Things to Do Down-the-Islands

Trinidad's undiscovered, Caribbean Island playground...

The island connoisseur may prefer to spend their days relaxing with a drink in hand, a quiet swim and a game or two of cards; if so, your Trinidad rental will provide all the stimulation you need. On the other hand, there's lots for the adventurous to see and do with a little pre-planning...

 Snorkeling the Boca 

The mixing of the the Gulf of Paria's mineral rich waters with the clear blue waters of the Caribbean can sometimes give the sea around the Boca Islands a green tinge, a mixture that produces an abundance of marine life.

While you may not find the diversity of species seen on coral reefs, you will find a wide variety of reef fish swimming right under most docks and jetties. That's right, and with no more than a mask and snorkel you can plunge into this natural aquarium. Wholesome entrainment that will keep you and your kids transfixed for hours.

 A Reef at Your Feet 

Scrappy sargent majors, carnival colored parrotfish, soft corals, seaweeds, grunts, majestic angelfish and larger game fish at your very feet, and the show's free.

Down-the-Islands is an ideal location to introduce children to the joys of snorkeling. No strong currents or surf to worry about and lots for them to see. You never know, your adventure could inspire the next Jacques Cousteau.

 Caribbean Fishing Fun for Kids 

If the kids have never fished before, the shores of Gasparee Island, Monos and the other Boca Islands are the ideal places for them to start.

With no more equipment than a fish hook, a small reel of nylon fishing line, a weight and a ball of doughy bread, it's guaranteed that that they'll catch their first fish. What a thrill.

That fish may be no more than a small grunt, but the excitement will be enough to keep them occupied for hours, perhaps even days; little Tom Sawyers and Huck Fins actively playing in the fresh air with little or no supervision; away from the dreaded television at last.

 Fishing for Dinner 

If you're renting a vacation home Down-the-Islands, you should be able to arrange with the caretaker or boatman to take you fishing. Many boatmen are excellent fishermen with years of experience to offer. They'll usually know where the fish are biting, the best time of day, and what bait you'll need.

 Trawling the Bocas 

There are 2 types of inshore fishing you can do, trawling for kingfish, carite and perhaps tarpon (locally known as grand-écaille), or banking for redfish (snapper).

You can usually find someone banking for snapper Down-the-Islands, between the westerly end of Gasparee and the mainland.

Trawling is usually best on the north western side of the Boca Islands, and eastward along Trinidad's North Coast. Ask around at either Island-Home-Owners or Power Boats for local fishing tips, but be cautious out beyond the Bocas, you need a reliable boat as the swells can be gigantic at times.

 Best Deep Sea Fishing 

While the Boca Islands are not always blessed with the crystal clear waters of other Caribbean Islands, the out flow from the Orinoco River so enriches local waters that an abundance of plankton is produced, which feeds all manner of bait fish.

In turn, this abundance feeds giant manta rays, whale sharks and a wide variety of game fish, in numbers not seen up the islands. Consequently, Trinidad offers some of the best sport fishing in the Caribbean.

 Fishing Charters 

There are several deep-sea fishing charter companies conveniently located in Chagaramas. Charters can be arranged for blue marlin, sailfish, and wahoo offshore; tuna, kingfish, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, African pompano, grouper and snapper in coastal waters; and bonefish and tarpon in the nearby mangroves and flats of the Gulf of Paria.

Day charters cost about $750US (approximately ₤420UK, €530EUR) and include food and refreshments. Half-day charters cost about $400US or approximately ₤225UK, €285EUR.

 Scuba Diving in the South Caribbean 

Gasparee Island, Monos and the other Boca Islands provide numerous opportunities for scuba diving and interactions with manta rays, giant grouper, bottlenose dolphin, and of course, opportunities for shear fishing.

There are also several conveniently located wreck dives, including the Angostura in Chacachacare Bay, and a dive of historical significance in Chagaramas Bay, where the hulks of 4 scuttled Spanish galleons rest, burnt at anchor in 1797 in an event that ended 300 years of Spanish rule.

 Kayaking Down-the-Islands 

The relatively calm, protected waters of Williams Bay in Chagaramas, and Five Islands a little offshore, provide excellent opportunities for the novice kayaker. Kayaks can be rented from the Kayak Center at around $40TT/hour for a single (approximately $7US, ₤4UK, €5EUR), and $50TT/hour for a double (approximately $8US, ₤5UK, €6EUR).

For the more experienced kayaker, kayaks can be rented at Crew's Inn Marina in Chagaramas, for access to Gasparee, Monos, the Boca Islands and beyond.

 Exploring Gasparee 

Gasparee Island, or more formally Gaspar Grande, is the most developed of the Boca Islands.

There are the remains of a Spanish colonial fort, from the late 1700s, somewhere in the hills at the eastern end of the island that was built to defend against British invasion; and a World War II gun emplacement in the center of the island, which is approximately a 25 minute hike from the famous...

 Gasparee Caves 

Gaspar Grande is also home of the Gasparee Caves, a natural limestone cave system with a mysterious pool at its base. Legend also has it that another cave, the William Dampiers Tunnel, which is only accessible at low tide on certain days of the year, and is rumored to have a pirate's treasure hidden somewhere in it's treacherous depths. These days a tour guide is required for visits to the caves.

During your vacation Down-the-Islands, you may also wish to visit Chacachacare and it's unique Trinidad beach, salt ponds and lighthouse. And our Island Vacation Planning Tips offer advice about how to make your trip a truly Trinidadian experience.