Fishing Village
Castara is a traditional fishing village on the leeward coast of Tobago. Whilst tourism is an increasingly important source of income for local people, many still rely on the more traditional occupations of farming and fishing. Small boats leave the bay daily and return with their catch which they sell to restaurants, as well as to individuals, both locals and tourists.
Divers also go spearfishing, their primary aim being to catch the lionfish that are decimating the local marine ecology. They are an interloper in these waters and have no natural predators. They make for very good eating, though!
Holiday Heaven
Castara has been welcoming holidaymakers for many years now, but it is still one of Tobago’s best-kept secrets. The beaches of Big Bay and Little Bay, totalling 380 metres in length, are famed for their golden sands and lovely shady spots with numerous palms and coconut trees. The clear and calm waters are great for snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, and fishing.
What’s Good in Castara?
Restaurants
Cheno’s Coffee Shop
Northside Road. Great for breakfast and don’t miss the steel drums and barbecue on a Saturday night.
Marguarite’s
Main Road. A good choice for dinner. They don’t have a bar, but you’re welcome to take your own alcohol.
D’Almond Tree
Northside Road. Another recommended option for dinner. Again, if you want alcohol with your meal, you need to take your own.
Cascreole Bar and Beach Club
Castara’s Big Beach. Great location to sit and enjoy lunch or dinner. Don’t miss their Bonfire Night on a Thursday! It’s also a sports bar if you’re missing the Premier League!
Hazel’s Place
At the top of the hill. A little shop, bread baked to order, and a great Friday night barbecue.
Ria’s Eating Palace
A good choice for breakfast, Ria also does lunch and dinner most days.
Shirma’s Bar
Roti on Wednesdays, soup on Saturday lunchtimes, and barbecue on Friday nights.
Clay Kitchen
Castara Bay Road.
L & H Restaurant & Bar
Castara Bay Road. Open lunchtimes only.
Bars
De Lime/Marvin’s Bar
A great watering hole! A good place to mix with the locals.
Codrington Wallace
Rum shop.
Shops
There are several small supermarkets in Castara where you can stock up on basic groceries. Among them, Socks and DJs usually stock the best range.
D Pink Ice Cream Parlour next to the supermarket in Big Bay sells delicious homemade icecream.
We have two traditional dirt ovens in the village – Castara Heritage Bakers’ Oven, run by a group of local ladies, and one on the beach in Big Bay run by Mr & Mrs Taylor. Three times a week, they bake traditional breads, sweet breads, buns and tarts.
Tours
- Roachee Tours – 3742066. Boat trips and tours of the rainforest.
- Alibaba Tours – 240 9416. Boat trips and round the island tours
Alternatively, ask any of the local fishermen!
Car Hire
If you want to hire a car to see more of this wonderful island, use Taylors. Their office is just at the bottom of the slope before you get to the Boathouse.
ATM
There is an ATM on the main road through the village. Please be aware, though, that it often isn’t working, so make sure you get enough cash if you are out and about in Scarborough.
Some Photos of Castara
Castara’s Most Famous Son
Although he was born in the island’s capital, Scarborough, former Prime Minister and President of Trinidad and Tobago, A.N.R. Robinson, aka ‘The Castara Kid’, spent his formative years here. He attended Castara Methodist School where his father was headmaster. Later, he served as Prime Minister from 1986 to 1991 and then as President from 1997 to 2003.
He is best known internationally for his proposal that eventually led to the founding of the International Criminal Court.