Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Five uninhabited emerald islets ringed by the Horseshoe Reef — no roads, no resorts, just some of the Caribbean's clearest water and a beach full of wild sea turtles waiting to meet you.
Five uninhabited emerald islets ringed by the Horseshoe Reef — no roads, no resorts, just some of the Caribbean's clearest water and a beach full of wild sea turtles waiting to meet you.
There is no pier — your ship anchors in the turquoise lagoon and tenders you directly to the sand.
💡 Pro move: Only small ships (<400 passengers) are permitted to anchor. If you're on a large ship calling at Bequia or Union Island, a catamaran excursion can bring you here for the day.
No piers exist — all cruise visitors arrive by tender from ships anchored in the lagoon.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Windstar, SeaDream, Star Clippers, Silversea, Seabourn, Ponant, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Anchor west of Petit Rameau📍 | Tendered |
| Expedition ships & sailing vessels | Designated anchorage zone, open lagoon📍 | Tendered |
The Tobago Cays are the excursion — snorkeling the Horseshoe Reef, drifting with sea turtles, and exploring uninhabited islands are the activities.
The shallows off Baradal Cay are one of the Caribbean's most reliable spots to swim freely alongside wild green and hawksbill sea turtles. No feeding or touching — just incredible proximity to these protected animals.
Find turtle snorkel tours →This 4km barrier reef shelters the cays from the Atlantic. Snorkel the inner edge directly off the beach to find nurse sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, parrotfish, and vibrant soft coral formations.
Find reef snorkel tours →A short, slightly steep trail climbs to the top of Petit Bateau for a 360-degree panorama of the Horseshoe Reef, all five cays, and neighboring Grenadine islands. One of the best views in the Eastern Caribbean.
Find island hiking tours →Walk inland through Baradal's dry forest to spot dozens of large, brilliantly colored iguanas basking in the trees. Completely free and unscripted — a wildlife encounter that surprises most visitors.
Explore Baradal Island →This narrow sand-spit beyond the Horseshoe Reef is where Captain Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann were marooned in the first Pirates of the Caribbean film. Reach it by ship excursion or hired water taxi.
Find Petit Tabac excursions →Local boat boys set up open-air BBQs on Petit Bateau and Petit Rameau, grilling fresh spiny lobster (in season, Sept–Apr), red snapper, and conch served with rice and peas, local beer, and rum punch.
Ask your cruise director for beach BBQ →The cays are tiny uninhabited islands — distances are measured in minutes, not kilometers.
From the tender landing on Baradal, walk along the beach to the turtle sanctuary buoys, then follow the marked path inland through dry scrub to spot iguanas in the trees. The whole loop is under 1km.
📍 Open in MapsLand on Petit Bateau's leeward beach, then take the dirt path to the island's high point for panoramic views of the Horseshoe Reef and surrounding cays. Return the same way.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 0 | 6:31 AM | 5:58 PM |
| Feb | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 0 | 6:27 AM | 6:11 PM |
| Mar | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 0 | 6:12 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Apr | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 1 | 5:53 AM | 6:17 PM |
| May | 81°F / 27°C | 79°F / 26°C | 0 | 5:40 AM | 6:23 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 1 | 5:40 AM | 6:31 PM |
| Jul | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 1 | 5:47 AM | 6:35 PM |
| Aug | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 2 | 5:53 AM | 6:25 PM |
| Sep | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 1 | 5:54 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 80°F / 27°C | 1 | 5:55 AM | 5:46 PM |
| Nov | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 1 | 6:03 AM | 5:36 PM |
| Dec | 81°F / 27°C | 79°F / 26°C | 0 | 6:19 AM | 5:42 PM |
Source: Meteostat (10-yr monthly averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Cruise ships anchor in the lagoon and ferry passengers to shore via ship tender boats. No pier exists — this is the only way ashore.
Shared water taxis run from nearby Union Island and Mayreau to the Cays. A useful option for independent travelers or extended island-hopping.
Private speedboat or sailboat charters from Union Island offer flexible itineraries. Costs depend on boat size and group; typically include snorkel gear and park fees.
All visitors must pay a marine park entrance fee on arrival at the Cays. Some organized day tours include this fee in the total price; confirm when booking.
Upcoming cruises that call at Tobago Cays, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.