haguaramas is where two worlds meet. On the one hand, there are the beaches, the mountains, the deep green sea. On the other, there is an increasingly exciting nightlife that has developed to meet the needs of a growing population of “yachtie” visitors.

Trinidad’s north-west peninsula has embarked on a new beginning, with better facilities opening up all the time. Overseeing the larger picture is the Chaguaramas Development Authority, whose goal is to

Photo: Snoozing in Chaguaramus: Mark Meredith

develop this picturesque area in a responsible way; it has already created a number of wildlife sanctuaries.

Chag, as the peninsula is fondly called, enjoys a seafaring tradition which goes back to pre-Columbian times. Today, thousands of sailors from dozens of countries have made it their harbour of choice, for a number of reasons — the main one being its relative safety during the hurricane season. There are several well-equipped marinas and boatyards, and virtually every boat repair or refurbishing service is available. Craftsmen are skilled, and prices, compared with many other boating havens in the Caribbean, are very competitive. Other services such as banking, shopping and laundry are also available.

In recent years, Chaguaramas has also become one of north Trinidad’s prime hang-out spots. The Bight, at Peake’s Yacht Services, is a cool place to catch some sea breeze and local chit-chat, and to savour a tasty menu. The Light House at Crew’s Inn offers international cuisine in a delightful waterfront setting. And if you love nightlife, you’re guaranteed a fun time on the Deck at The Anchorage, where you can choose between sipping cocktails at sunset, delving into mouth watering feasts or dancing to live music. The Cove is another good place to meet and mingle. A scenic outdoor amphitheatre for concerts is another recent addition, at Welcome Bay.

Beach lovers should be sure to check out the idyllic Macqueripe Beach, on the north coast. There are interesting boat trips to several offshore islands, including the caves on Gaspar Grande and the abandoned hospital and lighthouse on Chacachacare.

Photo: Down the islands: Debbie Teixeira

For the energetic, The Kayak Centre offers kayak rentals; and there’s excellent fishing to be had just about everywhere offshore. Nature trails abound, and bicycles can be rented. Golf, anyone? There is a 9-hole public golf course nestled in the foothills, and plans are afoot for a whole new course. Anyone interested in flying or warfare should head to the Chaguaramas Military and Aviation Museum, where enthusiast Gaylord Kelshall has amassed a wealth of displays and information about Caribbean military action over the centuries. The Coast Guard, based at the end of the peninsula, also maintains a marine museum.

Chaguaramas is where nature and nightlife, sea and sport, yesterday and today happily meet. Go west and see!

Patti and Joey Clarke

Leave Port of Spain through St James or Mucurapo; follow the Western Main Road as far as it goes.