Paria Bay and Waterfall a must-see

Apart from its magnificent seascape, Paria has a number of other attractions to fascinate the nature lover. The beach with its silky smooth sand is 1.5 km long, and every year from February to July the leatherback turtles come ashore nightly to nest.

The crashing waves of the Caribbean Sea are quite inviting. On the eastern end of the beach, a lovely spot to bathe and relax is at the river’s mouth where the soothing waters are as calm as a lagoon. The riverbed accumulates sand by the backlash of seawater and during high tide it contains a variety of small marine fish. The vegetation consists primarily of red mangrove and an abundance of coconut trees.

At the western end of the bay, the sea eroded the landscape to create a spectacular arch called Cathedral Rock.

The rocks surrounding the bay provide suitable areas to relax and fish.

A 15-minute walk alongside the river will lead to one of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls – Paria Waterfall – with its fresh, clean water coming from remote areas of the Northern Range and a large plunge pool for bathing and swimming.

The adventurous can climb on the rocks and jump ten feet into deep areas of the pool.

One can even test their skills by swimming against the current to reach behind the cascade, where there is an overhang. Some noticeable vegetation growing alongside the river bank are the Maraval Lily (spathiphyllum cannifolium), Cannonball (couroupita guianensis) and Chaconia (warszewiczia coccinea).

The coastal walk from the Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge to Paria Beach one way will take one hour and thirty minutes to two hours. The trail is wide and clear and has moderate inclines. Along the way, an attractive spot to take pictures is Turtle Rock, where there are beautiful sceneries of the coast.

On March 13 Island Hikers will visit Paria Bay and Waterfall.

Assembly: 7 am at the entrance to Central Bank Auditorium or 7.30 am opposite Sam’s Bar, Maracas Bay.

Rating 4-5 – moderately challenging Depart beach by 2pm (return by 4pm) Bring a hat for shade, light refreshments and a litre of drinking water.

This hike is recommended for children ages seven and up.

Registration on the morning of the hike.

Security for parked vehicles at Laguna Mar Hotel.

Maxi Taxi Transportation provided from Central Bank Auditorium.

Only if needed, call to book on Saturday before the hike.

For more info: visit www.islandhikers.com