Living on a houseboat in Tobago

[N Crouch]

My husband and I would like to live on our houseboat. Are there accommodations for this or would we be allowed to buy land to build a dock?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi N

Welcome aboard!

What an interesting question. The first thing I would recommend is our article on Sailing (available in Out & About/Activities). There's a section in there for yachties which will give you some useful background.

There are no marinas in Tobago and I've certainly never come across anything remotely resembling a houseboat. Visiting yachties can moor in sheltered bays, but there are no facilities to moor shore-side anywhere on the island, as far as I am aware.

Yes, you could always buy land and build a dock, I guess. However, I imagine anywhere suitable would cost many times the value of your houseboat as beach frontage in sheltered bays is much sought-after.

[Brian Taylor]

I would believe that living on a houseboat is more something for a river. unfortunately Tobago has no river big enough to accommodate one. in the sea it might be a bit choppy at times. I heard that they might want to build a marina at the "tobago plantations" property. why not check them in the net....?!
hope you can fullfill your dream!

[N Crouch]

Thank you for your replies

The sailing info will be very helpful as well as knowing where different facilities are located. I will email Tobago Plantations about their future plans for a marina in the future.

I feel encouraged in knowing we can make this happen. I am a "fish out of water", living in New Mexico which has the beauty of the high desert. I was raised on Catalina Island and I miss all that came with life there. I see what has happened to Catalina and mainly the town of Avalon. I don't want to be a part of congestion problems in Tobago and wish to live a quiet life. We need to wait until my husband retires in four years, so there is plenty of time to plan.