Ever dreamt of escaping to a place where time slows down? Castara is that place. This charming fishing village on Tobago’s northeastern coast offers a relaxed vibe. It features stunning beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, or simply strolling.
Castara centers around the stunning Castara Bay. This 275-meter stretch of golden sand runs parallel to emerald green waters. Lush rainforest teeming with birdlife fringes the bay. Gentle waters make Castara a swimmer’s paradise. You won’t find disruptive jet skis here.
Despite being the most developed tourist hub along this coastline, Castara remains unspoiled. Its remote location has protected it from overdevelopment. A restaurant, bar, and mini-mart serve the beach. The village hosts local businesses and modest places to stay.
Castara strikes a fine balance between locals and tourists. The village is renowned for its hospitality. Every Thursday night, residents gather on the beach for a weekly bonfire. Tourists are warmly welcomed.
Fishing is a staple activity in Castara. Don’t miss the chance to help pull traditional seine nets. Local Rasta fishermen still widely use them in the early morning. Visit the fisherman’s depot by the beach. Support the fishermen by purchasing homestyle fish broth straight from the source. A barbecued fish grill on the beach is a quintessential Castara experience.
Visit the Castara Heritage Bakers in the tiny village. This initiative is run by local women. Choose from fresh bread, cakes, and other goods made in a traditional clay oven. Daddy Ben and Mrs Taylor are very much involved in village life. They run the traditional clay bread oven. Every Thursday and Saturday they bake delicious wholemeal and pumpkin loaves.
Every August, Castara comes alive with the Castara Fishermen’s Fete. It is one of Tobago’s largest festivals. Drink, dance, eat, and swim the day away. If visiting Castara, consider a trip to the secluded shores of Englishman’s Bay nearby.
The lookout point at the top of the hill provides the perfect view. Survey the village and crescent bay below. It will be hard to tear yourself away from Castara.
Castara is divided by a rocky outcrop into two bays: Big Bay and Little Bay. Big Bay is where you’ll find the village’s only supermarket. There are also a number of bars and restaurants here. Big Bay is also home to Daddy Ben’s bread oven. The white sandy beach is stunning. Local lifeguards watch over the sea. Many fishermen anchor their boats in Big Bay. It is where they haul in their seine nets. CasCreole in Big Bay is the place to be for a beach bonfire and dinner on Thursday nights.
Little Bay is smaller and more secluded. Access is via a very steep and winding road. Local fishermen bring their catch into Little Bay. Locals and tourists alike crowd round to see what’s good and to choose their supper. The fish entrails are thrown back in the sea. This attracts shoals of stingrays begging to be photographed.
The Boathouse is the only bar and restaurant in Little Bay. It sits directly on the beach. The vibe here is even more relaxed than in Big Bay. It is perfect for chilling out. The thrilling beat of African drums keeps everyone awake until the wee small hours on Wednesday evenings.
Environmental concerns are a priority in Castara. The sea in Castara, particularly in Little Bay, is superb for snorkeling. The Castara Tourism Development Association wants to preserve this.
Castara is truly a place where you can experience the real Tobago. Its welcoming community and stunning natural beauty will capture your heart. Come and discover the magic of Castara for yourself.