Sailing, Anchorage & Moorings in the Tobago Cays
The Cays are one of the great yacht stops in the Windwards, but they are shallow, reef-laced, windy, and protected. The goal is simple: secure the boat, protect the reef and seagrass, and do not rely on old anchoring habits.
Arriving by Yacht
Protected by reef, still open to wind.
Horseshoe Reef creates the famous lagoon, but the anchorage still feels the trade winds and can be lively. In busy periods, expect plenty of sailboats, charter cats, day boats, and sometimes larger yachts.
Approach in good light, do not cut corners, and use updated charts. Doyle Guides notes the common approach between Mayreau and Baleine Rocks while staying south of One Fathom Bank, and warns that the southern channel is better treated as an experienced good-light exit, not a casual entrance.
For Visiting Yachts
What sailors should plan for.
The Cays can fill up, especially in season. Park rangers may come through to collect or check fees, mooring balls are commonly used around the inner islands, and anchoring needs care because sand, seagrass, and coral can sit close together.
Treat every mooring as gear you still inspect. Check the pickup line, chafe points, scope, wind direction, and swing room. If you anchor, do it only where sand is allowed and clearly visible, never in turtle seagrass or coral.
Good habit: arrive early in peak months, keep the approach in daylight, back down gently, set an anchor alarm even on a mooring, and ask rangers or a local captain if weather or maintenance has changed anything.
Moorings & Anchoring
Mooring first, sand only when allowed.
Official TCMP rules say not to anchor in coral or seagrass beds, to use moorings where provided, or to choose sandy areas. The current TCMP fee sheet lists a park mooring fee and a park anchoring fee for 24 hours, so confirm the latest amount and where you are allowed to sit before assuming anything.
Use them where suitable, but still inspect the pendant, chafe points, and pickup. A mooring is not a reason to stop paying attention.
TCMP has listed an anchoring fee for boats not using moorings. Confirm the current fee and allowed zones with the park.
Do not anchor in turtle feeding seagrass. It is habitat, not empty bottom.
Keep clear of the reef and isolated coral heads when maneuvering or choosing an anchoring spot.
Do not anchor at Petit Tabac. Visit by dinghy only when conditions are suitable.
Use advanced routes only with good light, suitable draft, and real local knowledge. Many charter boats should avoid treating it as an entrance.
TCMP Pay
Tobago Cays Fee
The official Marine Park site lists TCMP PAY as the online system for park visitor, cruiser, yacht charter, user, and mooring payments before entering the park. Keep the emailed receipt ready for ranger checks when you arrive.
Use the official links, match the payment type to how you are visiting, and confirm anything unclear with the Marine Park office or rangers.
Useful Links
Confirm before arrival.
The best planning combines official park rules, a Windwards cruising guide, and local sailor knowledge. Fees, mooring condition, and zones can change after weather, maintenance, or park updates.
Good to Know
Quick answers.
Can yachts anchor in the Tobago Cays?
Anchoring is regulated. Official rules say not to anchor on coral or seagrass; use moorings where provided or sandy areas where permitted, and confirm current guidance with TCMP rangers.
Are moorings compulsory in the Tobago Cays?
Use the park moorings where provided and check the line and fittings before relying on one. If anchoring is permitted, choose clear sand away from coral, seagrass and the turtle area, and confirm the location with park rangers.
Can you anchor at Petit Tabac?
Do not anchor at Petit Tabac. Ask your captain or the park rangers about visiting by dinghy when sea conditions allow.