Beaches

I know I have mentioned beaches quite a lot, but we are talking about the Caribbean islands and that means beaches are a big part of that experience, even more so when those beaches are all amazing in their own special way. 

Maracas beach, Trinidad, is hands down one of the most popular and is the place to be for both tourists and locals alike with its white sand, beautiful blue water and glorious waves. Unlike most of Tobago’s beaches Maracas has waves to make you experience a little more excitement. There is Las Cuevas Bay just 15min drive from Maracas with similar waves but the beach is longer and more spacious so you can feel a little less clustered when the crowds are in. Let’s not forget you can always get a nice bake and shark after. 

As for Tobago, one of the most unique beaches that we did not mention till now is one called No Mans Land. It is so called because for a long time there was no way of getting to this beach other than by boat. There was no way to get to it by car until a few years ago when a track was made. This beach joins to mangrove wetlands and is an important habitat for many species of bird.

 Our beaches are bound with endless beauty making them crucially essential for a successful tourism sector. Let us remember this on our next visit to the beach. As visitors and locals let us try to conserve the magnificence and splendor so it may lasts for decades to come.

Nylon Pool

I have said that our twin island is just magical and this is no lie. The most majestic place in all of Tobago is the Nylon Pool. This is latterly located at the back of the Buccoo Reef and is a stop on the Buccoo Reef tour. Princess Margaret is responsible for giving the pool its name, on her visit there in 1962.

 We call it pool because of the shallow waters and white sand. One thing that truly makes the Nylon Pool magical is the legend of rejuvenation to those lucky enough to swim in its waters. There is also a romantic myth. It is believed that if a couple kisses underneath the water of the pool, their marriage will not only be a happy and loving one but it will last for a lifetime. So if that is not enough to make you want to swim in its waters then I don’t know what will.

Have you been to the Nylon Pool? Wouldn’t you agree that it is a ‘must see’ for all locals and tourists?

Buccoo Reef

When travelling to Tobago the Buccoo Reef will be one of those places that you just have to experience yourself. A French oceanographer and explorer Jacques Cousteau visited Tobago's Buccoo Reef and rated it as the third most spectacular reef in the world. See it for yourself and you will understand. Crystal clear water, that is just full of colour and life. Every day there are tours that will take you out to the reef on a glass bottom boat, so if you don’t feel like getting into the water you will not miss a thing, but we strongly suggest that you dive in and get the full experience for yourself. There are so many colourful fish in and around the corals. Who knows you might even find Nemo.

With this being such an important island treasure and tourist destination do you think the authorities and country as a whole do enough to protect and conserve the reef? 

Gasparee Caves

Trinidad and Tobago is home to some of the most beautiful places on earth, we are blessed enough to have more than one in our twin island. One place that will surely take your breath away with its miraculous beauty is the Gasparee caves.

Take a walk 90ft under sea level and discover a new world. The limestone walls of the cave have dissolved due to the wave action, acidic rainfall and percolating ground-water, leaving behind sculptured caverns, caves, sinkholes, stalactites and stalagmites. All of its beauty is enhanced by natural light reflections which show off the magnificent blue of the underground pools. 

So my question is how many of you have seen this wonder with your own eyes? How many of you are going to make a trip to see it for the first time or to re visit this magical cave? This is a perfect destination to go with the family that will leave a memory that will last a lifetime.

The Pitch Lake

Trinidad is home to the world’s largest pitch lake, approximately 95 acres. Few others even come close the size of ours. It is located on Trinidad’s west coast and is the reason we are able to export pitch to over thirty countries worldwide to be used on highways, airports, bridges and other heavy duty sites.

There is one popular legend of how the pitch lake came to be. According to the myth, a tribe existed in the very spot of the present day pitch lake. After a victory in battle they celebrated with a big feast where humming birds were cooked and eaten. These birds however were believed to be the spirits of their ancestors. The Gods were as a result angered and opened up the earth, summoning the pitch lake to swallow the village and its people.

To give credit to the story archaeologists have found relics from the tribe as well as a tooth that belonged to the largest prehistoric mammal to walk, a mammoth. In 1928 a huge tree estimated to be 4000 years old rose 10 feet before sinking back into the lake.

What do you think about this legend? Does it spark an even greater interest to visit the lake? 

Zip Lining

For those who want to get a little more excitement from their visit and experience that adrenaline rush, zip lining is a fitting option. Come to Chaguaramas, Trinidad for a zip line experience of a life time. Soar high above the ground from point to point as you take in some of the most breath taking views of the North West peninsular, located in the lush green forests of Macqueripe bay. There are 5 canopies, net bridges and 7 zip lines, with the longest being 400ft and suspended 120ft above ground at its highest point. The guides are all highly qualified to ensure your safety. There is also ample police presence together with a 24/7 camera control to monitor vehicles. No tourist should leave the island without trying this. This is fun for the entire family.

Hiking

When it comes to eco-tourism there is nothing like taking a hike to experience the beauty of our islands from a unique stand point. Hiking through the trails and up the rivers to finally land you at a beautiful pool and waterfall. There are numerous waterfalls that are scattered throughout the islands and each with its own treasured beauty.

There are many available hiking clubs such as Hikers Inc, Trinbago Backpackers Hikers Club and U.W.I Hiking club just to name a few. There are different classes from 1 to 10, 1 being the easiest and 10 being the most difficult so you can make an appropriate selection best suited to your capabilities. The tour guides will put everyone into groups so that no one is left behind or separated from one another. Take in the beautiful sights, sounds and smell as you hike up the tracks on your way to your destination, meanwhile your tour guides will point out important information along the way. The hikes are usually very inexpensive and it will be an avenue to experience the great outdoors. Which hikes have you been to? Which do you prefer and what hikes do you recommend for tourists to enjoy?