Gasper Grande Island
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Gasper Grande |
Gasper Grande is a popular tourist attraction in Trinidad, it is an island located 1.2 km south west of the Chaguaramas peninsula. It is one of the five "Bocus" islands, short for Bocus del Dragón meaning dragon's mouths which is the name of the series of straights separating the Gulf Of Paria and the Caribbean Sea; it was so named from Spanish explorers that came to Trinidad.
The island got its name from the first recorded owner, a French settler named Gasper de Percin la Roque. It was granted to him by Don José María Chacón the then governor of Trinidad during its Spanish colonial rule. The island having passed through many hands and colonies in the preceding years was subsequently utilized as a marine base by the United States during World War II to defend Trinidad against German U boats. Search lights, canons, guns and a watch station were erected to fulfill this purpose. The watch station is now used as waiting parlor for those visiting the caves on the island and the decommissioned guns are situated on the western edge of Gasper Grande.
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Bottom of the Gaspree Caves |
Just 1.5 miles long and half a mile wide it features the famous Gaspree caves. A fascinating limestone cave with a depth of just over 100 feet with a pool at the bottom. Despite the tides and currents the pool remains perfectly still with immaculately clear water. Tour guides advise the pool is reported to be over 50 feet deep ! and folklore has it that 2 experienced divers, equipped with gear attempted to find the source of the pool leading back to ocean but never surfaced. Another tale speaks of an undiscovered cave with pirates treasure that can be accessed only during a particular time of year, this story is likely to stem from the island's history as it was once a haven for pirates that attacked trade ships travelling through the Bocus during the 17th century.
The island is a fifteen minute boat ride from Chaguaramas and many guided tours of the island and caves are available for a small fee. A definite must see in the Chaguaramas islands.
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Pool at Gaspree Caves |
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Definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Trinidad. I can't swim very well so I didn't go in the water but just the atmosphere in this place made it an unforgettable experience. Truly breathtaking and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing indeed, it is said it was once part of the mainland that predates the ice age !
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