Island Home
Vacation Planning Tips

...all you need to know for great vacations Down-the Islands

This is not your average Caribbean vacation. Planning a holiday Down-the-Islands is an adventure in its own right. Our island vacation tips, and the local insight they provide, will help you prepare for an amazing, and truly Trinidadian, vacation experience on any one of the Boca Islands.

 Where is Gasparee? 

Gaspar Grande (commonly called Gasparee), Monos and the diminutive Caribbean islands of "Boca del Dragón" (the Dragon's Mouth) are located between Trinidad and the South American mainland; just off Chagaramas at Trinidad's most northwesterly tip.

Known collectively as "Down-the-Islands", this cluster of isles, each between 5 to 15 miles long, is a mecca for boating, sailing and fishing, and their shores are dotted with upper end Caribbean rental properties and vacation villas. It's one of Trinidad's most idyllic locations for family vacations.

 Island Villas 

Trinidad rentals down the islands, can vary considerably in the luxuries offered. Some come fully air-conditioned with the latest conveniences and a sandy beachfront, other vacation villas retain much of the laid back charm of a simpler time and perch precariously on the shoreline of these hilly isles. All island vacation homes offer a uniquely Trinidadian, seaside experience.

Most vacation villas, Down-the-Islands, include the basics like, china, cookware, linens etc.; however, you may sometimes be required to provide your own towels, for example.

Some island homes include the services of both a caretaker, who often doubles as a boatman; and a cook, who will take care of the cleaning, and prepare delicious Trinidad recipes and other more standard fare to delight your taste buds.

 Precious Commodity 

Water is a very precious commodity on the Boca Islands as there is no piped water. Consequently, all water must either be collected from the roof of your Caribbean villa, cistern style like in the old days, or privately ferried across from the mainland.

These mini Caribbean islands do become quite parched at times, particularly during the dry season (traditionally from late December through to late May). As a result, you can sometimes be faced with supplementary fees dependent on the quantity of water used during your stay.

 Vacation Planning Tip 

Conserve water whenever possible - we are sure you’ll be familiar with the old cabin or beach house rhyme that goes… "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down". Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and while soaping-up in the shower etc., and boil all drinking water, as a precaution.

It's a good idea to get an approximate water replacement cost when confirming your stay. If it rains while you are Down-the-Islands, consider yourself lucky because your cistern will be topped up and your water costs reduced.

 Safety and Security 

There are safety issues associated with boating and living this close to the sea, which apply to equally to island homes, including: stepping on and off of moving boats, wet surfaces, docks without railings etc.

Island vacation homes do not require any exceptional security measures because access to the Boca Islands is restricted to those with a boat.

 Water Taxis 

Those island vacation homes with a boatman will often arrange for the boatman to pick you up at the Island-Homeowners dock, otherwise you'll be required to make your own arrangements for transport.

Don't be concerned however when vacation planning because there is a reliable water taxi service, and the proprietor "Spider", can be easily contacted by cell phone. Water Taxi rates to Monos run around $40TT one-way for 6 people and their luggage.

 Boat Rentals 

There is only one business, at writing, that rents standard 27-foot fiberglass pirogues for use down the islands.

The Pirogue, a hull design developed by Trinidad fisherman for local water conditions, is a stable and reliable boat for transporting people to and from island homes, general sightseeing and inshore fishing. Pirogues make ideal aquatic runabouts for those who rent private Caribbean villas.

 Vacation Planning Tip 

If you plan to rent a boat please note that basic boat handling competency is required. While the sea is usually fairly calm Down-the-Islands, onshore winds can cause choppy seas that make boat handling more challenging for the inexperienced.

 Groceries & Gasoline 

There are 2 small convenience stores down the islands. One is located at the Island-Home-Owners dock and the other at Power Boats. Both locations also provide gasoline for boaters.

 Vacation Planning Tip 

The convenience store at Power Boats is usually better provisioned and equipped. However, don't expect more that the basics at either convenience store. You would be better off provisioning your stay at the Hi-Lo Supermarket close to West Mall (directly on route from the Piarco Airport), which offers a much wider selection.

 Nearby Restaurants 

There are 2 restaurants within easy boating distance of Gasparee and Monos. Sails Restaurant and Pub is located at Power Boats, which opens from lunch till late and offers a casual atmosphere, excellent burgers and freshly caught fish dishes at reasonable prices. And...

The Lighthouse Restaurant at Crews Inn in Chagaramas, which opens from 7am till 11pm, offers a little more ambiance and greater variety. Reservations are recommended. Either location is perfect for an evening out.

 Good Creole Food 

Looking for something more? When vacation planning, if you don't have a cook and you'd like to try good local cuisine there is another waterside restaurant that we highly recommend. It's a good 30-plus minute boat ride from most island homes but there's no traffic to worry about, other than perhaps a stray school of Dolphin.

Skippers Restaurant at the Trinidad Yacht Club, serves delicious authentic, Creole food in a very quiet setting. When you are vacation planning you might want to consider a lunch at Skippers perhaps to conclude a successful fishing expedition. Deep-sea fishing charters can be arranged at the Trinidad Yacht Club.

 Shopping Excursions 

When you are vacation planning remember that West Mall, a world-class shopping center, and Starlight Shopping Plaza are less than 20 minutes away from Chagaramas by car, dependent on the time of day - rush hour traffic can be particularly bad in Trinidad.

 Vacation Planning Tip 

There is also great shopping to be had at Long Circular Mall in St. James, Ellerslie Plaza in Bossiear Village, and, if you are looking for souvenirs, the Normandy Hotel in Cascade. During Trinidad Carnival, you can also check out the handicraft booths around the Savanna, where we found some exciting jewelry hand made from natural materials.

 Car Rentals 

A car is not essential for vacation down the islands. However, having a car at your disposal provides greater freedom should you decide to explore or do a little shopping. Free parking is provided at Island Homeowners dock for those renting island vacation villas.

 Vacation Planning Tip 

Car rental costs are comparable with foreign rates, except during Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, when car rentals can be difficult to get and the fees extremely high. So, weigh the cost of having a rental car parked up for the majority of your vacation, against the mobility you desire. The Trinidad and Tobago Government subsidizes gasoline; consequently, gas prices are low compared to European and North American standards.

 Transportation Options 

If you decide to do without a car, there are 3 other transportation options that you can consider while vacation planning:

 Cell Phone Service 

Rental properties, down the islands, do not have phones. So, while not essential, it's a good idea to take a mobile phone along with you.

 Vacation Planning Tip 

The cheapest and most convenient way to stay in touch is with a prepaid cell phone card. You will need to have an unlocked mobile phone to use this service. If your cell is locked, you can have it unlocked at most cell phone service centers in Trinidad for a relatively small fee, around $125TT, which is approximately $20US, ₤10UK, or €11EUR. Alternately, you can purchase a cheep cell phone in Trinidad just for this purpose.

 Biting Insects 

Mosquitoes can be an issue Down-the-Islands for those visitors who are particularly sensitive to insect bites. Many island homes have ceiling fans and air-conditioned bedrooms that discourage these nasties. However, mosquitoes, while most prevalent at dusk and during the night, will congregate in still, darkened areas like bathrooms, open cupboards andunder tables during the day. So...

 Vacation Planning Tip 

Use bug repellents before the biting starts. Products with a combination of Deet, R-326 and MGK-264 are recommended by doctors and seem to provide the best protection with the least toxicity. Just make sure you keep repellent away from your mouth and eyes.

Include mosquito coil on your shopping list. Mosquito coils are burnt during the night to chase these nasties away while you sleep.

We suggest that you take vitamin B1 three times a day starting about 2 weeks before you travel, and at the same time increasing your intake of garlic. These are reported to help reduce your appeal to various stinging and biting insects.

When bitten do not rub or scratch bites. Benadryl Itch Relief Stick provides the most convenient relief available. Otherwise, wipe bites with white rum, gin or vodka if that’s all you have handy.

 Authentic, Caribbean Vacation Experience 

Vacation planning is just the beginning of the adventure. Once at your private Caribbean villa, down the islands, you'll be in a world of your own, sequestered away from your cares. Sure, resort hotels can be enjoyable but if you want an authentic, truly Trinidadian, vacation experience, there’s nothing like going down the islands. It's one of the best kept vacation secrets in the Caribbean.