The offshore coral reefs that shelter many of Tobago's beaches and make them so
enjoyable for swimming also make many of the bays enjoyable for kayaking. Kayak rentals
are available at many hotels and also from beachside vendors.
The azure waters of Buccoo Bay and the Bon Accord Lagoon in Tobago are sheltered by the
offshore Buccoo Reef, providing a kayaking area with only gentle swells. Kayak rentals are
available at the nearby Store Bay and also at Pigeon Point. The fringing Mangrove swamps
of the Bon Accord Lagoon provide a scenic contrast to the white sand beaches along Pigeon
Point and at the center of Buccoo bay. The offshoots of the reef also shelter the adjacent
Milford Bay, allowing one to kayak to the southeast from Bon Accord Lagoon around Pigeon
Point and into Milford Bay or vice-versa.
Charlotteville is located at the end of the Windward Road in Tobago, this small quaint
village lies in a bay with Tobago's best deep water harbor. It is bordered by the lush
greenery of high mountains on one side and the sparkling blue waters of Man-O-War bay on
the other. This wide deep bay was once an anchorage for English fighting ships, as the
name implies. Today it is used as a sheltered anchorage by visiting yachts. The northern
part of the bay is called Pirates Bay, which gives an indication of its past. Several
fringing reefs are found in this bay providing the sheltered anchorage. Kayaking in the
larger Man-O-War bay allows you to visit several other smaller bays within the main bay
that are only accessible from the sea. Lovers Beach is beautiful with its multi-coloured
grains of sand and crystal clear water, while Cambleton Bay lies beneath old military
fortifications and then there is beautiful Hermitage Bay. Kayaks are available for rental
at in Charlotteville..
Great Courland Bay is located along the Shirvan/Grafton Road and is known by many as
Turtle Beach. This extremely large bay is not as sheltered as some of Tobago’s other
bays but is a good location for kayaking. The wide expanse of the bay with blue green
water with the fringe of golden sand backed by coconut, sea grape and almond trees creates
a beautiful sight. Adding an almost crowning touch to the beauty is the sight of Fort
James on the promontory overlooking the northern end of the bay.
Speyside is another of Tobago’s Bays that provides the opportunity for scenic
kayak tours. The wide expanse of the bay with the multi-coloured houses dotting the
hillsides among the forest green while fishing boats and reef tour boats bob in the water
create a stunning effect. Sitting almost in the center of the bay are Little Tobago
Island, which is a bird sanctuary and Goat Island and these two islands add to the visual
beauty. On the northern side of the bay is Anse Bateau which is a pocket beach with golden
sand.
Other bays that are used for kayaking in Tobago include Castara Bay, Stone Haven Bay,
Store Bay and Canoe Bay.
To learn more about Tobago, visit our other Tobago Pages:
