Fishing boats lie on the sand. In the morning the fishermen haul the big net out of the bay, and anyone up early watches. Right next to them swimmers spread out their towels. At Castara Bay you share the beach with a village that lands its catch here.
- Length of beach
- 275 m
- Drive from Crown Point
- about 1 hr
- Coast
- Caribbean side
The tourism agency describes the bay as good for swimming, strolling and snorkelling (as of 2022), and back in 2010 it called the water great for swimming. On the beach there is a restaurant, a bar and a minimart. The fishing depot served fish broth and a bonfire burned on the beach on Thursday evenings (both as of 2022). In August the fishermen hold their Castara Fishermen's Fete.
Underwater the bay has suffered. In 2024 TTT and Cari-Bois reported more than 80 per cent of corals bleached on several Tobago reefs, Castara among them. You can still snorkel, just expect less colour. If you want it quieter, take the steep drive to the smaller Little Bay beyond the rocky point.
At a glance
- Access
- Via Northside Road. Just before the last descent into the village there is a lookout in a lay-by (Rough Guides). From Crown Point the drive takes about an hour, according to Wikivoyage.
- Swimming
- Good for swimming, according to the tourism agency. Keep clear of the fishermen's boats, nets and ropes.
- Snorkelling
- Possible, though the corals off Castara bleached on a large scale in 2024.
- Facilities
- Restaurant, bar and minimart on the beach, fishing depot. Places to stay on the slope above, see accommodation.
Our tipGet up early if you want to see the seine fishing. And ask on the beach whether the Thursday bonfire still takes place.
Castara Bay: frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Castara Bay in Tobago?
Yes. The tourism agency describes Castara Bay as good for swimming and snorkelling. Fishing boats and nets lie on the beach, so keep your distance from them in the water.
How long is Castara Bay?
Castara Bay, also called Big Bay, is 275 metres long according to the tourism agency.
What is the difference between Big Bay and Little Bay in Castara?
Big Bay is the large bay right by the village of Castara, with a restaurant, a bar and a minimart. Little Bay lies beyond a rocky point and is smaller and more secluded.
Is snorkelling at Castara Bay worth it?
You can snorkel at Castara Bay, but in 2024 more than 80 per cent of the corals on the reefs off Castara bleached, according to TTT and Cari-Bois. Expect less colour than in the past.