Deep Blue Adventures

By Paul Hadden

A return to the beach also means that we can once again enjoy our favourite seaside activities like snorkelling and surfing. Snorkelling is a lowcost activity that can open up an entire world of underwater splendour; all you need is a pair of goggles, a snorkle, and maybe some fins. Favourite haunts for doing some shallow underwater exploration, discovering reef fish and underwater coral include Tobago’s Englishman Bay and Kariwak Reef at Store Bay, but you can also find great spots off the mainland of Trinidad, especially around the collection of islands, known as “Down the Islands”, scattered between Trinidad’s north-western coast and Venezuela.

Many local surfers will tell you that T&T has some of the best surfing in the Caribbean. Several of the splendid beaches that dot the north coast of Trinidad such as Salybia, Sans Souci and Mt. Irvine in Tobago, are havens for surfers.

Snorkelling

TOBAGO

Buccoo Reef, Castara Bay

Charlotteville

Englishman’s Bay

Pirate’s Bay, Store Bay

Speyside

Surfing

TRINIDAD

Balandra

Salybia

Sans Souci

Toco

Blanchisseuse

Grand Riviere

Las Cuevas

Manzanilla

Mayaro

TOBAGO

Bacolet Beach

Hermitage Bay, Mt. Irvine

By Paul Hadden

Downtown Port of Spain www.insandoutstt.com/articles/a-shortwalking-tour-of-downtown-port-of-spain

Downtown Port of Spain is the bustling, vibrant heart of the nation’s capital. There is much to see here, so putting aside at least a half-day to wander through the lively and somewhat chaotic streets of downtown POS is recommended. The exquisite Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Holy Trinity Cathedral, historic Woodford Square, and the iconic Port of Spain Lighthouse, are just a few of the sites for you to explore.

Fort George

Just a short drive from the city down below, Fort George offers some of the best views of Port of Spain and its surrounding areas. On a clear day you might even be able to see the coastal mountains of Venezuela!

St. James, Port of Spain

Paramin Lookout www.instagram.com/lavigieparaminlookout/

On the island’s north, the picturesque village of Paramin has some of the most spectacular views. The recently renovated La Vigie lookout in Saut D’eau Paramin offers visitors not only panoramic views, but several amenities including cooking huts, washroom facilities, areas for picnicking, and on site-security.

Bamboo Cathedral

Nestled in Chaguaramas’ Tucker Valley you’ll find a magnificent formation of bamboo stalks whose green tops criss-cross to form a leafy canopy reminiscent of a cathedral. The path which leads you underneath the spectacular Bamboo Cathedral continues upwards for another ten kilometres and eventually takes you to a World War II Tracking Station and Satellite Dish.

Chaguaramas, Tucker Valley

Gasparee Caves

These underground Caves are found on the island of Gaspar Grande, off the north-western coast of Trinidad, and offer otherworldly pools of aquamarine water, shimmering with soft sunlight. The caverns feature limestone formations, as well as a hidden tidal pool.

For Tours, check the Chaguaramas Development Authority www.instagram.com/chaguaramas_magic/ Tel: (868) 225-4232 Ext. 191 Tours.services@chaguaramas.com

Chaguaramas Boardwalk

Offering fourteen hundred feet of walkway which wrap around the waters of Williams Bay, the Chaguaramas Boardwalk is a favourite weekend spot for locals and vistors alike. The green hills of the Northern Range, and the gentle waves make the boardwalk the perfect location for a sunset stroll.

Chaguaramas, Tucker Valley

Temple by the Sea

The Temple tells the story of one man’s dedication to his faith and perseverance in the face of religious persecution. Located in Waterloo, Carapichaima, the temple is open to visitors daily. If you arrive at sunset you might be lucky enough to see the Scarlet Ibis returning to their home in the nearby Caroni Swamp.

Carapichaima, central Trinidad

Dattatreya Temple and Hanuman Statue

The Dattatreya Temple is home to the tallest statue of Lord Hanuman found outside of India. The eighty-five-foot murti of the beloved God whom Hindus consider to be the perfect representation of selfless devotion - towers above the serene temple grounds.

Carapichaima, central Trinidad