Castara offers two distinct attractions: Castara Big Bay beach and the wooded hills behind the village. If you’re considering both beach activities and walks when choosing a destination, you’ll find specific options here for both interests.
Castara Big Bay: Beach and Water
Castara Big Bay beach is 275 metres long and has emerald-green water. The water is calm enough for swimming and snorkelling directly from the beach. Walking and fishing are also among the activities on the beach and in the water. The bay therefore offers several ways to spend time by the water—from swimming to a walk along the beach.
Waterfall and Walking Trails
A short walk inland from Castara leads to a freshwater waterfall. Castara Waterfall lies just outside the village and can be reached on foot from Castara in less than ten minutes. The well-used trail starts near the village school and follows the Castara River. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out.
Steep, wooded hills rise behind Castara. Walking trails run along the edge of the old rainforest. Trails around the village are used by locals and visitors and lead to viewpoints above the bay. Other trails head into the surrounding hills and connect the village with the outskirts of the Main Ridge. The viewpoints above the bay, the forest edge and the hills offer different highlights for your time on foot. Conditions on these trails can also change; check them before setting out.
Local Traditions
In Castara Bay, fishermen hauling in their seine nets is one of the village’s activities. Another local speciality is traditional African clay ovens, where loaves of bread and small pastries are baked and then sold. Castara is also associated with the tradition of a Thursday evening bonfire. Fishing, baking and this tradition add cultural points of interest to the area’s natural and beach attractions.
Tobago in the Wider Travel Plan
The wider travel plan for Tobago may also come into play if you’re including a connection with Trinidad. The Trinidad and Tobago Inter-Island Ferry Service operates daily ferry services between the islands. As schedules can change, check the operator’s timetable before travelling.
Tobago’s history also includes its cocoa industry, which was revived in 2005 through the initiative of young Tobagonian and sommelier Duane Dove. This look at the island’s history complements the local natural and cultural attractions that distinguish Castara itself.
Discover more destinations: Lowlands, Buccoo, Bon Accord Village, Bethel, Carnbee, Les Coteaux, Arnos Vale, Plymouth.
For the wider travel overview: Western Tobago.
