T&T Fun Eco Adventure

T&T Fun Adventure

Multisport eco adventure in Trinidad and Tobago

Hiking / Rock Climbing / Kayaking / Exploring / Snorkeling / Caving

and cultural interaction

 

Discover a world where two striking English-speaking Caribbean islands with South American natural history all in one sensational adventure.  On this trip you’ll trek to gorgeous rain forest gorges, kayak sensual wetlands and explores caves.  Lying just off the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad boasts a combination of South American Natural History and Geography with Caribbean culture and charm. 

 Trinidad’s relief is a combination of rugged rainforest covered mountain ranges, extended flatlands, and large wetlands in which there is an intricate network of trade and farmers' routes that have been in use since the days prior to Columbus’ arrival in 1498 by Amerindians.  Glue it all together with calypso music, mouth watering local meals and warm local hospitality and you've got the perfect place for too much FUNNN!!!  Hence Trinidad and Tobago is the perfect destination for eco tourism. 

 Sat          Arrive transfer to Port of Spain

Sun        Rock Climbing & Fun river hike in Chaguaramas

                Steel Pan (Steel Drums) in the street with local foods

Mon      Nariva Swamp Kayak or Stand Up Paddle & Monkey Hike with Shaman

                Transfer Grande Riviere

                Nesting Turtles (When in season)

Tue        Waterfall - Afternoon swim & surf

                Nesting Turtles (When in season)

Wed      Morning swim or Beach

                Tamana Cave

                Transfer to Hacienda Jacana

Thur       Fly to Tobago

                Stand Up Paddling on Pigeon Point

                Snorkeling

                Footprints Eco Resort

Fri           Morning yoga

                River Adventure Hike & Beach Swim

Sat          Morning yoga, waterfall rappel

                Mid afternoon fly to Trinidad

                Departure Lime on The Avenue

Sun        Depart  

Saturday

                Arrival at Piarco International Airport -

                30 minute transfer to your hotel in Port of Spain; Trinidad and Tobago's capital where     you will spend 3 nights.

                 You will have the choice of a couple hotels or guest houses to suit your price range

  

Sunday

                Breakfast orientation and briefing                                                            8:00am - 9:00am

                Rock Climbing / River hike                                                                           9:30am - 5:00pm

                Night of local foods in  -  St James and the Savannah                        7:00pm - 10:00pm

 

ROCK CLIMBING POINT GOURDE:

Rock climbing is an amazing way to have a blast while experiencing nature in a special way, getting fit and bonding with family and friends!  Or make new friends!

 

This day is a beginners rock climbing tour, so no experience needed, however for the experienced we can modify to ensure everyone has fun.

 

We head to Chaguaramas, Trinidad's North Western Peninsula.  After a 30 minute drive we stop at the road to Point Gourde, gear up and hike out on a country road to the climbing area.  This will take about 35 minutes, with the last part being trail through beautiful coastal forest, and we may just see Capuchin Monkeys jumping through the branches.

 

The end of the trail will bring us to a forested area and the wall where we will spend most the day.  It is a cliff system made of igneous rock covered by limestone with a man made cave next to it.  Courtenay will then set the ropes and safety equipment while you put on harnesses etc.  We will then teach you how to safely rock climb and rappel on a 15 foot wall called Corbeaux Town (for the non locals a Corbeaux is a Black Vulture :-).  The climbing method,  "top roping" is used to climb rocks, ending at a tree at the top of Corbeaux Town.  You will then hook up to a rappel line and descend back to the ground.  Some may choose to walk back down.  We work in teams to ensure safety and to support, cheer and help each other.

 

With confidence boosted and basic techniques acquired, we will move about 50 feet over to Rory’s Glory.  This is a bigger wall of 30 feet made of igneous rock covered by limestone, common in this area.  Once ropes are set we will start Top Roping to test skills and get familiar with this face and to have FUN, FUN, and more FUN!!!  Then we rappel Rory’s Glory.

 

To continue the fun we head over to even bigger walls and bigger challenges at places like Majestic Macajuel, which is 75 feet!  Once all is done and smiles are permanently stuck to faces we hike back the way we came.

 

After the day's adventure, get a short relax, then we go out for an experience of local life.

 

STREET FOOD AND MUSIC AS LOCALS

An introduction to what it means to be a local - A "Trini whose passion is to Lime".  We start by heading to the Queen's Park Savannah for some local delicacies, some like the soups are totally local, some are Trini versions of international foods like gyros and BBQ wings. 

 

Then it's a short drive to hear our national instrument - the Steel Drum, which locals call Steel Pan, or just Pan.  This is done in the street by a small band and the music will be some introductory international songs and some will be local calypso, where the basics in how to "wine" will be taught.  This has nothing to do with alcohol, however it does help.

 

We finish with a stop in St James, where more local foods such as doubles or roti will be introduced.

 Monday              

                Breakfast                                                                                                             8:30am - 9:30am

                Depart for 2 Hr Drive      to Lunch                                                              10:00am

                Lunch                                                                                                                    Noon - 1:30pm

                Nariva Swamp                                                                                                   2:30pm - 6:00pm

                2:30 hr Drive to Grande Riviere                                                                  6:30pm - 9:00pm

                Dinner                                                                                                                  On arrival

 

NARIVA SWAMP:

Nariva Swamp is the Caribbean's most bio-diverse wetland and as a result is declared a Ramsar Site.  The Ramsar Convention is an international convention for the protection of wetlands of international importance.  This means Nariva Swamp is a wetland ecosystem of international importance as it houses a vast array of habitats and wildlife!  We will be searching for some of its most famous residents: monkeys and many rare birds.

Nariva's wildlife is most active with the first rays of light, or afternoon cool off.  We start by headinng for Plum Mitan on Nariva's western edge where we meet a local family, the Sooknanans who are great friends will prepare an absolutely scrumptious bus-up-shut country style curry lunch for us. After lunch and a relax we head out to Nariva's Eastern edge by driving out to the entry to the wetland out on the East Coast at Manzanilla.  We gear up for the kayak / boat ride and kayak along flat water through spectacular variety wetlands eco systems from Mangrove to marsh forests and grasslands.

After kayaking for over 30 minutes we arrive at Bush Bush, which is a land peninsular that juts out into Nariva Swamp and is home to Red Howler and Capuchin Monkeys. These amazing primates are easiest seen in when hiking in the Bush Bush area.  Hiking along a flat trail into Bush Bush one can access the Monkey viewing area.  The Howlers can be found among the branches of the larger tress of the Seasonal Evergreen Tropical Forests that dominates this area. Since the Howlers are very mobile we may see them very quickly or it may take a lot of sweat and effort to see them.  Along the way we will also search for White-fronted Capuchins, a smaller monkey that can be seen here.  This area also offers other wildlife such birds like the Black-crested Antshrike, Silvered Antbird, Gallinules, Macaws or Butterflies like the Blue Emperor Morpho. 

 

Once available the Shaman of the local Carib Community will join in the hike showing local herbs and other plants describing how the First Nations would have used the forests for mutual benefit for thousands of years.

 

On the way out we will take the boats or kayaks very slowly drifting looking for Red-bellied Macaws flying into palm trees to roost for the evening.  At about 6pm we will depart for the drive home

 NOTES:

Kayak Duration is about 30 to 45 minutes each way.

The Hike is up to 4 hours.  Bring enough food and drink for that duration.

Water Conditions: Flat Water with tidal currents

Kayaks: Sit-on-top Single, Double and Quad Kayaks

 

Once the tour is done we drive to Grande Riviere, a long but beautiful drive.  We will arrive at Grande Riviere late.  Upon arrival we will just check in, freshen up and have a delicious dinner.

 

Le Grande ALmandier

We check into Le Grande Almandier, a beautiful Boutique Hotel with a wonderful restaurant serving divine local foods that sits right on the beach of Grande Riviere.  So getting to the turtles, surfing, river, and relaxing is easy peasy. 

 

After dinner, while it will be late some may choose to go see turtles nesting on the Beach.

 

TURTLE TOUR:

At least 85 million years ago a new type of marine turtle began an odyssey that has seen it survive Tyrannosaurs Rex, Sabre Toothed Tigers and many other predators.  However the world's most successful predator in written or unwritten history, mankind, threatens the very existence of this living fossil.  It is our pleasure to be a part of that predator's redemption to help conserve the leatherback turtle.

 

On arrival we sort passes and fees then we head down to the beach to search for a living relic.  Fossil records show that Leatherback turtles have possibly been in existence for over 100 million years!  They survived the extinction level event that wiped out the dinosaurs, but now they are endangered due to over hunting.   They spend their entire lives swimming with a brief moment when mothers lay eggs on beaches such as this.  We will endeavour to see the entire process from arrival, laying to departure, which takes approximately 2 hours from entry to departure from the beach.  Strict adherence to beach rules will be followed so as to not disturb the turtles.  

 

At the right time of year we will also be searching for the many hatchlings that should be sprinting to the sea, and helping those that get lost.

 

NOTES:

Biting insects can at times be an issue, so repellant is a must and some folks choose long pants.

 

Tuesday              

                Breakfast                                                                                                             8:30am - 9:30am

                Waterfall Hike                                                                                                   10:00am - 2:00pm

                Afternoon Relax / kayak / Body Surf                                                       All afternoon

                Dinner                                                                                                                  6:30pm - 8:00pm

                Leatherback Turtles                                                                                        8:00pm - Till

 

WATERFALL HIKE

Our hike starts with a 15 minute walk along a coastal road with rugged scenery to accompany.  We turn away from the sea and head steeply up a farming trail into the rain forests.  Once in the rain forest the trail flattens to a steady but reasonable climb as we look and listen for birds, insects and other creatures.  A morning walk through cocoa estates and rainforests to a lovely waterfall where prawns nibble at your toes. 

 

The return to the beach is via a different rainforest trail, and more fun.

 

BEACH LIME: SUP, KAYAK, BODY BOARD, LIME

Afternoon we relax on the beach, or play in the waves, and you have a choice of wave riding weapons:  Your body, a boogie board, a kayak or a Stand Up Paddle Board.  All are fun.

 

TURTLE TOUR:

For those who went to bed on Monday night or wish to go again, we repeat our search for dinosaurs and the nesting behaviour.

 

Wednesday      

                Breakfast                                                                                                             8:00am - 9:00am

                Opportunity to play on the beach or in the sea                                   9:00am - 10:30am

                Drive to Sangre Grande                                                                                 10:00am - 12 noon

                Lunch                                                                                                                    Noon - 2:00pm

                Tamana Cave                                                                                                     3:30pm - 7:00pm

                Pax Guest House Arrival                                                                                               9:00pm

 

BEACH LIME: SUP, KAYAK, BODY BOARD, LIME

A quick opportunity for a morning on the beach to play in the waves, and you have a choice of wave riding weapons:  Your body, a boogie board, a kayak or a Stand Up Paddle Board.  All are fun.

 

TAMANA CAVE:

Tamana is an amazing cave adventure that no-one ever forgets and has been filmed by Discovery, National Geographic and BBC.

 

Mount Tamana lies on the eastern edge of the Central Range, south of Sangre Grande.  It rises to a height just over 1000 feet and geologically it is unique in Trinidad as it is mostly made up of ancient reefs that have been uplifted from the oceans.  After many millennia it was  pushed out of the oceans running water has carved intricate cave systems within the calcium carbonate left by the reefs.  These caves are now the homes to many wonderful geckos and other critters, however its most abundant inhabitants are millions of bats!

 

After a long but beautiful drive through east, then central Trinidad passing many farms, rural communities and lowland forests we reach Tamana. 

 

The trail starts off quite steeply, and when its muddy can be difficult to negotiate but it's not a long trail as the cave can be reached in about 30 minutes.  At the cave we can enter and do some exploring as thousands of bats fly all around.  It is a wonderful experience.  Entering the first chamber can provide amazing and close views of these incredible creatures.  The adventurous can wriggle through the small hole that connects the first chamber to the rest of the cave system.  Then go exploring!  This will bring you into contact with many bats and other creatures that live in the cave.  We then wait until the sun sets at the cave entrance, which is when millions of bats depart the cave.  Stand at the entrance as a river rapid of bats stream past you producing a unique and exhilarating experience.  Here you can feel the wind of their wings as hundreds flutter past, and now and again one may land on you for a few seconds.  After a bit we head off down the hill with flashlights guiding our way back to the vehicle.

 

We will probably depart for our drive home at about 7:30pm.

 

 

 

Hacienda Jacana

It will be about an hour of driving to your night's accommodations at Hacienda Jacana, which is Talparo, set on 22 acres of farm lands on the edge of lush tropical forests full of toucans and caimans.

 

Thursday            

                Breakfast                                                                                                             6:00am - 6:30am

                Transfer to airport                                                                                           6:45am - 7:30am

                Fly to Tobago                                                                                                     8:00am Check in

                Waterfall Hike                                                                                                   2:00pm - 5:00pm

                Footprints Eco Resort                                                                                     6:00pm

 

After a 25 minute flight to the Caribbean you've been dreaming of, Tobago, we grab breakfast, pack onto a mini bus and head out to Pigeon Point, which is only a 5 minute drive.  All luggage stays on the bus while we head off for adventure.

 

TOBAGO STAND UP PADDLE (SUP) AND SNORKELING ADVENTURES

Pigeon Point is a white sand beach on a point that is protected by the Buccoo Reef, Trinidad and Tobago's largest reef, which is a barrier reef of world fame.  The point is famed for a place to relax but more to our liking it is famous for kite and wind surfing and now Stand Up Paddling.  For those of you who skipped the SUP in Trinidad will get lessons in basic SUP handling.  For those more experienced can go paddle in the Buccoo Swamp and / or surf some waves.

 

Once conditions allow all will SUP out to Coral Gardens, a part of Buccoo Reef where we tie off our SUPs and go for a snorkel.  In between Staghorn, Brain corals and Sea fans we amaze at the beautiful colours of parrot fish, angel fish, damsel fish, moray eels and so much more in enough colours to make a rainbow blush.

 

After this we head to Footprints Eco Resort in Culloden Bay, which is about a 40 minute drive.

 

Footprints:

Miles from ordinary, Footprints is an ecolodge that took 62 acres of land that had been repeated burnt till it had been turned from forests to scrub and razor grass and over many years planting over 1000 local trees the land is starting to be forest again.  Renewable energy, minimization of earth works and use of produce farmed on the estate are hallmarks of Footprints to ensure a genuine and delicious experience. 

 

 

 Friday  

                Morning Yoga                                                                                                    7:00am - 8:00am

                Breakfast                                                                                                             9:00am - 10:00am

                Drive to River Adventure                                                                              10:30am - 11:00am

                River Adventure                                                                                               11:00am - 3:00pm

                Beach swim / snorkel                                                                                     4:00pm - 5:30pm

                Footprints                                                                                                          

 

Start the day perfectly diving deep, explore unknown interiors and discover hidden treasures.  Awaken the coiled serpent that holds the secrets to your unlimited personal power. Experience this and more as you take the journey into the vast expanse of Your Self through Kundalini Yoga.

The ancient technology of Kundalini Yoga combines specific physical actions, deep relaxation, meditation, breath work and sound vibrations to create specific, positively transforming effects in mind, body and spirit.

 

 

RIVER ADVENTURE

We depart Footprints on a scenic on hour drive along the coast and head to Erassmus Cove.  Our trail head is right next to the road and very quickly we are walking in the river.  The fun and beauty are immediate as we swim shimmering aqua marine river pools with the fecund rain forest enveloping us.  It takes 3 hours of swimming, hiking, climbing and smiling to get to the secluded beach of Erasmus Cove.

 

On our way back we stop in at Parlatuvier Bay for a snorkel hunting for Queen Angels and File Fish or chill on a gorgeous beach.  After over an hour here we drive back to Footprints and a lovely night of food and friends.

 

 Saturday             

                Morning Yoga                                                                                                    6:30am - 7:30am

                Breakfast                                                                                                             8:00am - 9:00am

                Drive to River Adventure                                                                              9:15am - 9:30am

                River Adventure                                                                                               10:00am - 2:00pm

                Transfer to airport                                                                                           2:15pm

                Fly to Trinidad                                                                                    3:00am Check in

                Arrive in Port of Spain                                                                                    6:00pm

                Dinner and Departure Lime on the Avenue                                          7:30pm till......

 

Start your day with yoga putting your body and mind in the right state for an incredible day of adventure and fun.

 

TOBAGO AND WATERFALL ABSEIL ADVENTURE

After a wonderful breakfast we say goodbye to Footprints , boarding our buss and we head for Highlands Waterfall.  We hike to the top along a gorgeous river for 30 minutes.  Once at the top.. well by now you know we take the fun way down, rappelling in the waterfall to the pool, and the gorge, and the massage and the oh well just fun, fun and more fun.

 

Swim, laugh, tease, giggle, splash or dive, then we take another 30minute hike along the river heading towards the coast.  Here we meet the bus, change, grab a snack and head off to the airport for afternoon flight back to Trinidad.

 

Once in Trinidad we head to our hotel in Port of Spain, check in, bathe, change and head out to lime like real Trinis.  Now that you are versed in the art of being a local you choose your food, pelau, double, roti, gyros and more, washed down with Carib or Stag Beer, accompanied by friends and happy fun. 

Sunday

                Drag yourself out of bed and head to the airport, smiling and grumpy all the way!

 

 

NOTES:

General:

You must inform Courtenay Rooks (Paria Springs) of:

                Any allergies, medical conditions, and/or mental conditions that may affect you, your    performance, or the tour in any         way

 

                If you have any dietary requirements such as; diabetic, vegetarian, vegan, etc.

 

Mosquito repellant and waterproof sunbloc (Sunscreen) are a must.

 

Officially there is no Malaria or Cholera in Trinidad and Tobago and Yellow Fever pops up about every 15  to 20 years.  Hence no vaccinations are required.  We do however have Dengue Fever, so use repellant, though in 20 years of business only one client contracted Dengue Fever.

 

It is very important to be hydrated and energized during the adventure, so ensure that you have food, water, and energy snacks for each day out.  I can drink 2 liters and more during a day tour.  People tend to generally drink more in the tropics to stay hydrated.

 

Bring your snorkeling gear if you wish, though we will supply. 

 

We can also arrange SCUBA Diving in Tobago

 

Trail running sneakers with good grips for mud are best.  The trails can get quite slippery.  Flip Flops (Slippers) and hiking boots are not appropriate.  Strapped sandals with good grip can be good on some trails.  If space allows a second pair of hiking shoes are good as shoes will get wet often.

 

Lots of socks are recommended.

 

A pair of shoes for chilling like Keens etc is good for the nights etc.

 

Often the trails are clear so bathing suits with shorts and/ or a jersey is best.  I mostly wear surfing baggies.  Though scrapes do often occur on legs

 

If it rains everything will get wet so bring phones / cameras in dry bags and/or triple zip loc bags.  Waterproof phones and cameras are best.

 

On ALL tours Make Sure you leave a dry change of clothes and towel in the car to change into for the drive home!

 

Turtle Nesting season runs from March to August with middle of April to Middle of July being best.

 

On the Night limes long shorts or jeans and a nice top or shirt is fine.  Or a nice dress, does not have to be fancy but not beat up, LOL

 

For Rock Climbing:

Everyone will be provided with a helmet while climbing, however if you have a personal climbing, skating or bike helmet please bring it as you will feel more comfortable.

 

Serious climbers cut their nails very short, while we do not expect you to change fashion for us the shorter your nails are the better.  Regardless of the length you must ensure they have no jagged edges. 

 

For those of you with long hair, please put in a neat pony or plat that is in the back and low as hair can get caught in belay devices.

 

Short pants or tights and a sporty top or jersey that fits well and leaves you flexible is a must.  Very thigh clothes with little movement, excessively baggy or ill fitting clothes will limit your climbing ability and can be dangerous

 

Proper hiking shoes that fit well and have grips is just fine for the beginners course.  If you have climbing shoes that is best; bring them along for the climbs. 

 

For those experienced climbers, bring your climbing shoes, we will supply harnesses, chalk etc.

 

For the Cave

Make sure you have working head lamp or flashlight with new batteries.

 

Bring long track pants or other comfortable pants and a either long or short sleeve top that are cheap and you don't mind throwing away after as they will get covered with bat droppings.  We can purchase in Sangre Grande if you wish.

 

Rubber kitchen gloves are recommended to be worn in the caves to keep bird and bat poop off hands.  Some people use dust masks as added protection from Histoplasmosis, which is a fungus found mostly in animal droppings.  Most people are not affected by it.

 

Rubber gloves and a face mask will be supplied

 

We will supply plastic garbage bags to put bat poop covered clothes and shoes into for after the hike.  It will help to make the drive home less smelly.  Also a large plastic jug of water to wash off with after the hike is very useful.

 

Bring hand sanitizers for use after the cave so lunch can be handled safely.

 

A rain jacket and pants suitable for the Tropics is great, but on tougher hikes you will sweat under these, so best just to protect your gear and have a warmer top if needed.

 

Climate etc:

Trinidad and Tobago experiences two annual seasons; the wet season and the dry season.  The dry season is from January to May, the wet season runs from June to December, with a short dry spell of a few weeks during September or October. This does not mean that during the dry season there is no rain, nor during the wet there are no sunny days. During the wet season there are very few days when it is really rained out.  In the many years of doing tours we have had only 1 tour cancelled due to weather conditions. We will just dodge around rain when birding; the good thing is that the birds are more active after a rain. If hiking, just go prepared for rain (it's called a rainforest for a reason), put your optics in plastic bags etc., the rain is warm and shows the rainforest in all its glory.  Your journey home will be comfortable if you make sure that you have dry clothes waiting in the car for you.  In Trinidad we describe most of our rain as “Passing Clouds”, which means just wait a bit and there will be sun. Most find the rain warm, cleansing and fun.  Its just another aspect to the experience, for what is a rainforest without some rain?

 

Daily high temperatures range from 29°C (84.2°F) to 35°C (95°F) in the shade, so in direct sun it can get very hot. Sunscreen is highly recommended for when in direct sun and not so direct sun.  Sunburn can ruin a vacation and can cause skin cancer! In the rainforest there is no need for sunscreens.  Hats also assist in keeping out both sun and rain.  For the wider trails or roadside birding, small umbrellas are quite useful.