Trinidad
and Tobago, Islands of Adventure by Brian Ramsey
Accommodation
in Trinidad
- Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago are two
islands set in the Caribbean Sea. The name Caribbean conjures up images
of blue seas and white sand beaches set against green hills. It brings
to mind images of lying on the beach sipping pina coladas or rum and coca-cola.
For the holiday traveler Tobago meets those expectations. For the outdoor
enthusiast however, Trinidad and Tobago can be islands of outdoor recreation
adventure with hiking trails and hidden waterfalls, bird and turtle watching,
cycling through verdant countryside or kayaking past wildlife filled forests.
Trinidad and Tobago has a
range of hiking opportunities with many of the hikes leading to waterfalls.
Rincon waterfall in the Rincon valley on the north coast of Trinidad is
a 250-foot vertical drop. The hike begins in the valley amidst small farms,
fording several crystal clear streams and then winds uphill, culminating
with a steep descent to the base of the waterfall. The 32 kilometer trail
from Blanchissuese to Matelot on Trinidad's north coast is considered a
jewel. Along the hike one alternates from unspoiled rainforest to untouched
beaches.
Starting from Blanchissuese
you encounter Paria Bay after two to three hours (depending on the hiker's
level of fitness). A short trail from the beach leads to Paria waterfall
where there is a deep clear pool below the falls surrounded by heliconia,
fringed lilies, and philodendron. If you choose to continue the hike after
Paria Bay, the trail rambles over a succession of small ridges, crossing
several small streams, until you next encounter Gran Tacarib, which is
a 1.2 kilometer crescent shaped beach. From Gran Tacarib the trail continues
to the Madamas river and then Madamas Beach. Both Madamas Beach and Gran
Tacarib are nesting sites for Leatherback turtles, during the nesting season
of March to September. After Madamas it is a continuation of the up and
down hiking and crossing small streams and then the Petite Riviere river.
The trail continues through abandoned estate lands with cocoa, coffee,
tonka bean, nutmeg and papaya (pawpaw) until you arrive at the Matelot
River and the village of Matelot.
For those who want to lie
on the beach but also engage in some outdoor activity there are several
less strenous hikes. Argyle waterfall on the outskirts of Roxborough in
Tobago is an easy hike along the Argyle River to a three level waterfall.
The hike to the Rio Seco waterfall on Trinidad's north-east coast goes
through semi-cultivated land and then through stately mora forests to a
small waterfall with a refreshing emerald pool, ideal for swimming.
both Trinidad and Tobago
abound with birds and at almost every turn an avian spectacle can be observed.
Trinidad and Tobago has some of the most diverse bird species to be found
in one location with over 460. This variety in species can perhaps be attributed
to the fact that the islands lie close to South America so migration is
easier, resulting in unusually diverse fauna. Asa Wright Nature Center,
is Trinidad and Tobago's premier birding location and it has been widely
recognized as one of the most successful eco-tourism stories in the world.
The listing of birds that
can be seen at this center is too long for this article but has been identified
in the vicinity of 159. Some of these birds include; Purple Honeycreeper,
Green Honeycreeper, Crested Oropendola, Silver-beaked Tanager, White-necked
Jacobin hummingbirds, Bananaquit, Red-legged Honeycreeper, White-chested
Emerald hummingbird, Cocoa Thrush, Chestnut Woodpecker, Great Antshrike.
This Nature Center is located at a height of approximately 1,200 feet in
the hills of the Northern Range, seven miles from the town of Arima. It
is reached by a single lane road that winds through verdant countryside
dotted by small villages and isolated houses. There are numerous trails
throughout the property and very knowledgeable guides.
Grafton Wildlife Sanctuary,
Tobago, is a former cocoa and coconut estate that was destroyed by Hurricane
Flora in 1963 and as a result was converted into a wildlife sanctuary.
It is approx. 200 acres in size and is covered in secondary forest. There
are three main forest trails. As you enter, the first trail on the right
leads downhill and is relatively short. The second trail on the left also
gradually leads downhill and then eventually climbs uphill. The main trail,
which is directly facing the entrance, leads uphill and winds past several
abandoned estate buildings and stables. There are benches along the main
trail and at some points they provide panoramic views. There are at least
three smaller trails that branch off from the main uphill trail but these
are not always maintained. The three main forest trails are maintained.
It is possible to spend an enjoyable hour or an intense four hours. The
entire sanctuary abounds with birds of varied species.
Trinidad and Tobago are islands
in the Caribbean Sea so there are myriad opportunities for kayaking. However
for those who do not want to contend with large waves, ocean swells and
ocean currents, Trinidad and Tobago offers a choice of sheltered saltwater
and freshwater kayaking opportunities. Two kayaking areas of particular
note are Bon Accord Lagoon and the Godineau River.
The azure waters of Buccoo
Bay and the Bon Accord Lagoon in Tobago are sheltered by the offshore Buccoo
reef, providing a kayaking area with only gentle swells. Kayak rentals
are available at the nearby Storebay and also at Pigeon Point. The fringing
Mangrove swamps of the Bon Accord Lagoon provide a scenic contrast to the
white sand beaches along Pigeon Point and at the center of Buccoo bay.
The offshoots of the reef also shelter the adjacent Milford Bay, allowing
one to kayak to the south-east from Bon Accord Lagoon around Pigeon Point
and into Milford Bay or vice-versa.
The Godineau River in south
Trinidad, also known as the South Oropouche River, is one of the rivers
in Trinidad that provides a year round kayaking opportunity as the water
level is always sufficient. Kayaking in the Godineau area takes you through
a variety of habitats, from saltwater mangrove swamp to fresh water marshland
to partially cultivated areas. A variety of birdlife can be seen on these
kayak trips including Scarlet Ibis, Southern Lapwing, Osprey, Savannah
Hawk, Wattled Jacana, Cattle Egret, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Lesser Yellowlegs,
Black-bellied Whistling Duck and a variety of migrating ducks (during the
northern winter). This kayak trip can be started either from the sea along
the area known as the Mosquito Creek or inland from the Woodland area.
Trinidad's network of old
agricultural & oilfield roads plus (relatively) quiet country roads,
along with hiking paths provide a range of surfaces and environments for
cycling. In addition terrain ranges from flat land to rolling inclines
to hillsides. For those with a preference for road biking almost every
area of Trinidad has country roads with reduced vehicle traffic. The cross-country
rider will be able to find undulating land with natural vistas. Those whose
interest lies in mountain biking can find forest trails with logs, bamboo
and streams across the trail requiring navigation and dexterity.
So the next time you are
looking for outdoor recreational activity with a difference, experience
Trinidad and Tobago, islands of Adventure.
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Accommodation
in Trinidad
- Tobago
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