It was just us and a couple of smaller boats rocking gently to the rhythm of the waves. I was amazed to learn that this was a party spot during the Trinidad Carnival season. According to our tour guide Russell, “The boats would be tied to each other and spread across the length and breadth of the bay, with music playing. People have a great time. The residents of Turtle Bay don’t mind, they join in the festivities!” For me, Turtle Bay was perfect for some R&R.
We made a quick stop at Chateau Crapaud guesthouse in the bay. It was literally decorated with a frog theme! Extraordinary. There I saw an antique cast iron whaling pot for the first time. The pot stood about 3.5ft tall and was wide enough to fit the five of us inside. It was used to render whale oil, a common process DDI from the early 15th century to the late 18th century.
As the Hydro-Gin set sail again, heavy grey clouds crept across the sky, threatening to burst at any moment. We were out in the open sea, so water was nothing to fear. Then, land Ho!
Photographer - Candace Dewsbury