August 12, 2026 — Beachgoers, tour boat operators, and tourists at Store BayClick to open side panel for more information were treated to an extraordinary sight off the southwestern coast of Tobago yesterday, as a massive, fully intact two-storey floating house anchored in the turquoise waters near Coco Reef Resort.
The custom-built registered vessel, aptly named “Barj Mahal,” made the inter-island crossing from Trinidad ahead of the upcoming Great Race weekend, capturing the fascination of hundreds on the shoreline who took to social media with photos and videos of the floating residence. A Front-Row Seat on the Water for Great Race
The owner—who identified himself as “Bim”—explained that the project was conceptualized several years ago after acquiring a barge, which was sandblasted and coated in aluminum to withstand marine corrosion.
- The Inter-Island Journey: Taking advantage of calm sea conditions, the vessel completed the 10-hour voyage from Trinidad at an average speed of 7.5 knots without incident.
- Off-Grid Comfort: The two-storey home features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a self-contained marine sanitation system, and a solar power grid designed for sustainable offshore living.
- Private Gathering: Despite being flooded with inquiries from curious beachgoers and tourists asking about rental rates or public tours, the owner confirmed that the vessel is strictly for private use to host family and friends for a prime vantage point during the Great Race powerboat arrivals.
Local bathers and international visitors described the vessel as a stunning addition to the coastal scenery, remarking on the ingenuity of bringing a luxury home directly into the sea.
