Catholic (Rock-Bird Sanctuary)
Located north-westerly of Mayreau island, The Catholic Rock-Bird sanctuary is an islet that has been converted into an internationally recognized nature preserve. Individuals are invited to observe the various sea-birds that call the islet their home from their boats via binoculars.
Mayreau Gardens (Coral Reef)
Mayreau Gardens is an expansive coral reef formation and a great drift dive. Crinoids, garden eels and flamingo tongues are common here.
Horseshoe Reef (Coral Reef)
Located to the east of the islets of the Tobago Cays lays the massive bank-barrier reef known as ‘Horseshoe Reef”. The Reef serves as a natural barrier from the Atlantic for the islets of the Cays and refuge for many marine species.
Some of the coral species that can be found here;
Montastraea, Porites, Orbicella, Acropora, Millepora, Siderastrea, and gorgonians.
The Purunia (shipwreck)
Resting of the coast off the island of Mayreau to the east, lay the remains of the Purunia. This 140 foot gunship which sank in 1918. Laying at a depth of about 40ft it has since become a popular and frequented marine/dive attraction as it boasts a wide range of tropical marine species.
Baradal Turtle Sanctuary
To the southern tip of Baradal Islet lay sand and sea-grass meadows frequented by Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Green sea turtles. The green sea turtle is the most common of the three with sightings of Hawksbills and Loggerheads (much more endangered species of turtle) are a less common sighting occurrence. This makes the location a prime site for snorkeling.
Note that visitors are expected to be respectful of the turtles and their habitat!
Petit Tabac
Famous for being a set location for the filming of the pirates of the Caribbean, Petit Tabac is small, mostly sandy beach islet. It is popular picnic location for individuals planning to dive the nearby ‘world’s end and egg reefs’. Tabac is the only cay that is not enclosed by the Horse-reef.
Hiking
Many of the islands in the marine park boast short to moderately long hiking trails that can be accessed from various entrances. Visitors of the park are encouraged to explore the various flora, fauna and land animal species throughout the marine parks tropical, dessert landscape.
