Petit Tabac & the Uninhabited Tobago Cays
Petit Tabac was used for a scene in the first Pirates of the Caribbean film. This uninhabited island has palms and sandy beaches and sits outside Horseshoe Reef, so visits depend on sea conditions.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Petit Tabac and the Pirates film.
The Tobago Cays Marine Park identifies Petit Tabac as the island used for a desert-island scene in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the first movie in the series. That makes it a fun stop to ask about, especially for guests who want the photo and the story.
It is not a guaranteed stop. Petit Tabac sits outside the main reef and is more exposed than the inner cays, so a good captain will decide based on wind, swell, visibility, timing, and group comfort.
Iguanas, Birds, and Viewpoints
Iguanas, birds, and dry island trails.
Petit Bateau, Jamesby, and Petit Rameau have hiking trails and viewpoints where visitors may see tropical flora, birds, and iguanas. Stay on paths where they exist and avoid damaging the shoreline vegetation that helps stabilize beaches and dunes.
The islands have dry coastal vegetation shaped by salt, wind and sun. Keep to existing paths and leave plants and wildlife undisturbed.
Storms & Exposure
Visiting after storms
The low-lying cays are exposed to storms. Beaches, vegetation and landing points can change after severe weather, especially on Petit Tabac, which lies outside the main reef.
Because storm recovery and navigation conditions change, ask local captains and check current park guidance before assuming every beach, channel, or landing is the same as it was before the last hurricane season.
Good to Know
Quick answers.
Was Pirates of the Caribbean filmed on Petit Tabac?
Yes. The Tobago Cays Marine Park lists Petit Tabac as the location of a desert island scene from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.
Is Petit Tabac inhabited?
No. Petit Tabac is uninhabited and reached by boat in suitable conditions.
Can every Tobago Cays trip include Petit Tabac?
No. Petit Tabac is more exposed, so visits depend on weather, sea state, time, and captain approval.