Chacachacare Island
An island steeped in history, from whaling station to leper colony, now a hauntingly beautiful escape with unique natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Chacachacare Island
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An island steeped in history, from whaling station to leper colony, now a hauntingly beautiful escape with unique natural wonders.
"A beautiful little island with a vibrant history, offering breathtaking views and a unique salt pond experience."
🦟 Pack Serious Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes are relentless! Bring the strongest repellent you can find and apply generously.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hikes can be strenuous. Sturdy shoes are essential for exploring the lighthouse and ruins.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Abandoned Lighthouse
Hilltop
Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands and Venezuela.
The Hypersaline Salt Pond
Near the coast
Experience effortless floating in this unique, highly concentrated salt lake, a miniature version of the Dead Sea.
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Ruins of the Leprosy Settlement
Various locations
Explore the hauntingly beautiful remnants of the former leper colony and nunnery, steeped in history and local lore.
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Perriquier Bay
Northwest coast
Relax on this serene, unspoiled beach known for its calm, clear waters and tranquil atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Island's Haunting Past
+2Prepare for Nature's Embrace (and Bites!)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Pack Serious Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes are relentless! Bring the strongest repellent you can find and apply generously.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hikes can be strenuous. Sturdy shoes are essential for exploring the lighthouse and ruins.
🛥️ Book Tours in Advance
Tours are the primary way to access the island. Book with reputable operators like @ttnationaltrust or @roadtriptt.
🚮 Respect the Environment
Help keep the island clean. Avoid leaving trash behind, especially on nesting grounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Pack Serious Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes are relentless! Bring the strongest repellent you can find and apply generously.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Hikes can be strenuous. Sturdy shoes are essential for exploring the lighthouse and ruins.
🛥️ Book Tours in Advance
Tours are the primary way to access the island. Book with reputable operators like @ttnationaltrust or @roadtriptt.
🚮 Respect the Environment
Help keep the island clean. Avoid leaving trash behind, especially on nesting grounds.
📸 Capture the History
The abandoned buildings and natural landscapes offer incredible photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chacachacare Island is lauded for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its serene beaches and the unique salt pond. Visitors appreciate the island's rich, albeit somber, history and the adventurous hikes to viewpoints like the lighthouse. However, the pervasive mosquito population and the litter left by some visitors detract from the experience for many.
"A beautiful little island with a vibrant history. Our group hiked to the Lighthouse. The view at the top was breathtaking! Along the way, the paved pathway was lined with trees, flowers and other plants. The beach close to right side of the jetty was lovely: calm, shallow and therapeutic. Beware of the abundance of mosquitoes! So be SURE to carry along mosquito repellent."
Tamara Gadar
"The water was clear, clean and clam. I enjoyed my time. I visited here as part of a beach clean up exercise. Exercise was to remove all plastic bottle debris paper and all foreign matter from the beaches because this is also a nesting ground for sea turtles."
Imran Alim Amin
"Took a long lunch on an all day fishing trip at one of the abandoned houses by the historical sign, shame people leave such a mess behind but otherwise a cool experience and nice views"
Dad OfSonicFan#1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chacachacare Island is primarily accessible by boat tours. Several operators offer day trips from Trinidad, including the @ttnationaltrust and @roadtriptt. It's recommended to book these tours in advance, especially during peak season.
The boat journey to Chacachacare Island typically takes around 30-60 minutes, depending on your departure point and the sea conditions.
No, Chacachacare Island is uninhabited and not accessible by car. Access is exclusively by boat.
There are no public transportation services to Chacachacare Island. Organized boat tours are the only way to visit.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, and a camera. If you plan to swim, bring swimwear and a towel. Don't forget insect repellent!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Chacachacare Island is typically included in the price of a boat tour. You won't need separate admission tickets.
Tour operating hours vary by provider. Most day tours depart in the morning and return in the late afternoon. It's best to check with your chosen tour operator for specific timings.
While there isn't a direct 'entrance fee' for the island itself, the cost of the boat tour covers access and often includes guided elements.
It is highly discouraged and often not feasible to visit Chacachacare Island without an organized tour due to safety and logistical reasons.
Visitors should be mindful of the island's historical significance and natural environment. Respect all posted signs and guidelines provided by tour operators.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the abandoned lighthouse with stunning views, the unique salt pond, the ruins of the former leper colony and nunnery, and beautiful beaches like Perriquier Bay. +2
Many visitors and locals report eerie experiences and ghost stories associated with the island's past as a leper colony and nunnery.
Activities include hiking to the lighthouse, swimming and relaxing on the beaches, exploring abandoned buildings, and experiencing the salt pond.
There are very limited facilities on Chacachacare Island. It's advisable to bring all your own food, water, and any necessary supplies. Restrooms are generally not available.
While families can visit, the island's history and the presence of abandoned buildings might be intense for very young children. The beaches offer a more relaxed experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The abandoned lighthouse, the crumbling ruins of the nunnery and settlement, the unique salt pond, and the scenic beaches like Perriquier Bay offer fantastic photographic opportunities. +2
While not explicitly prohibited, it's always best to check with your tour operator or local authorities regarding drone usage to ensure compliance with any regulations.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the island's atmosphere and landscapes, especially around the ruins and beaches.
Some tour operators may cater to photography enthusiasts, offering more time at scenic spots. Inquire with providers like @roadtriptt.
A versatile camera with wide-angle capabilities for landscapes and a telephoto lens for capturing details in the ruins would be beneficial. A waterproof camera is great for beach shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The unique salt pond is also a fun, novel experience for kids who enjoy floating. However, parents should be mindful of the island's past as a leper colony and the presence of abandoned buildings, which might be unsettling for very young or sensitive children.
The abundance of mosquitoes is also a significant concern, so packing plenty of child-friendly insect repellent is crucial. 👻 Ghost Hunters & History Buffs
+2 Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, including chanting, in the ruins of the old chapel and nunnery. Exploring the abandoned structures, such as the old lighthouse and the Doctor's house, offers a tangible connection to the island's past.
Be prepared for a journey that blends historical discovery with the thrill of the unknown, making it a prime destination for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike. 🚶♀️ Adventurous Hikers & Explorers
Beyond the lighthouse, the island invites exploration of its various abandoned buildings, each with its own story to tell.
Remember to wear sturdy footwear and carry ample water, as the terrain can be challenging and facilities are scarce. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Island's Layered History
+1 During this period, hundreds of patients were isolated on the island, cared for by Dominican nuns who bravely dedicated their lives to their service. +1 The island's past is marked by stories of hardship, isolation, and resilience, contributing to its reputation as a place with a strong spiritual and historical presence. Today, the remnants of this past are visible in the abandoned buildings scattered across the island, including the old lighthouse, the nunnery, and the Doctor's house.
The island's transformation from a place of suffering to an adventurous destination highlights its enduring allure. Beyond its historical significance, Chacachacare also played a role in early 20th-century events, such as the 'Chacachacare Island Case,' which involved the controversial relocation of lepers.
This aspect of its history adds another layer of intrigue for those interested in true crime and historical mysteries. Exploring Chacachacare's Natural Wonders
The shallow, sandy bottom makes it ideal for swimming and relaxing. One of Chacachacare's most unique natural features is its hypersaline salt pond. This natural lagoon has an extremely high salt concentration, allowing visitors to float effortlessly, much like in the Dead Sea.
+1 This phenomenon is a testament to the island's diverse geological makeup and offers a fun, memorable experience. The island's terrain also supports a variety of flora and fauna. During hikes, visitors can observe different plants and trees lining the paths, contributing to the island's scenic appeal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit