Island Hikers

Chacachacare Island was first discovered by Christopher Columbus on 12th August 1498 and called El Caracol (The Snail ) because of it's angular shape.It is the largest and most westerly of the Boca Islands located  just eight miles from the Venezuelan coastline.During times of slavery cotton was cultivated and through out the island cotton trees still exist . In 1813 the Island was used as a battle station for the liberation of Venezuela from Spanish rule by Simon Bolivar and Santiago Marino . The Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Paria were once populated by whales and in 1820 a whaling station was established.In 1870 The Boca Light House was constructed at the highest point on Morne Cabresse (825feet).It is the second tallest light house in the world and remains in operation today

 The island was used as a  Leprosarium between 1924-1984,hospital wards were erected to house 500 patients in Coco and  Saunder's Bay. At La Chapelle Bay there was  a convent and a church and at Rust Bay and Blumers Bay a doctor and nurses quarters .During this period the island was busy with activity and there was even a cinema for patients however with a cure for Hansen disease the island was abandon and all is left today are the ruins.

The boat ride to the Island takes forty minutes and the uphill trek from the jetty to the Light House will take approximately 35 minutes .At the top picturesque views of surrounding islands and the Venezuelan mainland can be clearly seen in the distance .The hike is optional and non hikers can spend the day relaxing at La Tinta and Perruquier Bay.

Tuesday 19th June........Chacachachare Island (Labour Day )

Rating :3 fair.

Assembly :7.ooam KFC Carpark Westmall 

Estimate cost $120.00 includes hike fee ,boat fee and gate entrance fee at Island Home

Parking inside Island Home :

Estimate cost $120.00 includes boat fee ,hike fee and gate entrance fee ,

additional parking at Island Home $20.00