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.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Cabin at the Pines

Image
Cabin at the Pines is the perfect Eco-lover getaway location. A stunning handcrafted wooden cabin, located in a very secluded and private area in St. Anns, sits within half an acre of flat land surrounded by a forest of Caribbean pine that affords marvelous views down to Port of Spain and inland over the hills that surround Port of Spain. Just as how any getaway should be, away from the crowd. This dreamy cabin offers such serenity that you would expect it to be out in the deep of the forest, but this is not the case. Trust me, I was lost for words upon arrival. I could not believe that this little piece of heaven existed in Trinidad. Who would have known? The drive to the cabin is nothing short of an adventure, but the mountain road is very steep and as a result, I would strongly recommend that you use a four wheel drive - anything short of this is a no go. This spot makes it great for weddings, parties, baby showers, teas, dinners, limes and any other entertainment e
Read more

ATV Recreation Park

Image
Get away from the hustle of city life and into the Arima countryside for a wild four-mile ride on an ATV. Hop on a single-seat all-terrain vehicle and enjoy this off-road romp through Arima's landscape of lush forest, featuring sand, mud, and anything else Mother Nature offers. You will definitely get your adrenaline pumping, because I know I did! The trail you will embark on is designed to fit all skill levels, so be prepared to have an exciting and exhilarating experience. Prepare for a trail full of bumps, dips, and twists and turns. I had a blast racing along the trail and through the mud!! A lot of dirt was kicked up, but this just made the experience more thrilling. Upon arrival, riders will be given a ten-minute introduction on how to operate the vehicle, including safety instructions and will be provided with helmets, gloves, and goggles as a safety precaution. This is considered mandatory for all drivers and riders. You will feel safe and secure, whether you are an
Read more

Kayaking in Chaguaramas

Image
Nothing to do this weekend? Try Kayaking! If you love the water like I do, then come and experience kayaking in Chaguaramas. This fun activity will allow you to work out your arms while taking in the gorgeous views of the North-Western peninsula. You may even get the chance to spot marine iguanas on the rocks and in the sea, and capuchin monkeys in the trees. You can begin your experience at Williams Bay, which is actually a great place to kayak. This bay provides you the opportunity to kayak in a relatively sheltered bay as the north-western peninsula blocks the currents of the Caribbean Sea. Williams Bay You even have a chance to witness a new fixture at Williams Bay - Trinidad's "Silver Surfer" (taken from the Fantastic Four Comics). His attire is a full silver body suit, silver face paint, and a surf or boogie board covered entirely in aluminum foil and powered by a motor.  I must say, my friends and I, who are also beginners, had an amazing
Read more