Castara Bay

About This Anchorage

Castara is one of the most beloved anchorages on Tobago's Caribbean coast — a genuine fishing village that has so far avoided over-development while becoming increasingly popular with sailors and eco-tourists. Two beaches are separated by a small headland; the western beach is the main village beach with fishing pirogues, and the eastern beach is quieter. A small river flows into the eastern beach — a source of fresh water. The village has a scattering of guesthouses, a bar, and a small provision shop. Fishing pirogues come and go throughout the day. The surrounding hills are part of the Main Ridge Forest Reserve — the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere (established 1776). Hiking trails into the forest are accessible from the village. Leatherback turtles nest on both beaches (March–August). A slow, peaceful, authentic Tobago experience.

Hazards

• !Leatherback turtle nesting Mar–Aug — no beach activity at night; strict conservation protocols
• !Exposed to south and west — in southerly weather systems or unusual wind directions, anchorage exposed
• !Remote — limited provisions; carry enough from Crown Point or Scarborough for multi-day stay
• !River inflow at east beach can carry debris after heavy rain — position anchor carefully

Skipper's Tips

• →Castara is the most authentic village anchorage on Tobago's Caribbean coast — slow down and spend two nights
• →Hire a local guide for the Main Ridge Forest Reserve hike — the oldest protected forest in the western hemisphere
• →Buy fresh fish directly from the pirogues on the beach — better quality and better price than any restaurant
• →Leatherback turtle watches (Mar–Aug) with local conservation guides are a once-in-a-lifetime experience
• →The sunset from the anchorage into the western Caribbean is spectacular on clear evenings

Nearby Anchorages