Chacachacare island

Looking to escape from the hustle of city life and enjoy a peaceful day at the beach? How about undertaking a new adventure? Then, pack a picnic lunch, swimsuit and take a boat ride to Chacachacare, a truly forgotten gem. 

Chacachacare Island

The island first discovered by Christopher Columbus on 12th August 1498 is the largest and most westerly of the five Boca Islands, (which lie between Trinidad and Venezuela) and is only eight miles from the Venezuelan coast.

This is how close Chacachacare Island (Left) is to Venezuelan (Right)

At various times throughout its history, Chacahacare has served as a leper colony, a whaling station, and a cotton plantation. It also housed almost 1000 US soldiers during the Second World War. Ruins of its rich history can still be seen today protruding through dense forest. Uninhabited except for a few lighthouse caretakers, Chacachacare is also believed to be haunted. Like by a creepy love-stricken lantern wielding nun. Let's visit!


Today, this 900-acre island is perfect for an away-from-it-all resort. There are eight private beaches, a saltwater lake, and lush tropical greenery far and wide.

Chacachacare island's saltwater lake

Chacachacare holds many attractions: hiking, fishing, sea-bathing, and crab-catching at certain spots across the island. You can also find iguanas, squirrels, and birds of various species, some from the nearby mainland of Venezuela. 

I had the opportunity to revisit Chacachacare last Sunday and I would admit, once you step ashore you feel compelled to visit, again, and again. The island's strange magic never fades with each visit; its serenity keeps drawing you back for more. The lighthouse is one such place that one must behold. 


Chacahacare's lighthouse (supposedly one of the oldest in the western hemisphere) stands on the highest point and the view from there is one of the most panoramic! The journey alone to the lighthouse (roughly 3 miles) provides visitors with adventure and excitement every step of the way. From every angle atop the lighthouse, there is a beauty. On clear days the mountains of neighboring Venezuela can seem so close. So come and feast your eyes on one of the highest and oldest lighthouses in the Americas. It is a joy to experience this captivating but sometimes eerie place.

Hills of Venezuela from Chacachacare
For those who just want to relax one can spend the time at La Tinta and Perruquier Bay.

La Tinta Bay
This island can be a perfect paradise and haven for those seeking a short, quite recluse, and I strongly recommended a visit for those seeking a quiet, peaceful getaway from city life, for history lovers, and for those who just want to rejuvenate. For those in search of a scare, look no further, certain sections of this island hold gripping legends for those paranormal enthusiasts ready to discover its eerie history.

To get to Chacachacare from the mainland in Trinidad, you have to take a boat taxi from the boat yard at Island Property Owners Association in Chaguaramas. The trip is 5 miles to Chacachacare and may take about 45 minutes to get there.

You can book a tour through the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) on its website: www.chaguaramas.com or check them out on Facebook.




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