Explore Chacachacare – Salt Pond, Beaches, Nunnery & Lighthouse

EVENT DESCRIPTION:
Come unlock some of the mysteries of an island that sits only 7 miles from the Venezuela Paria pennisula & 10 miles from Port of Spain. There is much to discover on Chacachacare, which was, until 32 years ago home to a colony of nuns and their patients. With beautiful wildlife trails, gorgeous beaches, historical sites, a grand lighthouse and the salt pond, there is ample adventure for everyone.

A booking is required for all Palance868 events.

HIKE INFORMATION:
o Rating: Level 3 to 5 (check hike ratings below)
o Intensity: Easy to Moderately Challenging (dependant on one’s fitness and if you do 1,2 or all 3 destinations)

 Salt Pond, band du Sud Bay and Nunnery only – Rating 3 (easy)
 All destinations including lighthouse – rating 5 (moderately challenging)

o Duration (Circuit): 30 mins to 2 hours

 Salt Pond/Band du Sud bay to Nunnery: 30-45 mins
 Nunnery to Lighthouse: 1 to 1.5 hours

o Terrain Description: This hike will be done as a semi-circuit which starts with the boat dropping us off at Band du Sud Bay. The Salt Pond is a short trek from here where you can effortlessly float around in the very salty lake. From here we hit the trails and head to the Nunnery. Please note that proper shoes and long pants and long sleeves are advised for this trail and there can be scrubs that can scrap delicate skin on the trail. At the Nunnery, there is a jetty and a lovely beach to relax and enjoy your lunch at. You can opt to relax and remain at this point for the duration of our time on the island. For those with the extra stamina & wanting a challenge, we then head off through more trails and up to the lighthouse along an abandoned roadway. A hat and/or umbrella and sunscreen highly is recommended for protection from the sun.

o Location of start of hike: Chacachacare, DDI
o Approximate start time of hike: 9:30 am
o Time at destination: 1 to 2 hours
o Approximate end of hike: 3-4 pm

These times are based on average sailing & hiking times and can vary based on sea conditions, the fitness of the group and how fast we move, the amount of rest stops taken, any unforeseen variations in the terrain (e.g. fallen trees), the weather etc.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION:

Assembly Time: 6:30 am
Assembly Point: Island Property Owners Association Car Park, Chaguaramas
We leave the meeting point promptly at 7:00 am.
When you arrive at the meeting point, please locate our hike leaders, attired in red, black and orange Palance868 T-shirts. Here you must sign our attendance register with an emergency contact included.

COST:
TT $275.00 per person
These costs include all boat and tour fees but do NOT include ground transportation.
We take the boat at Island Property Owners Association. Here, there is a $20 per vehicle fee to park in the secured car park and an entrance fee to the marina of $25 per person. Patrons will be responsible for this cost which is payable to Island Property on the morning.

HOW TO BOOK:
A booking is required for all Palance868 events for safety and group size control. To book, Whatsapp our events coordinator at 18687479655
Please provide the following for EACH attendee:
1. Full name & cell contact
2. Age (if under the age of 18)
3. List of any major medical issues, these include allergies, asthma, heart issues, bone, joint or muscle injuries
4. Any medication taken, name and dosage
5. Is attendee a swimmer or non-swimmer?
Most hikes are not suitable for children under the age of 5 years. No babies in arms/baby backpacks or strollers will be allowed.
Some medical conditions may hamper your ability to participate in certain hikes and as such, please discuss this when making your booking.

PREPARATION GUIDELINES:
If you are a first time hiker, please use this list of recommended hiking essentials for your personal preparation

1. At least 2L of potable water (refilling in rivers and streams along the way is not recommended)
2. Juice/energy drinks, snacks, sandwiches (ensure packaging is watertight if hike is water based)

3. Small garbage bag for your personal trash

4. Sun Protection: Sunblock/ Hat/ Sunglasses

5. Short or Long pants/tights and loose tops recommended, bathing suits can be worn underneath, if you choose to wear short pants, please opt for a long socks to protect skin from scrapes and bruises

6. Comfortable footwear, sneakers with good grips or hiking boots are a MUST! (Check for any signs of it unsticking or dry rotting)

7. Insect Repellent – OFF, Citronella Oil or Odomos

8. Personal Medication

9. A comfortable backpack (with 2 straps) leaving your hands free to navigate trail help or a friend

10. Waterproof protection for cell phone/camera & anything that cannot get wet (if you are using

Ziploc bags, please double or triple up on them)

11. Towel, change of clothing and footwear (e.g. slippers) to be left in your vehicle

12. Plastic bag for your wet clothes

SAFETY CHECKLIST:
We take every precaution to ensure that you and your loved ones are taken good care of at any of our events. The Palance868 Adventures Safety/Hiking Checklist includes:
⬜Lifejackets ✔
⬜ Ropes✔
⬜First Aid Kits✔
⬜First Aid Trained Hike Leaders✔
⬜Rescue Can✔
⬜Machetes✔ ⬜Rope ladder✔
⬜Security for vehicles✔

DISCLAIMER:
Palance868 Adventures reserves to right to cancel or postpone any event due to adverse weather or any other conditions we deem to be unsafe for our hikers. In the event that an event is cancelled before the day of its execution, full refunds will be issued. While we take every reasonable precaution to ensure your safety, each person who participates in any Palance868 Adventures Club event accepts full responsibility for making their own decisions and determinations for their own safety, health conditions, conduct and well-being. Each person who participates in any Palance868 Adventures Club event recognizes that possible health and safety hazards exist when attending any outdoor and/or indoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. We reserve the right to refuse admittance to any person for any reason.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
➖Cancellations made more than 5 days before the event are entitled to a full refund
➖Cancellations made 5-3 days before will have 50% fee attached
➖There is a no refund policy for cancellations made less than 3 days before the event