Exploring Gasparee Caves

Exploring Gasparee Caves

My friend Haman wanted to go to the Gasparee Caves for his birthday so I organized a little DDI (Down D’ Islands for my non Trini readers) tour and trip. It’s hard to stay sharp with the threat of slippery bat guano but it was a great time all the same. I had never been to the caves and if you haven’t either, I strongly recommend it.

Apologies for the darkness of some of the images. Caves aren’t usually characterized by great photography conditions. Cause they’re dark.

Just like with Tobago, every time I go DDI, I think, “Why don’t I do this more often”. These particular limestone caves are so awesomely unique, and it reminds me, once again, how blessed we are to have a little bit of everything on this island.

The caves are managed by the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) and we chose to go with a water taxi instead of the CDA boat. We had to pay a deposit into an FCB account of $70ttd per person and send a copy of the deposit receipt to the CDA in order to reserve a guide for our visit.

A network of underground caves located on Gasper Grande, the closest island to Chaguaramas Bay in north-west Trinidad. Sculptured caverns, caves and sinkholes have been formed by a combination of wave action, acid rainfall and percolating ground water on the island’s limestone formation. 

Interesting geological formations consisting of stalagmites, stalactites, pillars, flow stones and fringed curtains can be found within the cave system. The largest of the caves is the Blue Grotto which has a clear pool of 30 feet in diameter and reflects the light which enters the cave. 

There is a lot of history that surrounds Gaspar Grande Island. In 1783, Governor Don Jose Maria Chacon granted the island to Gaspar De Percin Roque to plant cotton. At Point Baleine during the periods 1826 to 1864, there was a flourishing whaling station. However, when the whaling industry declined, Mr.Cannings of the Queens Park Hotel acquired the land and built a luxurious hotel. During World War 11 (1939-1945) the United States of America leased the islands and surrounding territories on the Western Peninsula to set up a defense against enemy attack. There are large historical guns situated above the cave at the highest point (399 feet) overlooking the island.