Trinidad & Tobago Opens Nature Trail at Galera Point

Trinidad & Tobago Opens Nature Trail at Galera Point
By Heather-Dawn Herrera

How many times have we driven out to Galera Point, Trinidad's north eastern tip, to enjoy the incoming strong breezes and see the turbulent seas where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea? Some people stop at Salibea Beach for the day, not aware that they can drive further out.

Most of us have not truly experienced the real character of Galera Point, that unseen northern seascape between Salibea Beach and the lighthouse at the tip. We miss this coastal stretch entirely.

The Mario Eco Co of #1 Power Street Toco has blazed a trail to fill this gap. Adrian Watson, director of the Company, spearheaded this initiative.

"Along the usual road route to the lighthouse you would not see the coastline, the actual flora and fauna. We want people to enjoy the entire beauty of Galera Point and the Galera Nature Trail enables people to do just that.

"Toco has become a nucleus for eco-tourism and we feel that more people in the area should benefit from initiatives introduced here. We have cut this trail to create more employment in the area and give the people a sense of participation and pride in what we are blessed with. Tour guides and maintenance crews find employment here," he said.

The Galera Nature Trail runs for two kilometers along a slightly undulating coastline. Where high tides encroach on the beaches en route, alternative paths have been cut just inland from the high water mark.

People of all ages can do the tour of this area. You see the blue black crab scuttling into its hole in the sand. Sometimes a red crab might surface.

Immediately east of Salibea Beach, you meet the first undulation Balata Point #1. For those who need assistance, supports at the side of the trail have been put in place. Balata Point #1 comprises numerous balata trees some of which are graced by clamorous parakeets in the canopy. In fact, balata trees clothe most of the trail together with coconut, of course. Heliconias give color to the understory.

Along a flat area named War Sardine, you can discern lots of fiddler crabs on the rocks hemming the coastline. Pacro seekers will also find a treasure trove here.

Intermittent views of our sister isle Tobago can be had at vantage points along the coastal side of the trail. We must commend the initiative of the Mario Eco Company Ltd for not clearing away the original vegetation of the area to accommodate these areas along the trail. The trail and its viewpoints have been treated as part of the original seascape and as such have remained as unobtrusive as possible.