16. Bird of Paradise Island

             

Off the North Eastern coast of Tobago sits a star shaped island referred to as the ‘Bird of Paradise Island’, Little Tobago. This island can be accessed by boat from Speyside Tobago.

The glass-bottom boat used for tours to this island allow the guests the opportunity to marvel at the beauty of marine life and coral reef.

As its name suggests, there are several species of bird on this island. The most popular and sought after being the Red-billed tropicbird, which is a must see. Apart from the birdwatching Little Tobago is known for its adventurous hike trails and deep sea snorkeling.

Have you ever taken the tour to Little Tobago? Tell us about your experience and share your pictures with.

15. Down De Islands “DDI”

Off the Western Coast of Trinidad in the Gulf of Paria there are several small islands that are grouped and referred to by the following names: -

                   1.      Bocas Islands

2.      The Five Islands

3.      San Diego Islands

Some of these islands have a rich history and are either now uninhabited or feature places for entertainment and housing or in the case of one island, a prison.

Ø  Chacachacare (Shakka Sha Kari)

This is the most western of the Bocas Islands, which belong to Trinidad & Tobago, situated in the Bocas Del Dragon between Trinidad and Venezuela. Until 1984, this island was used as a nun’s quarters and a lepers’ colony. The island is still uninhabited except for the persons that maintain the lighthouse. Now the island is used for entertainment and various tourism activities. Boat tours carry people to spend the day or camp out on the island. La Tinta, is one the beaches off the island, its water is clear but the black sand creates the illusion that the water is black which explains the reason for its name. There is also a Hindu temple where religious festivities are carried out.

Ø  Gaspar Grande

Another one of the Bocas Islands that is primarily limestone features several caves including Gasparee Caves. This natural limestone cave system is sought after by many for its’ mysterious pool at its base. Many residents have vacation homes on this island.

Ø  Monas Island

Monas is one of the Bocas Islands visited by many hikers and adventure seekers. Several vacation homes are available for rent.  

Ø  Nelson Island

This is one of the Five Islands which is situated west of Port of Spain. It was once utilised as the disembarkation point and quarantine station for indentured immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago in the nineteenth to early twentieth century. In 1930, it was used as a detention centre where Tubal Uriah “Buzz” Butler was one of our history’s detainees. In 1970 after the Black Power Revolution this island was used to hold infamous detainees.

Ø  Carrera

This island has been used as a prison since the 19^th century. The name of this facility is Carrera Convict Prison, officers assigned to this facility work two shifts one of which is an overnight duty. 

Ø  Scotland Bay

This is not an actual island as above referenced, however, it is a beach which can be accessed via boat located off the Chaguramas peninsula.

I’ve been to Scotland Bay several times. We accessed the bay through Tetron, a Military Base and other times via boat. I’ve always enjoyed visiting this bay. The water is clean and calm, and the bay is rarely overcrowded. Even if a few boats dock, everyone more or else has their own space.

My most memorable visit to Scotland Bay was with my two cousins. I left work early that day to spend some time with my cousin from England. We got to the Bay and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Coming back was the issue. We were talking having fun, enjoying the cool sea breeze while soaking up the last few minutes of the sun before it set. Then, I realised the boat was no longer propelling forward instead it was simply swaying left and right taking command now from the sea rather than the engine with my cousins help. Yup! ‘Knot-a-Fuss’ engines decided it had enough. We drifted for about ten minutes, when a fishing pirogue came to our rescue. They threw a rope to us which we tied to the front of the boat and were towed.     

Were you as fortunate as I to have an adventurous memory of down the island? Have you ever been to one of the islands? Share your comments and pictures below.

14. Asa Wright Centre

 

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is situated on 270acres of land in the Arima valley which is in the Northern Range of Trinidad. Labelled as one of the top bird watching spots in the Caribbean, this centre has recorded one hundred and fifty-nine (159) species of birds. Also housed at the centre is a main estate house with an inn and restaurant.

                                

 

Even before touring this bird paradise, our feathered friends and other native species visit the Estate House creating an atmosphere of oneness with nature. The veranda of the Main house has several feeding swings where birds, especially the humming bird, come to feed. This creates a very intimate and exhilarating setting.  

                

                

 

On the guided tour, a full history of the centre is given and guests are given the opportunity to ask their many questions. The tour guides armed with a wealth of knowledge point out the various species of anything that flies, creeps, crawls or hops along the trail. Even more impressive are the different types of flowers and foliage at the very tip of their tongues. After the guided tour guest may choose to have lunch or afternoon at the restaurant.

               

 

My group decided to walk and explore the surroundings and visit a nearby river seen while driving to the centre. Along the way were different trees, birds and butterflies that kept us in awe.

 

                       

 

The river was the ideal way to end our day. It was cold and invigorating yet quite relaxing. The sound of the birds and insects coupled with the waterfall cascading into the main pool was enough to make one forget any stress even for a moment.  

 

Have you ever been to the Asa Wright Nature Centre? Do you think you can identify any of the birds, insects, animals, flowers or plants in the pictures? If you can post your answers in the comments below. Those of you who have visited the Asa Wright Centre and took pictures please share with us and let us know your experience.

 

 

13. Tobago Harvest

Tobago Harvest is a celebration of community, food and fun. It is where residents give thanks for the harvest (fruits of their labour). The day commences with a church service where all the villagers come together to give God thanks for their many blessings. After the service, they return home and partake of dishes and delicacies prepared by their neighbours. Each village in Tobago has a special time when they celebrate their Harvest. This event confirms the stories that Tobago is an island that captures the warm community spirit and willingness to be your brother’s keeper. Community is the chord that binds neighbour to neighbour friend to friend.  

I had the pleasure of attending the Harvest for the village of Bethel. The best way to describe this event is BELLY FULL! The families prepare meals from the crops sown and animals reared. The cacophony, of children at play, laughter and song young and old in heated discourse are sounds of community and all that is Tobago Harvest. The family I stayed with provided a veritable “smorgasbord” of: 

§  Provision

§  Buss up Shot

§  Callaloo

§  Pigeon Peas

§  Curry Potato

§  Pumpkin

§  Rabbit

§  Pork

§  Chicken

§  Fish

§  Horse

 

 Did you have the pleasure of attending Harvest in Tobago? Were you actively involved in Harvest for your village? Was your experience different from mine? Share your comments and pictures with us. If your village is having Harvest soon post the date give someone the opportunity to enjoy.

12. The Ortoire River

The Ortoire River is one of the largest rivers in Trinidad and Tobago which is bound by Nariva and Mayaro Counties on the east coast of Trinidad. The Ortoire River or “Glowing” Ortoire River, as it is famously known as, is one of our twin island's natural wonders. Every ten (10) years the river gives off a blue glow as a result of bioluminescence of living organisms that that reside in the river. The last viewing of this “awesome natural phenomenon” as the Trinidad Express called it was March 2014.

One can only experience this phenomenon by indulging in a late night swim as the water must be disturbed to see the true beauty of this nocturnal light show. If you can’t wait ten (10) years to see this phenomenon in Trinidad, Tobago has its own version in the Bon Accord Lagoon where these bioluminescent living organisms also reside.

Stand up paddle boards and kayak tours are offered from Pigeon Point to the Lagoon.

11. The La Brea Pitch Lake

The largest and most significant pitch lake in the world is located in southwest Trinidad in the village of La Brea. The La Brea Pitch Lake is approximately one hundred acres and is estimated to be 76 meters deep in the centre. The surface of the lake is solid enough to walk, some areas are so soft that an individual can slowly sink if in one spot for too long, then there are spots where you can put a stick through the asphalt and get liquid tar which is black and gooey. I remember doing this as a child when I visited the lake.

  

Although the lake appears dormant the asphalt still moves with a natural slow "stirring" action. Villagers say that prehistoric trees and other objects in the past have been known to appear, disappear and reappear.

In the rainy season, when water collects in the cracks and crevices of the Lake a warm sulphur pool is formed in which people bathe. This pool is fondly known as the ‘fountain of youth’ and contains high levels of sulphur known for its numerous health benefits, curing anything from skin conditions to joint pain.

The Pitch Lake, is also known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, provides the natural nutrients required for plants, flowers and animals to thrive. Numerous cashew, mango and breadfruit trees, water rose, nymph lilies and bird of paradise flourish. The Pitch Lake paradise is another stop for avid bird watchers.

              

Next time you are driving through the US or Europe, remember some of those very roads you travel on are finished with asphalt from our very own La Brea Pitch Lake. I remember my grandma saying “ah cobbler have no shoes and a tailor no clothes”: I guess this would explain the state of the roads in Trinidad. Maybe our roads will be better if we have no pitch lake.

           

10. Galera Point/Toco Lighthouse

I thought it most fitting to post this location after the Turtle Watching. If you chose to stay and lime after Turtle Watching, this is a nice place to start the following morning.

Galera Point is the most eastern point in Trinidad where the navy blue surf of the Atlantic Ocean meets the gentler turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea.

The Toco Lighthouse, now named after Keshorn Walcott, one of our Olympic Gold Medallists, a white stone tower which was built in 1897 features a red light that warns vessels of the rocky waters.

          

If you are daring enough, stroll pass the lighthouse and through a narrow walkway to stand as close to the edge of the rocky cliff. From this vantage point the two bodies of water meet where a maelstrom of waves dash against the rocks beneath. The view is absolutely breath-taking and the chaos of the waves exhilarating.

For the faint of heart, outdoor tables and benches are conveniently positioned beneath overgrown trees creating the perfect ambiance for an outdoor picnic as nature’s symphony plays on.

Have you ever been to the Toco Lighthouse? If not, this is an easy check off of your bucket list. If you have, share your experience and photos with us.

9. Buccoo Reef/Nylon Pool/No Man's Land

Ø  Buccoo Reef

Tobago has one of the most accessible coral reefs in the Caribbean which can be accessed from Pigeon Point, Buccoo Beach or Store Bay. The Buccoo Reef has a fascinating, colourful underwater life which is approximately 7km² in area and consists of five reef flats that enclose a shallow reef lagoon.  Jacques Cousteau, a famous French Oceanographer and Explorer rated the reef as the third most spectacular in the world. There are daily tours to the reef using glass-bottom boats which allow you to view the reef from inside the boat.

Ø  The Nylon Pool

After viewing the wonders of the reef, heading south brings you to a pool of turquoise calm water that is thigh-high with white sand. This pool of water is said to have the ability to rejuvenate anyone that has the pleasure of swimming in it. The white sand, which is pulverised coral, can also be used as a natural exfoliant for your body.  This serene destination was named the Nylon Pool by Britain’s Princess Margaret when she spent her honeymoon in 1962.

Just imagine a natural, salted crystal clear baby swimming pool with a sandy bottom in the middle of the ocean.  

Ø  No Man's Land

In the far South of the Caribbean Sea lies a white coral sand-spit that is surrounded by the most kaleidoscopic waters you will ever see. This uninhabited stretch of beach located near the Bon Accord Lagoon is known as No Man’s Land. This area is mainly accessible by boat and welcomes most tour boats and encourages the snorkelers and bird watchers to enjoy what nature has to offer. The beach is cool as there are a few trees that can shade from the sun.

This is usually the best part of the ‘Day of Adventure at Sea’ for me. The boat is anchored, friends and family disembark, the sea blankets are spread in a nice cool spot, the children find a play area and the chefs set up either a grill for BBQ or a fire cracker and a big pot for Fish Broth. There is nothing more exciting than cooking, eating, drinking and socialising with people that you love.

This trip can be planned for a family lime, like we did last year to celebrate our parent’s 70^th and 75^th birthdays and their 47^th wedding anniversary, or a relaxing weekend with friends.

Have you ever been to any of these spots? Share your experience or simply post pictures.

8. Turtle Watching

Turtle watching is seasonal; the main nesting season is between March and September every year. Some of the turtles that nest in Trinidad and Tobago are: -

§  Leatherback

§  Hawksbills

§  Olive Ridleys

§  Loggerheads

§  Green Turtles

There are several beaches where these phenomenal creatures can be viewed but three main beaches which have prohibited access and permits must be acquired to view the turtles: -

§  Grand Riviere

§  Matura

§  Fishing Pond

The process: -

ü  The sea turtle swims ashore to find a suitable place

ü  A ‘body pit’ is made, by digging approximately twenty inches (20in) using all four flippers, to lay her eggs

ü  She then releases the clutch or egg chamber using her hind flippers and sits motionless while laying her eggs. Depending on the species this can be between fifty (50) to three hundred and fifty (350) eggs.

ü  She then secures the nest by covering it with sand (firstly using her hind flippers then all four flippers) with intent to protect them

ü  Then she returns to sea.

ü  More than likely she will return to that same beach to lay her eggs

Sounds really easy right! WRONG! The simplest things can disturb these creatures from laying their eggs. This is the reason why there are so many guidelines and the beaches that are more popular require a guided tour to ensure the safety of these gentle giants. A simple thing like a beam from a flashlight can disorient the mother in her most vulnerable state.    

Of course, everything in Trinidad & Tobago is ah lime! I have experienced this phenomenon twice so far. We would drive to the predestined beach view the awesome wonder of the turtles nesting then return to a nearby accommodations where ah pot is sure to be bubbling as we wile away the night. The next morning bleary eyed we face the morning’s sun at the pristine beach at nearby Saline Bay or Shark River where food is sure to follow. As you may well guess, Trinbagonians love food, fun and fellowship.

Have you ever been turtle watching? Would you like to go? Share your comments and pictures below.