Tobago Cays Snorkelling With Turtles.

After waving goodbye to Union Island (and possibly still humming a bit of soca from Happy Island), we set off under motor sail to the one and only Tobago Cays. And let me just say this straight out: if paradise had a postal code, Tobago Cays would be it.

We arrived just in time for lunch, slipping into a narrow canal between the islands, and—boom!—turquoise water so bright it practically sings, palm trees swaying like they’ve trained in musical theatre, soft white sand that begged for bare feet, and a sea that danced in every shade of navy, jade, and cerulean you can imagine. Honestly, if it weren’t for the slight bob of the boat, I would’ve assumed we’d sailed straight into a Windows desktop background.

Snorkelling With Turtles – Bucket List, Checked

We slipped into the water, masks on, and there they were—serene sea turtles, gently gliding up for a breath (fun fact: turtles can’t breathe underwater but, like your gran at a family reunion, they can hold a story—er, breath—for ages). Below, they munched on the seagrass like slow-motion vacuum cleaners. Around us, nothing but peace, salt, and sheer magic.

We Came for Two Days… Stayed for Five (Because, Of Course We Did)

I’ll admit—I thought we’d get a bit twitchy staying in one place with no shops, no cafés, no anything really. But Tobago Cays proved me delightfully wrong. What began as a 48-hour plan turned into a five-day tropical affair… and just in time for Christmas!

We weren’t alone either. Some of our ARC+ friends had the same brilliant idea, so naturally, we decided to celebrate together—with a BBQ, sailor-style. Enter Romeo, a legend from Union Island who sets up on one of the beaches and serves up lobster so fresh, I swear it winked at me on the plate. Potatoes, rice, veggies, and the most glorious banana bread to ever grace a beach. Tip: Romeo’s BBQ is a must-do, but don’t forget to bring cash (EC, darling—not Bitcoin).

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Reefs, Iguanas, and a Bit of Movie Magic

Tobago Cays isn’t just one island—it’s a dreamy network of reefs within reefs (yes, really), creating a horseshoe-shaped embrace around palm-studded islets. It’s also home to more iguanas than I was emotionally prepared for, plus birds chirping like they’ve had a few too many rum punches.

Ian and Michelle and some crew of Infinity invited us for a quick hike—because, you know, balance. From the top of the trail, we caught a glimpse of Petit Tabac, the teeny island where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed. I tried to strike a Jack Sparrow pose… but mostly just looked windswept and confused.

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The Surprise on Jamesby Island – Plot Twist!

Later that day, we all agreed to meet up for sundowners on Jamesby Island. Harmless, right? Just a bit of rum, maybe a sunset selfie or two. But little did I know, Ian had other plans—he proposed. Right there, on a quiet beach, surrounded by sea turtles and good friends. Reader, I said yes (through slightly teary eyes).

Scandi Christmas, Lobster Lunches, and a Floating Roast Dinner

The next day was Christmas Eve, also known in my world as Scandi Christmas, and honestly? It was perfect. I called my family, told them all about the proposal (tears, laughter, and a few “finally!”s), and then celebrated the day with—you guessed it—more lobster. Romeo came through again with a festive feast.

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And because we’re not ones to let tradition slide, Ian cooked a full-on roast dinner aboard the boat on the 24th—while anchored, no less. Between bites of roast potatoes and stuffing, we were snorkelling with turtles, clinking glasses, and FaceTiming loved ones to share the joy.

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Tobago Cays Snorkelling With Turtles – A Dream Come True

I cannot stress this enough: Tobago Cays was one of the most magical stops of our entire crossing. I got engaged, I swam with turtles (a lifelong dream!), I had a floating Christmas, and I ate more lobster than I care to count.

If you ever find yourself wondering whether it’s worth the sail—darling, hoist the anchor. Tobago Cays is not just a destination. It’s a dream, wrapped in seagrass and served with banana bread.