Visit the western side of Trinidad and view the breathtaking scenes from the shoreline or join in the fun. Plenty of action is taking place at William’s Bay in Chaguaramas which has always been a favourite by young and old alike. It has now come to be known as the Chaguaramas Boardwalk. With calm lake-like waters you don’t have to be an experienced swimmer to have a fun-filled day at the beach.
William’s Bay is just 10 minutes outside of Port of Spain on the Chaguaramas peninsula, and in the vicinity of some of the country’s more popular hotels and restaurants. There is fun activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and wind surfing.
With the recent face lift of the boardwalk and the addition of a few amenities, like lifeguard stations, state-of-the-art bathroom facilities and ample secure parking it has made the experience that much more enjoyable.
A brief history of Chaguaramas Boardwalk
The entire peninsula was leased to the United States in 1940 for the construction of a naval base under the Destroyers for Bases Agreement. The base was also used during the early 1960s as a BMEWS early warning radar site, as well as a missile tracking site on the U.S. Air Force Eastern Test Range. The base was scaled back in 1956 and the area was returned to Trinidad and Tobago control in 1963. The Chaguaramas Peninsula supports one of the few remaining areas of dry forest in western Trinidad.
The Chaguaramas Boardwalk was developed by the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) as part of its tourism developmental thrust. The Chaguaramas Boardwalk stretches for approximately 1300 feet along the shore of one of the Bays. The Chaguaramas Boardwalk can be used as an exercise route for pedestrians or for young families who stroll or as a stepping stone to get to the water to swim for leisure or as part of a training regimen. Available in close proximity to the Chaguaramas Boardwalk are Gazebos and Pedal Boats which are available for rent. There is also the Dancing Water Fountain, the Trees Vendor Plaza and Miniature Off Road Activities according to the CDA’s website.
Tucker Valley which is located on the Chaguaramas Peninsula is known for several points of interest such as: The Bamboo Cathedral,The UPick Farm, The World War Bunker and The Nutmeg Grove among other things. The Bamboo Cathedral is well known by photographers who capture images of many newly engaged couples strolling in the area. The wide lane of the roadway with the bamboos intertwining overhead creates an image of seclusion and sets the tone for newly engaged wonder! The UPick Farm “sells a wide range of fruits and vegetables (grown off-site) both local and imported”. Also available at the UPick Farm are guided tours and field trips for primary and secondary school children.
August 2016 www.sweettntmagazine.com
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