Castara Bay, on the Caribbean coast, is divided into two bays — Big Bay, just in front of Castara Village, and Little Bay, more secluded and great for snorkelling. Both are surrounded by lush vegetation. The village of Castara retains a working fishing village character: pirogues are pulled up on the beach, and fishermen repair nets in the mornings. Small guesthouses and a handful of cafes cater to the visitors who come for the unhurried atmosphere as much as the beach.
Little Bay is a ten-minute walk along a path through the forest. The snorkelling here is among the best on the leeward coast, with healthy coral and a good mix of reef fish. A river empties into the sea at the back of the bay after rain, so the water near the mouth can be murky — stay near the rocks for clarity. Castara makes a good base for exploring the northern coast: Englishman's Bay is a short drive to the east, and the road continues through forest toward the Main Ridge.