Trinidad and Tobago are islands in the Caribbean Sea so there are myriad opportunities for kayaking. However for those who do not want to contend with large waves, ocean swells and ocean currents, Trinidad and Tobago offers a choice of sheltered saltwater and freshwater kayaking opportunities. In this article we will explore some of these kayaking areas.

Nariva River, Manzanilla, Trinidad

Nariva, on the east coast of Trinidad, is Trinidad and Tobago’s largest wetland with some 32 square miles of fresh-water herbaceous swamp. It combines four major wetland types (mangrove swamp forest, palm forest, swamp wood and freshwater marsh) and has been formally designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The bulk of the water from the area drains into the Atlantic through the short tidal Nariva River.

The Nariva River provides a year round opportunity for kayaking and empties into the sea at Manzanilla Bay. There are two easily accessible entry points; at the river mouth and at the bridge along the Manzanilla/Mayaro Road that spans the river. When entering or exiting the river at the river mouth during low tide care should be exercised to ensure that you are not swept out to sea, as the flow out of the river can be quite strong. Along the river it is possible to see basking caimans, while tarpon (known locally as grande ecaille) are sometimes seen near the surface of the water.

The Nariva Swamp is home to an incredibly diverse range of reptiles, mammals and birds, some of which are rare and endangered. There are over 171 species of birds in Nariva, including manakins, tanagers, antbirds, caracara and woodcreepers. There are 5 species of Parrots (including Macaws), 2 species of owls, 2 species of trogons, 11 species of hummingbirds, potoos, toucans and limpkins. It is within Nariva that the blue and gold macaws have been reintroduced to Trinidad. There are 59 species of mammals that can be found in Nariva including red howler and capuchin ( Cebus albifrons) monkeys, deer, porcupine, three-toed and silky anteaters and opossums. Trinidad’s last surviving colony of the West Indian Manatee are located within Nariva. Also to be found in Nariva are various reptiles that include giant anaconda, the fer-de-lance snake and caiman.

Ortoire River, Trinidad

At the southern end of Manzanilla Bay, the Ortoire River empties into the sea and it is also provides a year round opportunity for kayaking. Apart from the entry point at the river mouth, another easy entry point to the Ortoire River is alongside the bridge that spans the Rio Claro/Mayaro Road on the outskirts of Mayaro.

Godineau River, Trinidad

The Godineau river is also known as the South Oropouche River. Kayaking in the Godineau area takes you through a variety of habitats, from saltwater mangrove swamp to fresh water marshland to partially cultivated areas. A variety of birdlife can be seen on these kayak trips including Scarlet Ibis, Southern Lapwing, Osprey, Savannah Hawk, Wattled Jacana, Cattle Egret, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Lesser Yellowlegs, Black-bellied Whistling Duck and a variety of migrating ducks (during the northern winter).

The Godineau River is one of the rivers in Trinidad that provides a year round kayaking opportunity as the water level is always sufficient. This kayak trip can be started either from the sea along the area known as the Mosquito Creek or inland from the Woodland area.

Marianne River, Blanchissuesse, Trinidad

The Marianne River empties into the sea at Blanchisseuse and it is easiest to begin your paddle from the river mouth. This is not an extended kayak trip for most kayakers as upriver there is an area known as Three Pools that results in a somewhat difficult portage. Kayaking in this area is best towards the end of the rainy season as the water level is high enough to allow paddling for the entire trip. During the dry season there are parts of the river where the low water level requires walking the kayaks.

At the river mouth freshwater marsh vegetation exists along the banks of the river while freshwater swamp forest exists further inland with towering stands of bamboo. As you kayak along the river a variety of bird life can be seen including spotted sandpipers, kingfishers, gray kingbirds and striated herons.

At the river mouth, kayaks are available for rental every day, all year.

Fullarton, Cedros, Trinidad

The entire Cedros peninsula is a bird watching experience. The Fullarton Swamp is ideal for the armchair birdwatcher. The road from Fullarton Village to Icacos Village runs through the center of the Swamp and so it is possible to literally view the birds without leaving your vehicle. Greater enjoyment however comes from parking the vehicle and entering the water, allowing you to see many of the smaller birds that may be perched in the mangrove. The presence of the roadway makes entering and exiting the water very easy. In this area among the birds that can be seen are Greater Egret, Scarlet Ibis, Black Skimmer, Black-necked Stilt, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Yellow Hooded Blackbird, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Yellow Chinned Spine tail, Common Moorhen, Snowy Egret.

Chagaramas, Trinidad

Williams Bay, Chagaramas provides kayaking opportunities in relatively sheltered ocean waters. In the bays on the coastline opposite the Military museum it is sometimes possible to see marine iguanas on the rocks and in the sea and capuchin monkeys in the trees.

Kayak Rentals are available every day all year from the Kayak Center.

Another kayaking opportunity in the Chagaramas area begins in the area of the Almoorings Fishing Depot/Crews Inn Marina. From this starting point it is possible to kayak along the coast to the Bocas or turn south and paddle to Centipede island and then across the channel to Gasparee island.

When paddling in this area one should be alert to the various power boats that are entering and departing from the various marinas, particularly on weekends.

Charlotteville, Tobago

Charlotteville is located at the end of the Windward road in Tobago, this small quaint village lies in a bay with Tobago’s best deep water harbor. It is bordered by the lush greenery of high mountains on one side and the sparkling blue waters of Man-O-War bay on the other. This wide deep bay was once an anchorage for English fighting ships, as the name implies. Today it is used as a sheltered anchorage by visiting yachts. The northern part of the bay is called Pirates Bay, which gives an indication of its past. Several fringing reefs are found in this bay providing the sheltered anchorage. Kayaks are available for rental at the bay.

This bay is a turtle nesting site.

Buccoo Bay, Tobago

The azure waters of Buccoo Bay and the Bon Accord Lagoon are sheltered by the offshore Buccoo reef, providing a kayaking area with only gentle swells. Kayak rentals are available at the nearby Storebay and also at Pigeon Point. The fringing Mangrove swamps of the Bon Accord Lagoon provide a scenic contrast to the white sand beaches along Pigeon Point and at the center of Buccoo bay. The offshoots of the reef also shelter the adjacent Milford Bay, allowing one to kayak to the south-east from Bon Accord Lagoon around Pigeon Point and into Milford Bay or vice-versa.

When next you are considering your vacation activities, consider the kayaking opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago.

brian ramsey
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