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Chacachacare

Island

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 Port of SpainTobagoMaracas BayChacachacare
In this guide

Chacachacare essentials

Address: Chacachacare Island, off the northwest coast of Trinidad (Diego Martin region)
Admission: No formal admission (island visit by private boat or chartered trips)
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About Chacachacare

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Chacachacare

The dry season (Dec-May) is best for boat access and stable sea conditions.

Dry season
Dec-May · 24-30°C
Best boating conditions with calmer seas and steady weather.
Wet season
Jun-Nov · 24-30°C
Greater chance of storms; boat operators may reduce crossings.

Weather & Climate near Chacachacare

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1380 mm/year), wettest in June.

Air Quality: AQI 32 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 22° - 29° 26° 77 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
February - 22° - 29° 26° 47 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
March - 23° - 30° 26° 32 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
April - 24° - 30° 27° 68 mm - - 4.5 m/s - -
May - 24° - 31° 27° 62 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
June - 24° - 30° 27° 208 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
July - 23° - 30° 27° 186 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
August - 23° - 31° 27° 202 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
September - 24° - 31° 27° 133 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
October - 23° - 31° 27° 102 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
November - 23° - 30° 27° 153 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
December - 22° - 30° 26° 110 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

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.