hiking schedules 2020 Jan - Feb & overseas tours.

Blue Basin Waterfall Diego Martin on Sunday 16th February 2020

The pride of Diego Martin is the Blue Basin Waterfall. Its large crystal clear pool is a swimmers delight. Together with the historic waterwheel, it is the perfect destination for cruise ship passengers looking for an easy ecotourism tour. Yet Blue Basin waterfall seems to be neglected by the relevant authorities. No bins for garbage and the concrete road to the falls need to be fixed. As a country, we have become so stigmatized by eternal forces perhaps it could be the crime or maybe the wealth from oil and gas, that we seldom take the time to appreciate the natural beauty of Trinidad and Tobago. Our governments put very little effort into maintaining these natural resources. It seems like they are not important yet we all know, if oil and gas were to run out we would all have to end up like Tourist Annie. We are probably the only country in the Caribbean where people leave their garbage and expect someone to pick it up. So it's up to the responsible citizens to maintain these earthly treasures for the future generations.  

The Blue Basin River originates from a remote area in Paramin known as Meyah. Its course is through the dense region of the Cameron Valley once used for the cultivation of cacao. It then flows over a steep escarpment to a series of fascinating cascades. Located above the main falls, these secret gems are known to villagers as White Hole, Coffin Hole, and Tsou Falls. Climbing to the top of the falls is not for everyone but for those who get the opportunity to explore find them mind-blowing. The various cascades provide so much opportunity for the adventurous to jump, swing, climb and swim.

The River has always been significant to the Diego Martin Valley. In 1797, it supplied water to the 19 sugar mills and 9 rum distillers. It provided water to the historic Water Wheel used for the purpose of crushing the sugar cane. At that time, the population of Diego Martin was 141 whites, 289 free coloured and 734 slaves. One Hundred years later in 1897, there was a depression in the Sugar Industry, and many of the estates collapsed. This was due to the abolishment of free slave labour in 1834.

       At River Estate the Colonial Government purchased the land to drill wells for the purpose of supplying water to Port-of-Spain and environments. Soon after, the Cadbury Brothers of England leased the land to do research in Cocoa Production. Today the only evidence of the rich history are the surviving cacao trees, seen along the river bank.

           The expedition to the Blue Basin Waterfall is a short 20 minutes walk that begins along the pitch road.  Please note there is security for the vehicles. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-SlZtIkEmoe