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The Sailboat Fraternity Loves Tobago-
With Good Reason

Catamaran off Scarborough Anchorage There is hardly a day, in Tobago waters, when there is not at least one visiting sailboat swinging at anchor - often many more. Whether for a regatta, or just for other private pleasure, yachtsmen find Tobago to be a place that's welcoming. It can be as restful or as exciting as they care to make it.

Why bring a sailboat to Tobago if you're a yachtsman?

There are several reasons.
Such as:

  • below huricane belt, so avoidance of damage.
  • less costly insurance rates.
  • up to six-month stay granted by Immigration, with possible extension.
  • facilities up to International standards.
  • proximity to Trinidad.

    • Which in turn means:

  • relatively inexpensive workmanship, if needed.
  • wide variety of services available, such as woodworking, welding, repairs to upholstery, life raft repairs, etc.
  • availability of excellent grade of teak.

Before the 80's, most visiting yachts anchored in Venezuelan waters. That was until Venezuela imposed a $50 US fee. That became their loss and our gain! Yachtsmen simply hoisted anchor and headed for Trinidad . . . and Tobago.

Cruising and Anchorage

For better cruising, stick to the Caribbean-side north coast in the lee of the island, where the sands are white. The windward side has darker sand and is subject to Atlantic swells, as well as inflow from the Orinoco river in South America.
yacht basin Good anchorage is available at Milford Bay, at Mt. Irvine Bay, and at Courtland Bay in the protection of the bluffs at Ft. James. Scarborough harbour offers protection, and there is a breakwater there.

On the windward coast, King's Bay is by far the best anchorage as it enjoys shelter from the west-flowing current. Man-o-War Bay and Anse Bateau in the NE corner of Tobago remain favorites for some.

The approach to Tobago by sailboat is best made from Grenada, about 90 miles to the northeast. On arrival in Tobago waters, yachts must go directly to immigration, either at Scarborough or Charlotteville. This remains true whatever time of the day or night.

You must have a valid passport, and might expect to be allowed a stay initially of three months. Any extension will cost yu $100TT.

If you have ammunition or firearms on your sailboat, you must declare them to Customs. Customs will relieve you of them and store them with the police until you are ready to leave. If you want to keep them with you, you need a license from the Police Commissioner.

Your animals must remain on board, unless allowed off by the veterinary authorities. Depending on where they come from, there could be 6-month quarantine.

If you come from South America, you too will need something - a yellow-fever innoculation or proof that you have had one.





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