Tobago Cays — Horseshoe Reef
Tobago Cays Marine Park · Horseshoe Reef mooring
12°38.22'N 61°21.72'W
Depth
4–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m on a park mooring or anchored on sand in 4–8m inside Horseshoe Reef. The reef takes the sea and none of the wind: the boat lies to 15–25 kt of trade wind all night, so it sits on the downwind rim of the circle — size the radius for rode plus boat plus one length, no more. The moorings are neither compulsory nor infallible; look at the one you pick up. Strong current through the cut between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau — take a mooring there or lie to two anchors.
About This Anchorage
The Tobago Cays is the crown jewel of the Grenadines — five small, uninhabited coral islands (Petit Tabac, Baradal, Jamesby, Petit Rameau, and Petit Bateau) enclosed within the crescent of the Horseshoe Reef, creating what is arguably the most spectacular anchorage in the Caribbean. The reef provides extraordinary all-round shelter — even in strong NE trades, the mooring field inside the reef sits in flat, crystal-clear water over brilliant white sand. The marine park is a RAMSAR wetland and national protected area — hawksbill turtles nest on the beaches, eagle rays cruise the sandy flats, and the coral gardens are among the healthiest in the Lesser Antilles. MOORING BALLS ARE MANDATORY inside the reef — no anchoring permitted. The marine park warden (usually in an orange patrol boat) collects the fee (XCD $30/night, approximately USD $11) and will also advise on the best available mooring zones. Snorkelling on the Horseshoe Reef itself is extraordinary — swimming alongside sea turtles feeding on the reef is a near-daily experience here.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · W
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Park entry EC$15 per person per 24h, plus EC$60 per boat per 24h whether on a park mooring or anchored — the anchoring fee was set equal to the mooring fee from 1 Jan 2023. Rangers collect from the patrol boat, or pay online at tobagocays.org.
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- SVG cruise tax (EC$35 per person per month) paid on entry. Marine park fees — EC$15 per person and EC$60 per boat per 24h, mooring or anchored — payable to the rangers in the patrol boat or online at tobagocays.org.
Restrictions: Anchor only on sand in the lagoon behind Horseshoe Reef — never on coral or seagrass, and not between the moorings and the turtle-watching zone off Baradal; the small anchoring zone at Petit Tabac outside the reef was closed in January 2024 (visit by dinghy). Speed limit 5 kt. No fishing inside the marine park. No collection of shells, coral, or marine life. No touching or standing on coral. Turtles protected — do not disturb nesting beaches or feeding turtles. Snorkelling only on the reef — no scuba diving without permit.
Hazards
- !Horseshoe Reef approach — careful navigation required; approach from the south or west through established passages; do not attempt the northeast passage without local knowledge
- !Mooring ball crowding in peak season (Jan–Mar) — arrive by 14:00 to secure a mooring; late arrivals may find no balls available and must anchor outside the reef
- !No anchoring inside the reef — attempting to anchor risks significant coral damage and park authority fines
- !Boat vendors — active throughout the day; friendly negotiation for lobster and bread is expected
Skipper's Tips
- →Tobago Cays is the single most spectacular sailing destination in the Lesser Antilles — it fully justifies all the Grenadines sailing itinerary planning
- →Snorkel on the Horseshoe Reef at dawn before the day charter boats arrive — swim alongside hawksbill turtles in near-solitude
- →The boat vendors' fresh lobster grilled on a beach barbecue on one of the Cays is a Grenadines highlight — negotiate a price and they'll cook it on the beach
- →Arrive by 13:00 in peak season — mooring balls are first-come-first-served and fill quickly; late arrivals anchor outside at Saline Bay, Mayreau
- →The park warden is friendly and informative — ask about turtle nesting activity and where the best snorkelling is on the current tide
Facilities
No permanent facilities inside the marine park. Boat vendors sell fresh lobster, fish, bread, and fruit from their pirogues daily — a floating market experience. All services at Clifton Harbour, Union Island (4nm S).
Nearest provisions: Clifton Harbour, Union Island (4nm S) (4nm)
Best Months & Season
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
December–May. The Tobago Cays are at their most spectacular in January–March — flat water, steady trades, crystal visibility. Hurricane season June–November — the park is in the partial hurricane belt.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Tobago Cays, even mooring balls can drag or become unclipped in strong trades. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can snorkel with the turtles in total confidence.
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