspectives. Beyond sea turtles, the area is home to stingrays, nurse sharks, and hundreds of tropical fish species. The uninhabited islands also attract various seabirds, making it a complete wildlife watching destination.

Booking Tip: Bring underwater cameras or rent waterproof cases locally. Best photography conditions are mid-morning to early afternoon when light penetration is optimal. Some tour operators offer photography-focused excursions for $120-180 per person with extended snorkel time.

Getting There

The Tobago Cays are accessible only by boat, with most visitors arriving via day tours or private charters from Union Island, Mayreau, or Canouan. Union Island has a small airport with flights from Barbados and St. Vincent, making it the most common departure point. Alternatively, visitors can fly into St. Vincent's main airport and take a domestic flight or ferry to the southern Grenadines, then join boat excursions to the cays.

Getting Around

As uninhabited islands accessible only by water, transportation within the Tobago Cays is limited to swimming, walking along beaches, and boat transfers between the different cays. Most visitors explore via organized boat tours that include stops at multiple locations, or through private yacht charters that allow flexible island hopping. The compact size of the area makes it easy to explore multiple cays in a single day.

Where to Stay

Union Island (closest accommodations)

Mayreau Island

Canouan Island

Palm Island Resort

Petit St. Vincent Resort

Live-aboard sailing charters

Food & Dining

The Tobago Cays themselves have no restaurants or facilities, so all meals are typically included in day tour packages or prepared aboard private boats. Most excursions feature beach barbecues with fresh-caught fish, local specialties, and tropical fruits. For dining options, visitors stay on nearby islands like Union Island, which offers local Caribbean restaurants, beach bars, and resort dining. Mayreau and Canouan also provide restaurant options for those island-hopping in the area.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Tobago Cays is during the dry season from December to May, when you'll find calm seas, clear skies, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving. Trade winds during this period provide comfortable temperatures and ideal sailing conditions. While the area can be visited year-round, the hurricane season (June to November) may bring rougher seas and occasional storms, though the southern Grenadines are generally less affected by hurricanes than northern Caribbean islands.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations on Union Island or Mayreau well in advance, especially during peak season, as options are limited and popular with sailors and day-trippers.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching or standing on coral - the marine park has strict conservation rules that help preserve this pristine ecosystem.

Consider staying multiple days in the southern Grenadines to fully explore the area, as day trips can feel rushed given the travel time from larger islands.