Seven of the Best Waterfalls in Trinidad and Tobago

Located just a short distance off the Arima/Blanchisseuse Road is the village of Avocat. Within this village lies one of the most mesmerizing eco destinations in Trinidad – Avocat Falls otherwise known as ‘Gran Fond Falls’ meaning “the river that comes from the sky” as named by the Amerindians. Landscaped by a wall of glistening bronze rocks and lush vegetation, one can enjoy a spray bath behind the curtain of falling water that thunders down into a Jacuzzi type pool below. The surrounding rocks also make a great springboard for jumping into the deep blue-green water below. As the pool flows downstream into the Marianne River, the calmness of the river mouth provides a relaxing swim and an ideal kayaking location. As you leave the Falls walking along the riverbank that leads out of the village, the nature trail on the opposite side takes you further into the Marianne Valley. The well-trodden path through the lively canopy is lined with Green and White lilies that creates an entrancing experience of nature’s woodland.

At 175 feet (54 metres), Argyle, Tobago’s highest waterfall attracts locals and foreigners to its cascade of cool, crisp water that flows down from three dramatic levels. Located on the northeast side of Tobago, the falls are just outside Roxborough, on the Scarborough road (only a few hundred metres from the road to Bloody Bay along the Caribbean coast). The Roxborough Visitor Service Co-op office serves as the entrance. Encircled by lush green foliage, the waterfall is accessed after a 15-20 minute trek along a clearly marked trail. Along the way you are greeted by butterflies and a variety of birds. But before heading off you must pay an entrance fee of TT$60 at the office. If you wish you can hire a guide for an additional fee. With 3 levels, the thunderous sound of the waterfall is heard long before you see it. The height of the first cascade hides the real splendor of Argyle’s upper levels. If you are adventurous you can hike up a bushy path on the right hand side to the second level, where you are greeted by a thick mist. At this level, you can lie in several natural rock tubs and let the water rush over your body. Finally, going further the third pool, though the smallest is the deepest and the best for swimming, inviting you to dive, jump or swing into the water from available vines.

Rio Seco Waterfall is among Trinidad's most stunning waterfalls. While, by far not the tallest, Rio Seco is most loved for its wide deep basin filled with emerald green water, which is ideal for swimming and can even accommodate dinghies and kayaks. The waterfall's face, which slopes backward, makes for an easy climb to its top, and its deep plunge pool encourages visitors to jump and dive in. Another appealing aspect of Rio Sec is that the hike to the waterfall is a relatively easy one, which takes visitors along a wide generally clear path that is marked better that most other waterfall trails. Best of all the hike is just 35 minutes. All this makes the waterfall a favourite for family outings and limes.

The secluded Paria Waterfall can be accessed by hiking trail through Blanchisseuse or Matelot, or by boat. The journey provides breath-taking views of stacks, arches, caves and other natural formations along the coastline. The hiking option starts at the Blanchisseuse Spring Bridge, through the North Coast Forest, over uphill climbs and downhill slides, across the Paria Beach and ends with a short trek to the Paria Waterfall after approximately two and a half hours. Though some hikers have regarded the hiking level as strenuous, it is doable even for inexperienced hikers and first-timers.

During this coastal hike, travellers will come across a majestic 50ft peninsula known as Turtle Rock. Its name is derived from the green and marine turtles that frequent the surrounding Caribbean Sea. This spot overlooks the coast and is an ideal backdrop for pictures.

The Paria waterfall is a refreshingly short walk 15 minutes inland from the scenic Paria Beach. Following the river located at the eastern end of the beach, one comes across one of the most remarkable hidden waterfalls. Clean, clear, pristine waters of the Northern Range tumbles over 10ft of rocks into a refreshing and blissful plunge pool, to rejuvenate the body and mind for the hike out.

Turure Waterfalls located in Cumaca is unlike any other waterfall found in Trinidad. The waterfall is made up of a number of tall limestone outcrops that rise up out of the water and span the width of the Turure river, like a series of large steps. Each step varies is height but the largest is approximately 50 feet wide and 25 feet high that resembles a curtain. Each step has a natural jacuzzi-like pool at its base great for wading and swimming.

Nestled in the lush green forest just outside of the villages of Les Coteaux and Mason Hall, you will find Highland Waterfall.  This rarely visited waterfall is the tallest single drop waterfall on the island of Tobago.  But don't be mislead, its low popularity is related to its difficulty to locate. Highland Waterfall is an awesome, must visit waterfall located in beautiful scenic surroundings. The water descends into a deep plunge pool at the bottom set in a narrow gorge that is ideal for a relaxing and rejuvenating swim.  The adventurous person can get a thrill jumping into the plunge pool from the wall of the gorge.

Located in the foothills of the El Tucuche mountain is Angel Falls - a beautiful waterfall that flows over a 50ft (15m) escarpment onto the rocks below. The water does not falls directly into a plunge pool but cascades along the rock into 2 basins.  The first is ideal for non-swimmers and kids to wade in.  Alternatively, many choose to climb the rocks to get directly under the water-drop for a revitalizing natural massage. Looking up from the rocks below, the reason Angel Falls gets its name becomes obvious.  As sunlight shines through the mist at the waterfall's top, an almost celestial glow is produced against the backdrop of the dense verdant surrounding vegetation. From the rocks at the base of the waterfall, the water flows down to the second basin that is ideal for a refreshing swim. Getting to Angel Falls requires a one-hour hike from Zorro Trace just off the North Coast Road, between Maracas and Las Cuevas.  The trek takes visitors across small streams and through a forested area that is peppered with bright orange immortelle (Erythrina poeppigiana) which blossom in February. Hikers trek steadily uphill for one mile. Once to the top of the hill, its all downhill from there. All the way down, one can hear the roar of the waterfall. Exercise caution on the descent as the rocks are very slippery and the use of ropes left by others is needed.