The secluded Beaches of Blanchisseuse:

Exploring the secluded coastline of Blanchisseuse

On the Blanchisseuse coastline, there are a number of secluded beaches that are only accessible by boat, through private lands, or by hiking rugged terrain along off-beaten tracks. Many of these beaches are secret gems known mainly to fishermen and village folks. Over time the raging intensity of the sea eroded the landscape to create small rocky islands. The Spaniards called the North Coast, “Costa del Hierro” meaning, the Iron Coast. 

 Blanchisseuse is one of the first settlements influenced by French immigrants. The proclamation of the Cedula de Population of 1783 allowed Spanish Governor Don Jose Maria Chacon to invite farmers to develop the country and open estates. The town remained one of the most isolated villages and up until 1928 the only means to get there was by coastal steamer. Supplies were brought in by sloops or sailboats. In 1931, the 24-mile road from Arima to Blanchisseuse was constructed, and in the late 1970’s the 18-mile North Coast Road from Maracas was completed. Its hilly terrain, high mountains, dense forest, and rough seas made it difficult for the expansion of large estates. However in some areas of the forest, one can still see surviving cacao trees showing a reflection of its past. Today, village employment comes mainly from fishing, short-crop agriculture, and government projects.

 Over the years, the popularity of Blanchisseuse has grown immensely, and although it has not lost its original characteristics as a sleepy little town unaffected by the busy hustle of city life. It is a place for relaxation to enjoy the sea, river, and soothing breeze of the Caribbean Sea. Its picturesque coastline and the pristine Marianne River make it one of the best places for eco-adventures. It is the starting point for numerous hiking destinations and a place that offers the option to do a variety of tours including fishing, hiking, bird watching, rappelling, and river canoeing. 

 Trails from the Spring Bridge heading south into the forest can lead to Three Pools and Avoca Falls. One of the best river adventure tours is a downstream exploration of the Marianne River to the falls and 3-Pools.  The many secluded beaches along the North Coast are nesting- grounds for the Leather Back Turtle. Paria’s Beach, river and waterfall are hidden jewels and are the number one destination for hikers. It is a lovely place for camping and seeing the Leatherback Turtle coming ashore to nest. The 4.5-mile walk from the Spring Bridge will take 2-hours to get there and along the way, two magnificent spots to take memorable pictures are Turtle Rock and Cathedral Rock. There is the option to hike further east along the coast to Murphy’s Bay, Grand Tacarib, Petite Tacarib, and Madamas Bay.

 There is so much rich history that needs to be highlighted. Like how Blanchisseuse got its name and its meaning. The English land surveyor Frederick Mullet saw the women washing their clothes in the river and called the place “ladies river” meaning Blanchisseuse. In 1869, the explorer Charles Kingsley was the first Englishman to make his way through the forest to visit Blanchisseuse. Another landmark built in 1835 is the Roman Catholic Church “Our Lady of Mt Carmel".  Of the two bells that hang gracefully in front of the church, one originated from Bristol England, and, was donated by the British in 1835 while the other came from Lyon France in 1878. A prominent person who grew up in Blanchisseuse was Sir Solomon Hochoy, who in 1960 became the first local Governor and in 1962 became the Governor General.

 For generations, Blanchisseuse has still maintained parts of its French and Spanish heritage and many of its beaches have creole names example T Del Mar (Spanish for the sea), Las Por, Dustan Bay aka Senna Bay, and Morne Poui Beach where there is a hidden cave formed by sea erosion. However, with no official signs to secure its history, the original names of these beaches are becoming lost by modern-day development. Without doing any research, self-interest groups are adding new names to these places, endangering their unique heritage. The relevant authorities who manage the place need to highlight the significance of Blanchisseuse as a historical community. If we as a country care about tourism growth and preserving our heritage Blanchisseuse is the perfect destination because of its easy access to its river, and beaches.  Signs should be erected to show the authentic names of beaches, rivers, and waterfalls. 

Visitors are always welcome into the community and there is safe parking at several locations just before the bridge. The villager’s number one wish is that outsiders keep the place clean and don’t leave litter at the beaches, trails, and waterfalls.