Sailing Trinidad and Tobago

For a sailing charter in Trinidad and Tobago, the usual starting point is the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club in the northwest peninsula of Trinidad. This club has a long history as a hub for local and visiting sailors, with moorings, a slipway, and a bar that draws cruisers from across the Caribbean. If you prefer a full-service marina, Crews Inn Hotel and Yacht Club in Chaguaramas sits next to the hotel and offers shelter and amenities within easy reach of the main cruising grounds. Coral Cove Marina is a smaller option to the south, though it is less central for a first-night stop.

The best sailing area lies along Trinidad's northwest coast, where the shelter of the Chaguaramas peninsula and the Bocas Islands creates a natural playground. From your base, you can head to the islands of Chacachacare, Huevos, and Monos, or across the Columbus Channel to the island of Tobago. Tobago is quieter, with coral reefs and beaches like those at Store Bay and Pigeon Point that are better for swimming and snorkeling than Trinidad's more industrial south coast. The crossing takes most of a day, so plan for an overnight if you want to reach Tobago's main anchorage at Scarborough before dark.

The wind blows from the northeast for most of the year, with the dry season from January to May offering the most settled weather. The wet season brings more squalls and the chance of tropical storms from June to November, though the islands sit south of the main hurricane belt. Currents can set hard through the channels between islands, so keep a close eye on the pilot charts and your GPS. Tidal ranges are small, but the seas around the Bocas can get lumpy when the wind is fresh.

Most charters in Trinidad and Tobago are bareboat or skippered, and you will need to clear in at the customs and immigration office in Chaguaramas or Scarborough on arrival. The Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club is a good place to pick up local knowledge and crew, while Crews Inn offers a more polished anchorage for those who want a hotel pool and shuttle service at the end of the trip. Coral Cove Marina, though further from the main routes, has its own charm for a quiet stop before heading out.

When you plan your provisioning, remember that Trinidad has a larger range of groceries and marine supplies than Tobago, so stock up in Chaguaramas before crossing. The local currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar, and many marinas and chandleries accept US dollars as well. English is the official language, which makes clearing in and asking for advice straightforward for most cruisers.

The sailing season peaks between January and April, when the trade winds are steady and the island air is at its coolest. That is also the busiest time at the marinas, so book your berth at the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club or Crews Inn well in advance. For a longer stay, check the marina websites for monthly rates and haul-out services, since many sailors use Trinidad as a secure spot to leave their boat during the hurricane season.