Description
Time: Start 9.00 am from Marina. Return 3.00 pm
Note: Can be booked individually, to join group. Minimum of 6 persons.Transportation from hotel/home can be arranged
Nelson Island is the largest of the tiny islands located in the Gulf of Paria. From a private marina, we board our spacious yacht and begin our cruise “Down D Islands”.
Nelson Island has been of importance throughout the history of the island of Trinidad. It was first used by indigenous peoples from the mainland in South America as a stop-off point in their fishing and exploring journeys. Later on it was used as part of the defence system of the Spanish colonials and later still, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, as a processing station indentured East Indians — and eventually as a repatriation port for those who were returning to India. The early structures were built by skilled craftsmen and labourers who were enslaved Africans. Nelson Island has also been used as a detention centre: during World War II for Austrian and German Jews fleeing persecution in Europe, who were considered hostile aliens by the US, which then held a military base at nearby Chaguaramas and also for local political prisoners, including the legendary union leader Tubal Uriah Butler and several of the “Black Power” leaders during the early 1970s.
Visitors can tour the Island and peruse the lists of indentured immigrants at the information centre to identify ancestors’ names, and look at some of the stunning photographs of life during those times in Trinidad and Tobago’s history. One can also walk along the corridors with the jail cells that held those detained on the Island. View the exhibits and ruins, walk along scenic trails and take photos by the gun bunkers, among the other adventures at the Nelson Island.
After this exciting stop, we make our way to a secluded bay where you can swim in the most picturesque spots, play with water toys or just kick back - enjoying the serene Caribbean vibe.
Included in your cruise:
Entrance Fee to Nelson Island
Life jackets
Basic water toys (stand-up paddle, kayaks, noodles, floats etc.)
Water, ice.
Optional extras that can be added at an additional cost:
Catered food, alcoholic drinks, snacks.
Additional water toys
What to expect
Stop at: Nelson Island and Peanut Island
Stop Nelson Island for swimming and peanut islands for swimming and relaxing
