Weather in Tobago Cays

The Tobago Cays are five uninhabited islets set inside a horseshoe reef, protected as a marine park and reachable only by boat — there's no airport, no hotels, nothing but turquoise shallows, sea turtles grazing in the seagrass, and yachts anchored against a backdrop of nothing but sky and water. Most visitors come as part of a sailing trip or day excursion from Union Island or Bequia, and it remains one of the most untouched anchorages in the Caribbean.

Best areas to stay in Tobago Cays

Baradal

The cay most associated with turtle snorkelling, where green turtles regularly feed close to the shallows.

Petit Bateau

One of the larger cays, with a sandy beach popular for a short walk and swim between boat trips.

Petit Rameau

A small, scenic islet often used as an anchorage point with views across the whole horseshoe reef.

Union Island (gateway)

The nearest inhabited island, with the airstrip and harbour most Tobago Cays trips depart from.

Getting to Tobago Cays

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Flights

Fly via Barbados or St Vincent to Union Island (UNI), then join a day-trip boat or yacht charter to the Tobago Cays.

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From London

~10-11 hours from London via Barbados, plus a boat transfer of around 30-45 minutes.

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Getting around

All movement within the marine park is by boat; there are no roads or vehicles on the cays themselves.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Tobago Cays?

December to April offers the calmest seas and best visibility for snorkelling, coinciding with the dry season across the Grenadines.

How do I get to the Tobago Cays?

There's no direct access — visitors arrive by chartered yacht, day-trip boat from Union Island, or as part of a multi-island sailing itinerary through the Grenadines.

Can I snorkel with turtles there?

Yes — the seagrass beds around the cays are a feeding ground for green turtles, and snorkelling with them is one of the main draws of a visit.

Is there anywhere to stay in the Tobago Cays?

No accommodation exists on the cays themselves; visitors stay aboard yachts or in nearby Union Island and visit on day trips.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes — a small marine park fee is collected by park rangers who patrol the anchorage by boat, supporting conservation of the reef and seagrass.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Snorkelling with turtles in the shallows here was the highlight of our entire Caribbean trip, the water was unbelievably clear. Did it as a day trip from Union Island.

Olly G. · February 2024

★★★★★

Anchored overnight on a yacht charter and watching the sun set with nothing but the cays around us was unforgettable. Completely unspoilt.

Faye R. · January 2023

★★★★☆

The boat ride out can be a bit choppy depending on conditions, but the reward of swimming in those shallow turquoise pools was more than worth it.

Marcus L. · March 2024