Permit· Tobago· Windward Islands

Tobago Float Plan and Cruising Jurisdiction (Scarborough vs Charlotteville)

11° 14.4′ N · 60° 40.9′ W · approximate

Tobago is split into two Customs zones: Charlotteville controls the north coast from Castara Bay to Prince's Bay, and Scarborough the rest. Every anchorage you use must be on your 'bay-hopping' permit from the right office, and a float plan must be emailed before you arrive.

The GrenadinesGrenadaSt Lucia & Martinique

Practical

Position is the island's centroid (approx). Before arrival: all yachts arriving from international waters must email a float plan to the authorities in advance; a pet needs an import permit in advance (Noonsite, June 2026). Clear in at Scarborough or Charlotteville; you can clear direct into Tobago without stopping in Trinidad. Ask Customs for a bay-hopping permit naming your anchorages. To move between zones, clear out of one office, sail directly to the other port and clear in again; a 2019 cruiser stayed in the Scarborough zone (Stonehaven Bay) rather than transfer for a one-week stay. To circumnavigate you must file a passage plan. For Trinidad: get Customs and Immigration endorsements for Chaguaramas, do not stop or anchor en route along Trinidad's north coast, and report on arrival. Noonsite estimates clearance costs of about TT$900 (US$133) for a two-handed yacht staying up to 30 days, excluding overtime. Security: T&T Coast Guard and North Post Radio (VHF 16) ask yachts to file float plans, keep AIS and navigation lights on; Noonsite (June 2026) warns that waters in or near Venezuela's territorial limits are high-risk because of US military strikes on suspected drug boats since September 2025.

Best for

Getting the paperwork right before you move the boat

Nearby