Explore Tobago this weekend

TOBAGO, known mainly for its beautiful beaches, the Nylon Pool and Buccoo Reef is the top vacation place for Trinis for the Republic weekend. For the nature lover, Tobago has a wealth of hidden treasures and apart from beaches, there are mountains, rivers and waterfalls to explore.

Tobago has over 230 species of birds of which 25 are indigenous to the island. In 1889, Tobago became united with Trinidad and the economy of both islands depended on the cultivation of sugarcane and cocoa. Throughout the island, many of the abandon estate trails, lead to remote beaches and waterfalls, which are only accessible by hiking. Island Hikers will visit Tobago this weekend to step into the unknown and explore its secret gems.

September 22: Two hikes – Highland Waterfall Big Bay and Little Bay.

Assembly: 7.30 am at the Esplanade, Scarborough.

The Highland Waterfall is a 40-foot single drop falls located in a remote grassland area between Northside Road and Les Coteaux. The flat 30-minute walk begins at the bridge on the Mason Hall–Les Coteaux Road. The trail, situated alongside the river, leads upstream in a west to east direction to the falls.

Big Bay and Little Bay also called Cotton Bay are two remote beaches situated below the Northside Road between Moriah and just before King Peters Bay Road. The exploration of Big and Little Bay starts from Culloden and the walk along the rocky coast will take an hour. The landscape consists of undulating hills with a steep descent to the beach. Little Bay situated 15 minutes along the way, is a lovely scenic inlet that provides an alternative for those not wishing to walk the long distance.

September 22: Gilpin trail to Bloody Bay –one way

The Gilpin Trail is located on the Tobago Main Ridge Reserve between Roxborough and Parlatuvier. The expedition to the beach is an easy 5km downhill trek. The trail, which descends to Bloody Bay, takes 1-1 1/2 hours to get there and passes through the scenic rainforest. Along the way, there are small waterfalls and shallow rivers to cross. Two indigenous birds found only on Main Ridge are the blue-backed manakin and the white-tailed sabrewing humming bird.

September 24: No Man’s Land

Assembly: 8 am at Buccoo Bay.

No Man’s Land is a 2km long peninsula situated in the Bon Accord Lagoon. The vegetation on both sides of the peninsula is mangrove and swamp land. At the tip of the peninsula, there is a beautiful sandy beach referred to as No Man’s Land. The still waters of the lagoon, along with the backdrop of countless mangrove, makes the place feel like “heaven on earth”.

Vehicle access is restricted and the only way to get there is by boat or walking along the coastline. The coastal walk from Buccoo to No Man’s Land will take an hour. It begins with a walk along the beach and the trail diverts from the coast into an open area. No Man’s Land is a place everyone should visit. There are plans to construct a Sandals Hotel at its location, however, this may prevent further access to the place.