Chacachacare
Island Uninhabited island once used as leper colony
Small, uninhabited island off northwest Trinidad known for former leper-colony ruins, coastal trails and quiet bays; day-trippers and boat tours visit for snorkeling, historical ruins and secluded beaches.
Chacachacare is a small island off the northwest coast of Trinidad in the Bocas Islands, administratively part of the Diego Martin region. It is largely uninhabited and noted for its coastal ruins and natural shorelines.
The island contains remains of former institutional buildings and residential structures, together with beaches and undeveloped interior land; these ruins are the main reason visitors go ashore. Visitors typically come by private boat for day visits and informal exploration.
Historically the island was used for institutional and retreat purposes and later declined in permanent habitation; many structures are now ruins. There are no regular ferry services, and the island lacks developed tourist infrastructure.
Chacachacare lies off the northwest Trinidad coast in the Bocas of the Gulf of Paria, reachable from Chaguaramas and nearby mainland launch points.
- Access: Access requires a private or charter boat trip from north-west Trinidad; landing facilities are basic and visitors should plan logistics in advance.
What to See #
- Hospital and monastery ruins: Ruined hospital and residential structures from the island's period as a medical facility and retreat remain scattered along the shore and interior.
How to Get to Chacachacare #
Chacachacare is reached by private boat or charter from Chaguaramas/Port of Spain area. No scheduled public ferry services-book a licensed operator and confirm landing permissions before travel.
Tips for Visiting Chacachacare #
- Access is by private boat from Chaguaramas or Carenage-charter in advance and confirm landing permissions.
- Respect the island's status and private properties-some ruins are on restricted plots.
- Bring a guide familiar with the island's history if interested in the leper colony and cemetery ruins.
Best Time to Visit Chacachacare #
The dry season (Dec-May) is best for boat access and stable sea conditions.
Weather & Climate near Chacachacare #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1380 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
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May
May is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 24°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (208 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (186 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Heavy rain (202 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 24°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).
