How to Get to the Tobago Cays
The Tobago Cays are reached by boat. There is no road, hotel dock, airport, or regular public ferry inside the Marine Park, so the right plan depends on where you sleep, the sea state, and the kind of day you want.
Access
First, choose your base.
Most visitors arrive by sailing charter, private day boat, or a locally arranged transfer from a nearby island. Union Island is one of the easiest bases because it has accommodation, local boat operators, restaurants, and arrival options close to the Marine Park.
Mayreau is closer to the Cays, Canouan can work for some routes, and sailing yachts can overnight inside the park on approved moorings or suitable sandy anchoring areas. The best option is the one that matches your dates, group size, luggage, and comfort on the water.
Ways to Visit
Three practical ways to reach the Cays.
A flexible day trip from Union Island, Mayreau, or another nearby base, planned around turtles, reef snorkeling, beach time, and conditions.
Many visitors reach the Cays while sleeping aboard a chartered catamaran or sailboat and using the lagoon as a Grenadines anchorage.
Simple transfers can work when you already know where you need to go, but Marine Park rules, timing, and weather still matter.
Stay on land, keep your evenings flexible, and visit the Cays by boat when the forecast and your group line up well.
Day Trip Planning
Leave room for the captain’s route.
A good Tobago Cays boat trip is not only a straight line on a map. Captains adjust for wind, swell, current, light, turtles, snorkel visibility, guest comfort, and how crowded each stop feels.
If you are planning from Union Island, send your date, group size, arrival details, and priorities. We can help shape a realistic plan for turtles, Horseshoe Reef, Mayreau, Petit Tabac when conditions allow, BBQ lunch in season, or a quieter swim.
For Sailors
Arriving under sail is different from a day trip.
If you are arriving by yacht, plan moorings, anchoring, park fees, reef zones, dinghy access, and wind shifts before you enter the lagoon. Old cruising notes can be useful, but final decisions should follow current Marine Park guidance and what you see on arrival.
Good to Know
Quick answers.
Can you drive to the Tobago Cays?
No. The Tobago Cays are uninhabited islands inside a Marine Park and are reached by boat only.
What is the easiest base for a Tobago Cays day trip?
Union Island is one of the closest practical bases, with accommodation, local boat operators, arrival services, and transfers.
Can you visit the Tobago Cays from Mayreau or Canouan?
Yes, trips can be arranged from nearby islands when the route, weather, boat availability, and operator plan make sense.
Do Tobago Cays trips depend on weather?
Yes. Wind, swell, visibility, current, and comfort on the boat can change the final route and timing.