Camp out at Paria Bay

The sandy coastline along with the cool Caribbean breeze provide the perfect ambiance for relaxing and rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit. The childhood memory of camping in the wilderness, sleeping in a tent and admiring the twinkling stars is everlasting.

These unforgettable experiences can last a lifetime. It is a joy to sit on the sand, unconcerned about time and be engrossed by the picturesque seascape. It makes one wonder what the real meaning of life and how perfect the world we live in is.

Paria Bay has a little of everything.

Apart from its magnificent beach and wonderful waterfall, there is the river mouth with its calm waters. The giant leatherback turtles that come ashore nightly to nest is another attraction but campers must take care not to shine torchlights at them. During July and August it is a spectacle to see the hatchling emerge from the sand. However, many of them don’t make it to the safety of the water since the vultures wait in the treetops to prey on them.

On the western end of the beach, sea erosion formed a magnificently carved arch which has a protruding fragment in its middle. Its grand appearance gives it the name Cathedral Rock, and because of its elegant grandeur, it is a lovely spot to take pictures. A nearby stream provides clean water for cooking and local fishermen usually supply freshly caught fish to campers.

It is the duty of campers to preserve the environment and to protect wildlife by leaving nothing but footprints. Campsites should be set up in areas that will not affect nesting turtles and their hatchlings.

Garbage must be taken out and not left on the beach.

A boat will provide transportation of personal items and camping equipment to Paria Bay.

To get to the beach campers have to walk the two-hour journey from the Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge.

Along the way hikers can enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery at Turtle Rock. Suggested items for the camp out are a tent, sleeping bag, life jacket, medication, repellant, flashlight, extra change of clothing and footwear, cup, plate, knife, fork, garbage bag and a penknife.

Note: Items for boat transportation should be labelled and put in waterproof garbage bags.

Suggested food items to bring along are sausages, sandwiches, tuna, sardines, baked potato, trail snacks, fruit juices, peanut butter, biscuits, boiled eggs, cooked chicken, milk, coffee or tea bags and drinking water.

Dinner and breakfast will be supplied, however, campers are required to bring personal food items and eating utensils (cup, plate, knife, and fork not supplied).

Island Hikers family camp-out at Paria Bay: from Friday to Sunday.

(Note: the Friday is optional) Assembly: 8am on Saturday at Sam’s Bar Maracas Bay. Boat begin loading at 9am at the Blanchisseuse Fishing Depot.

All campers are allowed two bags: A tent and personal backpack, campers must bring their belongings to the boat jetty for loading.

Assembly 11am on Friday: boat departs at noon (meals not provided on Friday, bring your own).

For those not wishing to hike, the boat is available.

Secure overnight parking available at Marianne Beach Resort For more info: islandhikers.com