Tobago Plantations Boardwalk

(A sneak peek view of what the walk was like)

Normally, where I am from, mangroves are seen as smelly, messy muddy things that are essential biomes for fauna as well as important ecological and environmental role players that prevent flooding and eases the effects of hurricanes and so on. We typically do not venture around these mangrove forests so imagine my surprise when I found out that there is a boardwalk in Tobago that takes you through a winding but relaxing stroll through a beautiful network of mangrove roots and canopies and ends at the ocean! Instead of looking at it from afar we get to immerse ourselves and take a look at the flora and fauna that thrive within.

(The archway signaling the beginning of the boardwalk)

The walk begins where a resort (Tobago Plantations) meets the mangroves. There is a small wooden bridge with an arch (as seen above) that signals the beginning of the boardwalk which is basically a really long elevated wooden pathway a few feet above the mangrove's muddy and silty floor. Immediately there is a sense of wonder and awe by being encompassed and surrounded by these magical and tall roots as well as their green canopies that seemed never-ending. The sunlight that filtered through created a wonderful moody atmosphere that made you want to linger, take in the sights, sounds and smells.

As we walked along, there was this surreal feeling that you get by being completely surrounded by what felt like a new world of sorts. The man made boardwalk felt as if it were part of the forest and did not take away from the immersion nor did it feel out of place. There were a few pathways to explore which we did; each not feeling monotonous or boring.

(One of the pathways blocked by overgrown mangroves)

The boardwalk had that old archaic feel to it, feeling as old as the mangrove forest itself. There were pathways blocked by overgrown branches that added to that aesthetic. It felt like we were exploring an ancient abandoned place. I love that feeling!

(A down low shot of the leaves and walkway)

There were these dried leaves that seemed to settle almost perfectly on the sides of the walkway and I could not help but take lower angled shots showcasing this. I could not get enough of this!

We were so engrossed in exploring that we forgot that there was an end point of the boardwalk at the ocean and so we continued along while looking at crabs and other mangrove critters in between the tall mountainous roots.

(The widened platform emerging from the narrow pathway)

As we got closer to the shoreline, the canopy above become less thick adn the evening sun shone through more and more. Just before the ocean, the narrow pathway opened into a wide platform of sorts that had this hut or gazebo that was made of the same wood, and once again, looked as if it were as old as the mangroves themselves.

(A wide angle shot of the gazebo/ shed)

(A much closer narrow shot of the gazebo)

The gazebo seemed to be used for weddings and so on and I could find no reason for it to be used as shelter during precipitation as the roof seemed to be open. Maybe it was to be thatched with carat or coconut tree leaves? Either way it was definitely beautiful and added to the beauty of the attraction coupled with the leaves and the surrounding gigantic mangrove roots.

(The first view of the ocean through the mangrove roots)

Finally we could see the ocean through the spindly roots! Another widened platform that ended at the edge of the mangroves where they met the ocean signaled the end of our magical walk. Almost immediately there was once again a change in atmosphere from cosy and encompassed by roots and canopies to open air and fresh sea breezes.

(The ocean view at the end of the boardwalk journey)

We stuck around a while contemplating the small journey and enjoying the gifts of nature that was the view ahead of us. This was the first attraction on our first of two visits to Tobago this year and it was a great foreshadowing of what was to come! Stay tuned as I have so many beautiful photos of amazing locations for you. I haven't posted in a while as we have been traveling around a lot, so you know the content is going to be awesome!