Tobago Cays Paradise: Sailing, Pina Coladas, and Octopus Encounters

Tobago Cays: A Sailor's Dream

The Tobago Cays Marine Park, a small group of islands in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, boasts mesmerizing aqua-blue waters teeming with life. Our sailing adventure began with a slightly restless night due to the changing tides affecting the swell behind the reef. While the rolling kept us awake, the promise of exploring this paradise made it worthwhile.

Fresh Coconut Milk and Pina Coladas

Our day started with a coconut-cracking mission. Although our coconuts were a bit young, we salvaged the flesh to make fresh coconut milk. We blended the coconut flesh with hot water, strained it through a tea towel (similar to cheesecloth), and voila! Creamy, delicious coconut milk, perfect for pina coladas. The process was surprisingly easy, thanks to our trusty blender.

Underwater Encounters and Hidden Beaches

With our pina colada ingredients ready, we couldn't resist exploring the underwater world. We dove into the crystal-clear water and encountered a camouflaged octopus, blending seamlessly with the coral. Later, a dinghy ride revealed a picturesque beach on the opposite side of the island, a spot known for local lobster barbecues.

The afternoon was dedicated to testing our freshly made pina coladas, which, unsurprisingly, were a hit! We even had some underwater visitors, including stingrays, joining the party. The clear waters made for incredible visibility, inspiring us to invest in underwater lights for future dives.

Saying Goodbye and Heading to Canouan

After a celebratory evening with fellow sailors, it was time to say goodbye to our friends and the Tobago Cays. The rising winds and choppy waters signaled our departure for Canouan, a more protected location. Our plan was to dock at a marina, replenish our water and power supplies, and hopefully enjoy the marina's amenities, including a much-needed shower.

A Wet Arrival and Water Transfer

Our journey to Canouan was anything but smooth. We faced strong headwinds and heavy rain, making for a challenging sail. Upon arrival at the marina, the downpour continued, prompting us to collect rainwater and transfer it to our forward tank.

Bequia Bound: A Record-Breaking Sail

Despite the less-than-ideal weather in Canouan, we set sail for Bequia, another popular cruising spot in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With favorable winds, we achieved record speeds, reaching 7.9 knots! However, our joy was short-lived as a massive squall system approached, forcing us to reef our sails and turn on the engine.

Anchoring in Bequia and Reflecting on the Journey

We successfully anchored in Bequia, albeit after battling a dramatic squall. The challenging conditions highlighted the importance of clear windows on the boat for visibility. We also discovered some much-needed sail repairs were on the horizon. Despite the challenges, the delicious food and beautiful scenery made it all worthwhile.

Looking Ahead

Our Caribbean adventure continues, with new sails on the wish list and exciting destinations ahead. From making coconut milk pina coladas to braving challenging weather, the Tobago Cays and beyond have offered an unforgettable sailing experience.