TRINIDAD
Activity-based Excursions:
Nature/Soft AdventureMORNE ST. CATHERINE HIKING ADVENTURE
4 Hours
Min: 8 Pax Max: 40 Pax
Departure times: 9:30 am and 1:30 pm
Your tour begins with a short drive to the scenic and historic Chaguaramas peninsula,
which was a US naval base during World War II. On reaching the base of Mt. St. Catherine,
the region's talles mountain at 500 metres) you will begin a walk amongst the ruins (old
ammunition bunders) left after the war and learn about the history of the area.
Semi-deciduous forest grow here. Walking in the forest you will learn of its natural
history. Highlights of this area include "the naked Indian" (a stree that sheds
its bark), a leaf-cutting ants nest with over one million inhabitants, and many variety of
hummingbirds feeding on the many beautiful flowers.
Following a short drive to the top of Mt. St. Catherine (due to the elevation the air
is cooler), discover the tropical evergreen forest. While walking through this area you
will see varied flora and fauna. If you are lucky you will see a trop (family) of Red
Howler monkeys, Scaled pigeons, a wide variety of Hummingbirds, ore in the migrating
season Fored-tailed flycatchers. Light refreshments, juice and soft drinks will be
available at the summit of Mt. St. Catherine.
GASPAREE CAVES ADVENTURE
4 Hours
Min: 20 pax Max: 60 pax
Departure times: 8:30 am and 1:00 pm
Following a short drive to historic Chaguaramas, passengers will board
"pirogues" - typical island boats - for a short boat ride to Gaspar Grande
Island where you disembark and walk for approximately 20 minutes to the entrance of the
Gasparee Cave - a subterranean system which is 90ft deep and half an acre in size. Then
you will descend into the Cave through the smaller of two sinkholes to explore this
natural wonder - which is filled with fascinating stalagmites, stalactites, flow stones,
pillars, ribbons and fringed curtains, and other Limestone features, with names such as
Pulpit Pipe Organ, Lovers, Dinosaur Head and others. Inside the cave is a saline pool,
30ft in diameter, its water level fluctuating with the tides, and is home to a few forms
of marine life. Natural light fills the cave through a huge sink hole above the pool, and
fills the cave with a heavenly aura. You will then return to the boats for a short ride to
scenic and tranquil Scotland Bay where there will be opportunities for snorkelling and
swimming. A local snack including fruit and beverages will be served while you relax at
Scotland Bay.
(This tour is not recommended for the inactive individual. The short walk - 20 minute -
to the Cave though on concrete pathway, is a continuous uphill climb - about 25 degree
incline. This is followed by a descent into the cave - about 100 steps down and back up.
The Cave is truly spectacular and for those interested in seeing the wonders of nature, it
is a must to visit.)
(The caves are currently closed - with no date given for reopening.
Therefore we are currently not offering this tour at present. Perhaps by October 1999 they
will be reopen)
ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE
6 Hours
Min: 15 pax Max: 100 pax
Departure time: 9:00 am
Interested in scenic beauty, peace and tranquillity, nature and a walk through tropical
rain forest? Then this is the tour for you. This tour begins in Port of Spain travelling
East by-passing villages and towns set against the backdrop of our scenic Blanchisseuse
mountain road which offers a picturesque drive through tropical rain forests, cocoa,
citrus and coffee plantations to the Asa Wright Nature Centre nestled in the Aripo Valley.
Asa Wright is a microcosm of bird, insect, butterfly and plant life which the visitor
experiences through a conducted tour of the walkways by expert naturalist guides. For
those not interested in walking, there is a sitting gallery where several species of birds
can be seen at the feeders. A delicious lunch featuring local specialties is included.
CARONI BIRD SANCTUARY
4 Hours
Min: 4 pax Max: 150 pax
Departure time: 3:30 pm
Visit the home of our national bird - the Scarlet Ibis. This combined trip by car and
boat is a delightful way to spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the peace, tranquility and
natural beauty of this mangrove reserve. An opportunity to see the various species of
swamp life - crabs, reptiles and our unique "four-eyed" fish - as well as the
spectacular flight of the Ibis as they return for their evening nesting on the mangrove
trees at sunset. A unique experience and a tour to remember. Beverage refreshments
included.
NORTH COAST ADVENTURE
6 1/2 hours
Minimum: 12 Pax Maximum: 60 Pax
Departure time: 9:00 am
Travel by bus traversing one of the most picturesque and lush areas of Trinidad's
Northern Range before descending on to beautiful Maracas Bay, lined with palms and
surrounded by densely covered hills. Then continue along the scenic North Coast passing
through to Las Cuevas Bay and then on to Blanchisseuse Bay passing along the way cocoa
estates and interesting tropical vegetation. From here we head inland to the village of
Avocat where we will disembark from the bus and journey by foot until we come to the
Marianne river. Our adventure continues with a walk along the river through rainforest
which boasts of Philodendrons and Lianas scaling stately rainforest trees which tower over
100 feet in the air and cascade into the river. Before you see it you will hear the roar
of the fifty foot Avocat Waterfall. Swim in the small pool at the foot of the waterfall or
relax while getting a natural drumming massage as you sit at the base of the falls. On the
return journey we stop at Laguna del Mar on the Blanchisseuse beach for a delicious Bar B
Que Lunch (Chicken, beef or fish, served with rice, stir-fried vegetables and a green
salad) and a swim before returning to the ship. A cash bar and kayak rentals available.
ASA WRIGHT & BLANCHISSEUSE COMBO
6 Hours
Minimum: 15 Pax Maximum: 100 Pax
Departure time: 9:00 am
Interested in scenic beauty, peace and tranquillity, nature and a walk through tropical
rain forest? Then this is the tour for you. This tour begins in Port of Spain travelling
East by-passing villages and towns set against the backdrop of our scenic Blanchisseuse
mountain road which offers a picturesque drive through tropical rain forests, cocoa,
citrus and coffee plantations to the Asa Wright Nature Centre nestled in the Aripo Valley.
Asa Wright is a microcosm of bird, insect, butterfly and plant life which the visitor
experiences through a conducted tour of the walkways by expert naturalist guides. For
those who prefer a less active day, one can relax in the cosy comfort of the recently
restored estate house and admire the view from the verandah,. where several species of
birds can be seen at the feeders. A delicious local buffet lunch is served. We continue
our journey over the mountains of the Northern Range to the village of Blanchisseuse where
a stop is made fat Laguna del Mar for swimming before beginning our journey back to the
ship along the scenic North Coast road and through the picturesque Northern Range.
PITCH LAKE & WILD FOWL TRUST
8 Hours
Min: 15 pax Max: 70 pax
Departure time: 9:00 am
This is your opportunity to see one of the 'wonders of the world' with a visit to our
famous Pitch Lake. Sir Walter Raleigh caulked his ships here! This is the largest natural
deposit of asphalt known in the world. It is an interesting and extraordinary place where
bitumen continuously seeps to the surface through a fault 250 feet below ground. Combine
this with a visit to the Wild Fowl Trust nestled within the Pointe-a-Pierre Oil Refinery -
a true paradox if there was any - nature and industry in peaceful co-existence. This
research and conservation centre is dedicated to protecting endangered wild fowl and
birds, and re-introducing them to the natural environment. A delicious chinese meal is
included.
DEEP SEA FISHING
4 Hours
Min: 4 Pax Max: 6 Pax
Departure time: 8:30 am
Following a short drive to historic Chaguaramas passengers will disembark at Crews Inn
Marina and board either of two fishing yachts "Hook" (max 4 pax) or "Play
Hookie" (max 6 pax) for morning of deep sea challenges off Trinidad's scenic North
Coast. Within half an hour of departing from the sheltered harbour of Crews Inn, you will
be exposed to the Caribbean Sea which bounds Trinidad's North Coast. These waters abound
with Wahoo, King Fish, Tuna, Sail Fish and Mahi Mahi, especially during the months of
November to April. Return to Crews Inn at 12.30 pm for return trip to ship. Light
refreshments (sandwiches) and drinks (rum, beer, soft drinks) included
GOLF AT ST. ANDREWS
4 Hours
Min: 4 Pax Max: 40 pax
Departue times: 9:00 am and 1:30 pm
Your morning or evening of golf begins with a short (15 minute) drive through Port of
Spain and up the Maraval valley to St. Andrews Golf course - the oldest Golf Club in the
Caribbean and 18-hole championship golf course nestled at the foothills of the lush,
forested northern range. This course, designed by Golf Course Arachitects Fream Storm
Associates of California, is sited on 112 acres and is considered by many to be one of the
finest "championship" quality 18 hole Golf Courses in the Caribbean. Not long
(6,649 yds), but with narrow fairways, contoured greens and mature tropical trees
strategically located, it provides a stern test to break par (72). The back nine can be
particularly daunting, many a pro having lost a good 'front' to the 'back'. This is
Trinidad's most scenic and challenging golf course. The facilities are excellent and the
course is the home of the Trinidad & Tobago Open and the Pro/Am Tournament held in
March. Your tour includes transportation and green fees. Club rental and caddies not
included.
