Tobago Cays, south of Bequia, is a National Marine Park managed and protected by the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Several islands surrounded by a large fringing reef make this a top sailing destination. Cruisers anchor behind the reef with nothing to the east except Africa. Behind the reef is a sandy bank only 10-20 feet deep. One of the islands has become a Green Turtle nesting area. The area is now fully protected. It is one place where you can easily swim with large sea turtles and watch and listen as they feed on the seagrass floor. We spent two nights and three days here and swam with turtles every day. It was the highlight of our trip south so far!
Photo Essay of Tobago Cays
Island Spirit on a mooring ball as we swam around with turtlesThe water is so clear, this is 15 feet of clear water over sandGoPro photo as we swimOne of our favorite reef fish, a trunk fishSwimming pool clear watersA small live reef sectionThe Blue Headed Wrasse is another one of my favsPisces Radeen loves the waterImagine swimming in this water right off your boatThe sandy bottom was covered with starfishStarfish slowly move across the sand, that is fun to watchLooks rough but I was holding the GoPro in the water to get this effectDay two, let’s swim with the turtles some more….OK!Under our boat, Turtle #1A free dive down and I am swimming right next to this big guyThey stay under for about 15 minutesIsland Spirit looks so interesting from this angleRadeen in the water with turtles and Island SpiritThey are fast and move so gracefullyEvery starfish is differentLight colors, dark colorsTurtles and starfishSo much fun to seeMy favorite turtle photo as this one surfaced and two starfish were in the backgroundThe clouds cleared and the sun was brightGreen turtle shell reflecting off the surface of the waterLooks like they exhale to diveDown he goes, after a few breaths and then an exhaleRequired selfie! We have on full sun protection as the sun is really very intense at this 12-degree latitudeA Google Map of the area to show the islands and the reefA big scale map to show where The Grenadines are located
We are living a DREAM
We sailed wing on wing out of Bequia for Tobago Cays
We wrote down this sailing goal in 1996. Now, in 2019, it has become a reality and it is better than expected. That makes it all even more special. In 1996, we said we would retire in 2011, and set sail, and we did. We are very happy with the outcome and reflect every day how fortunate we are to be here. Our hearts are full of gratitude!
We sailed a fresh beam reach into the Grenadines
Zoom into our LIVE tracking Map here
Also, when looking at the tracking map, switch the layer to AERIAL and you will see the reefs and the sandy beaches and the islands.
Seeing the image of the starfish on the beautiful sea bed causes me to observe,” God has put the Island Packet logo where even fish can see it”!!! You guys rock
From Kathy: Spectacular photographs! Thank you so much. Since we sold our Sabre 42 GATSBY, I vicariously enjoy the awesome adventures of you two! Your enthusiasm is inspiring, and since Gary and I have spent time with you in the past (in Rock Hall on the Chesapeake and in the Florida Keys, etc.), we know how genuine and inspiring your adventurous spirits are. Wishing you continued fair winds!
Love the photos, loveTobago Cay. Are the boat boys who deliver fresh Baguettes in the morning and grilled fish dinners in the evening still there?
Keep living the dream and keep sending the photos
Reuben
Loved, loved your photos, especially seeing the sea turtles. I have a special connection to them. We scattered my daughter’s ashes off Diamond Head in Hawaii a few years ago and immediately a huge sea turtle swam with her ashes! Years later, a turtle came out of the ocean on the Big Island of Hawaii and walked right up to my son. SO, last month in Seattle, this 75 year old got her first and probably only tattoo, a sea turtle! Thank you for continuing to share your wonderful adventures!
These photos remind me of Panama- I love the starfish photos. Can’t wait to hear more about sailing over a volcano. Meanwhile I am here wishing my life away. June 11th can’t come soon enough!
I always enjoy your posts. Brings back great memories. I particularly enjoyed the Grenadines. Your under water photos were spectactulare. If I only could spell!
Seeing the image of the starfish on the beautiful sea bed causes me to observe,” God has put the Island Packet logo where even fish can see it”!!! You guys rock
I really enjoy your posts. Is it a bumpy spot to anchor?
From Kathy: Spectacular photographs! Thank you so much. Since we sold our Sabre 42 GATSBY, I vicariously enjoy the awesome adventures of you two! Your enthusiasm is inspiring, and since Gary and I have spent time with you in the past (in Rock Hall on the Chesapeake and in the Florida Keys, etc.), we know how genuine and inspiring your adventurous spirits are. Wishing you continued fair winds!
Love the photos, loveTobago Cay. Are the boat boys who deliver fresh Baguettes in the morning and grilled fish dinners in the evening still there?
Keep living the dream and keep sending the photos
Reuben
Loved, loved your photos, especially seeing the sea turtles. I have a special connection to them. We scattered my daughter’s ashes off Diamond Head in Hawaii a few years ago and immediately a huge sea turtle swam with her ashes! Years later, a turtle came out of the ocean on the Big Island of Hawaii and walked right up to my son. SO, last month in Seattle, this 75 year old got her first and probably only tattoo, a sea turtle! Thank you for continuing to share your wonderful adventures!
These photos remind me of Panama- I love the starfish photos. Can’t wait to hear more about sailing over a volcano. Meanwhile I am here wishing my life away. June 11th can’t come soon enough!
Hi Guys,
I always enjoy your posts. Brings back great memories. I particularly enjoyed the Grenadines. Your under water photos were spectactulare. If I only could spell!