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. 

7. The Temple on the Sea – ‘Sewdass Sadhu Shiv Mandir’

Located in the village of Waterloo in the Gulf of Paria, exists a floating Hindu Temple which was reconstructed in 1994 to commemorate 150^th anniversary of the first Indian indentured workers.  This temple is a place of worship to some, others a historical landmark. I had the pleasure of visiting the temple and was in awe of its construction, history and the many flowers, birds and fish. There is a serene breeze which beckons quiet introspection. 

1.      That this temple was initially built by one man named Sewdass Sadhu on a piece of unused swamp land close to the shore.

2.      Sewdass planted ‘gaandar koopar’ a flower that is quite fragrant from a distance.

3.      He also planted a garden that is the habitat for several various species of butterflies

4.      Devotees gather for Kartik, a three day festival commemorating the sea with song dance and food.  

5.      The management of the sugar company that owned the piece of swamp land ordered it be demolished in 1930.

6.      Sadhu refused to demolish the temple and so was taken to court and fined $500.00 and sentenced to fourteen (14) days in prison for trespassing.

7.      The Sugar company was granted a court order to demolish the temple but could not get any locals to do the job

8.      Sadhu warned the man that agreed to demolish the temple that his life will be broken just as he broke the temple. The man died within a month, injuries sustained while demolishing the temple

9.      After his 14 day imprisonment he returned to the site to rebuild his temple

10.  He collected broken bricks from a nearby factory and dumped them on the shore load after load in a straight line out to sea to make a walk way to build the mandir on the sea

11.  He was ridiculed and laughed at by villagers who said it would wash away

12.  He didn’t just build a mandir but a prayer complex which consisted of three (3) mandirs, a kitchen, a dining room, restroom and another room. Looped around was a veranda

13.  When the project was completed the villagers attended various Hindu festivals.

14.  In 1970, he died from a heart attack

15.  The temple became dilapidated over years

16.  In 1994 the government decided to reconstruct the temple in time to commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of the first arrival of Indian indentured workers in Trinidad

17.  In 1995, it was consecrated and named the Sewdass Sadhu Shiv Mandir

18.  There is a statue of him that stands upon the shore.

                              

6. North Coast Road

Most people say best time to go North Coast
is when the sun is hot or on a public holiday.
I say, once the gas tank is full, you have good
company and it’s not raining: Let's hit the
road! My most enjoyable trips the North
Coast have been late evening, after work. We
stop by Uncle Sam for the famous Bake and
Shark (my version shark and fries) and dine
in the perfect ambiance, the sound of the
ocean crashing against the shore, the cool
refreshing sea breeze and the crisp scent of
salt water (except when the occasional diesel
vehicle passes). There are those days when I
feel for a sea bath and drive to Las Cuevas to
enjoy the peaceful water until sunset.          

What does North Coast Road have to offer?

Ø  The “Look Out”

Apart from the spectacular view and amazing background for selfies or group photos, there are a few stalls that sell local arts and craft as well some of Trinidad and Tobago’s best delicacies. My all-time favourite is the pineapple chow.

                       

Ø  Maracas Bay

This is the most common beach on the North Coast. It is known for its surfing waves (body or board), long stretch of almost white sand, restroom facilities and on-duty qualified lifeguards. This beach is also well known for many social events. Opposite Maracas Bay is a myriad of food stalls that sell bake and shark, fries various types of fried fish and chicken etc. It’s a teeming smorgasbord of yum!!! Richards Bake and Shark made famous by Andrew Zimmerman, food aficionado, is also located there.

  Ø  Tyrico Bay

This bay is usually less crowded than Maracas but is just as refreshing to enjoy. Although there are no on site facilities because of its close proximity to Maracas most people don’t mind. There are qualified lifeguards at this beach between the hours of 11am and 5pm daily.

  Ø  Las Cuevas

Now this is my favourite North Coast beach. Although most people

complain about sand flies, I rarely get bitten (probably because they don’t bite in water) but I always walk with citronella oil as a back-up. This beach features white sand, restroom facilities, secured car park, bar and qualified life guards. The beach also has caves and flowering trees along the beach which can be used to shade from the grueling sun. The water is usually calm with the occasional waves and somewhat clear.

  Ø  La Fillette

The water at this beach is calm and known for snorkeling. It is accessed via almost one hundred winding steps. I’ve gone to this beach to sit and reflect on life. It’s very secluded and peaceful. I've had the pleasure being present at the pre-wedding shoot for one of my closest friends at this beach.  

  Ø  Blanchisseuse

The village of Blanchisseuse has a lot to offer. From guesthouses for weekend rendezvous, to hiking trails, rivers for kayaking, bird-watching and the seasonal surfing and turtle watching.

North Coast road has many things to offer. You can choose to simply drive up for bake and shark and enjoy the sea breeze, or pick one of the beaches mentioned above to enjoy a day of sand sea and fun in the sun or make it a North Coast beach hop.  

               

There are other beaches that I may not have included. Do you know any? Do you have pictures? Which of the beaches along North Coast is your favourite? Have you ever eaten a bake and shark? Who is the best? Were you ever serenaded by this man? Comment share your experiences and comments with us.

5. Argyle Waterfalls

The walk to Argyle Waterfalls is about fifteen (15) – twenty (20) minutes surrounded by lush green foliage along a clearly marked trail which is suitable for any age. If you pay extra for a tour guide they will tell you the history of that location and answer any questions.                     

                                   

          

                                        

The falls is the highest in Tobago at a height of one hundred and seventy-five (175) feet which has three distinct levels with a pool of cool crystal clear water at each level. If you are adventurous, there are vines that can be used to assist in reaching to the higher levels.

              

Although I did not go up to the various levels I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the base. That trip was a history lesson combined with a picturesque calming environment. Have you been to Argyle? Did you venture to the higher levels

4. The Caroni Bird Sanctuary

The Bird Sanctuary Tour

The Caroni Bird Sanctuary is still on my list of things to do in Trinidad. Truth be told, I can remember three distinct instances where I had the opportunity to go but made simple excuses why I shouldn't. Remember that show with Ice Cube and Jenifer Lopez “Anaconda”, yeah that’s what I think about when I look at pictures online and hear people speaking about their experience. How am I guaranteed that this boat sorry pirogue would protect me from a caiman or an anaconda? That no species of anything would attempt to attack us on the tour?

Ok, enough of my paranoia! Before the end of 2016, I will visit the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and post pictures.

Facts about the Bird Sanctuary

1.      Located in the west coast of Trinidad where the Caroni River meets the Gulf of Paria.

2.      It is the second largest mangrove wetland (5,611 hectares of herbaceous marsh and mangrove forest) in Trinidad and Tobago.

 

3.      The major roosting place of the Scarlet Ibis, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Birds.

Scarlet Ibis Returning Home

Scarlet Ibis Roosting

4.      The home of over one hundred (100) avian species.

                

5.      It provides a habitat for flora and fauna.

6.      The swamp is ecologically diverse with approximately twenty (20) endangered species.

Tree Boa

7.      It is a nursery for marine and freshwater species.

Four Eyed Fish

The pictures of the swamp are scary, but seeing the scarlet ibis returning to its roosting place, and the various species of birds, flowers and plants make this trip worth it. If you haven’t visited the Bird Sanctuary as yet, make the arrangements tick this off your list of things to do in Trinidad and Tobago. If you have, share your experience with us and hopefully it would motivate us to do it sooner than later. Were you afraid to go on the boat? Were you afraid of the hanging tree boas? Share your experiences.