Tobago Cays - Docking

It is normally very windy here.  Doyle Guides have advised that there is no anchoring in Clifton Bay near the reef, which is part of the MPA and where the Tobago Cays Marine Park has/had about 20 moorings, but the west side of the bay is a permissible anchoring area.

Moorings:

Some 30 moorings have been laid here, strategically placed to deter yachts from dropping their anchors too close to the turtle nesting area and the coral reefs. The moorings are managed by the TCMP park rangers, who collect the fees at a rate of $60EC per night, plus $15EC Marine Park charge for each person on board.

The fixed moorings provide an excellent alternative to anchoring and are recommended to avoid the risk of anchor damage to coral reefs.

Warnings have been posted in the past about the poor maintenance of these moorings, so be sure to check for strength.

Anchoring:

Significant damages to corals caused by the anchoring of yachts in and around the Petit Tabac area of Tobago Cays has resulted in the Tobago Cays Marine Park management placing a ban on ALL anchoring in that area.  The change in permitted anchoring zones removes the small anchoring zone adjacent to the cay of Petite Tabac, which is located outside the main lagoon of the Cays, on the windward side of Horseshoe Reef.

Anchoring in sand will still be permitted in the main lagoon of Tobago Cays, with cruisers requested to avoid anchoring in seagrass, which is home to an aggregation of juvenile green sea turtles.

It is possible to anchor in the cut between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau with a bow and stern anchors, as the current is strong. Holding is good. Anchored boats still have to pay the Marine Park charge per person.

Anchoring in the park now attracts a fee equivalent to the mooring fee, so there’s no cost saving to visitors from anchoring.

Ashore:

It is possible to pay for a fish BBQ ashore (see TCMP website for the latest prices). If you do your own BBQ, be sure to dispose properly of your debris and charcoal, i.e. take it with you, as there is no garbage facility ashore here. (If local youths offer to remove your garbage for a fee avoid this temptation, as some are known to dump it without care.)

Security:

There have been thefts reported from boats here. The latest in February 2022 when an unlocked dinghy and outboard tied to the back of a boat was stolen overnight. As with everywhere in the world, if you don't want to lose it - lock it and lift it.

Last updated:  November 2024