Tobago Cays (Grenadines)

Tobago Cays (Grenadines) is an archipelago comprising 5 small islands (Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac Jamesby) surrounded by extensive coral reefs. All the five Tobago islands are uninhabited and a popular ship travel destination in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

These islands are part of Tobago Cays Marine Park. Run by the government, the park consists of a sand-bottom lagoon (encompassing the 5 cays), the Mayreau Island (inhabited) and the Horseshoe Reef. The largest coral reef in Saint Vincent and Grenadines is located around Tobago Cays and also around the islands Mayreau and Union.

Most tourists visiting this area are cruise ship passengers (around 50,000 each year), also private yachts (each year around 3,000 anchor in the lagoon), day charters (from nearby hotels - tourists, divers, snorkelers).

Surrounding Tobago Cays are several shallow reefs plus Horseshoe Reef (large barrier reef). Other large reefs in the Marine Park are Egg Reef, World’s End Reef and Mayreau Gardens. Sadly, all reefs are in decline, having only 5-30% live coral cover.

For season 2018-2019, Bequia Island had scheduled/booked 88 cruise ship calls, St Vincent Island - 82, Mayreau Island - 43, Tobago Cays - 31, Union Island - 26, Canouan Island - 3.