Hike to Mermaid Pool at Matura Basin

January 7, 2021

Matura Basin offers a premier eco-tourism experience in Trinidad through its crystal-clear river pools and accessible hiking trails within the lush Northern Range. This first-person narrative documents a journey to the site, providing essential insights for visitors seeking a natural retreat away from urban centres.

The account explores the physical requirements of the pine forest trek and the distinct hydrological features of the basin itself. By detailing the logistical preparations and the sensory experience of the location, the article serves as a practical guide for regional travellers.

Readers will gain a clear understanding of what to expect from the terrain and the cultural significance of this protected natural wonder.

Key Takeaways

The Matura Basin provides a refreshing natural swimming experience within a protected river system in North Eastern Trinidad.
Accessing the Mermaid Pool requires a moderate thirty-minute hike through scenic pine forest trails and downward terrain.
Visitors should prepare with appropriate swimwear and knapsacks to navigate the spontaneous nature of the tropical forest.
The location functions as a significant site for local eco-tourism and family-oriented weekend excursions in Trinidad and Tobago.
Environmental conservation remains a central theme for the Matura region including its famous nearby turtle nesting sites.

Matura Basin – go swimming in mermaid pool

By Therese Chung. There are many natural wonders at Matura situated on the north eastern coast of Trinidad – from turtle watching to hiking to swimming in mermaid pools. Matura Basin is also known as Mermaid Pool and, no guys, mermaids don’t live there but you feel as though the myth lives because the waters are refreshing and once you’re in, you never want to get out like mermaids.

My husband, family members, and friends packed swimwear and a change of clothes. Within 15 minutes, we had three cars loaded and on our way to this magnificent meeting place. I loved it, the journey, the discovery of natural beauty.

We parked in the shade under a big tree and with our knap sacks secured, we were on our way to the Mermaid Pool. I did not know what to expect but life’s spontaneity is thrilling… we hiked through a trail which took about half an hour through pine forests. We headed in a downward direction with natural pools on the way to the Matura Basin. When we reached, we surrendered to the spring waters of Mermaid Pool. We sat there for hours, just cooling off from the athletic hike.

I did not want to leave this place. I was a mermaid in the tropics.

The Matura Basin experience

The Matura Basin, frequently referred to by locals as the Mermaid Pool, represents one of the most accessible yet pristine natural wonders located on the north-eastern coast of Trinidad.

Reaching this destination involves a strategic journey starting with a drive to the Matura village area, followed by a transition to a pedestrian trek. The hiking component is a critical aspect of the visit, taking approximately thirty minutes through a well-defined trail.

This path is notable for its passage through pine forests, a distinct ecological feature in the tropical landscape of the Northern Range. The trail primarily trends in a downward direction toward the river, making the return journey a more athletic endeavour that requires basic physical fitness.

The “Mermaid” moniker is derived from the folklore-like quality of the waters rather than biological presence. The basin is characterised by its cool, spring-fed waters and deep, clear pools that offer a stark contrast to the humid tropical climate.

These pools are formed by the natural topography of the Matura River, creating basins where the water slows and clarifies. The site serves as a communal meeting place where families and friends engage in “liming”, a local term for relaxing in a social setting.

The surrounding environment is part of a broader conservation zone that includes Matura Beach, famous for Leatherback turtle nesting, highlighting the ecological sensitivity and importance of the entire Matura catchment area.