Argyle Waterfall, Tobago

Argyle Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Tobago, and the facilities and guides available on site make it very attractive to visitors. Getting there is very easy, as just before the town of Roxborough in the northeast of the island, there is a large welcome sign marking the access road (Cameron Canal road).

After buying our admission tickets at a little booth at the beginning of the road (and a few snacks) we drove to the car park. As we were about to get out the car to go into the Argyle Riverdale Lodge, rain started to pour, buckets a drop. Sadly we sat in the car waiting for the storm to stop but eventually we decided it was a lost cause. The women at the ticket booth kindly wrote a note saying we could use the tickets tomorrow instead.

Fifteen minutes later, the rain stopped and we discovered an attractive spot where goats were tied between coconut trees on grass encroaching a beach. We began to take pictures and soon realised that the sun was coming back out and we decided we should drive back to the waterfall. 

The ladies gave us an amused look as we drove back in and phoned ahead telling the guides we were coming back today. We locked the car door and gave our tickets to a guide who welcomed us. She pointed us in the right direction but did not accompany us. As we began our walk we crossed our fingers hoping the rain would not start back, catching us with the camera equipment and no change of clothes.

The adventure begins

The 15-20 minute nature walk to the fall was amazing. With lush vegetation on both sides, a beautiful shade of green due to the afternoon light, and the sound of the rushing river at certain parts of the route, the walk was a tranquil experience. The path to the waterfall is easy and is suited for all ages, but after sliding in mud along the way I would suggest proper shoes especially in the rainy season (not flip flops like me) to make it even easier.

Ah the falls!

The water tumbled down loudly over a series of three small cliffs into pools on each level, the third one being the largest. There were a few people enjoying the waterfall at this level with the company of a guide. 

We rested our bags down including my tripod and decided to climb up to the other levels. Camera in hand, I held on to the muddy ropes that were tied to the trees and pulled myself up wondering why I chose to not put on my sneakers that lay enjoying the dryness of the car back at the parking lot. 

This part of the walk becomes a hike and may not be suitable for everyone, but is a lot of fun to explore. The second level was a small plateau with a pool for swimming and a beautiful view of down below. By this time we were in explorer mode and with a quick glance up at the sky to make sure the rain was not about to start back (how would we ever get back down in the rain?), we started the ascent to the top level. 

Here the water force was the hardest and we were getting drenched in the spray. Luckily there is a large rock to serve as protection for those who want to see but not get soaked, and there is another pool for swimming. There was a track that looked like it was going further up, but since the rain had given us such a great reprieve we decided not to push it and headed back down where our sandwiches and towels awaited us. 

Motmot sighting!

The walk back out to the car park was very entertaining as several Blue-crowned Motmot birds graced us with their presence and I tried to capture their beauty and grace on camera. Most of them would not allow me to get very close, and without a proper zoom lens on hand I employed the super slow motion method and got as close as I could before they flew away. We enjoyed trying to sight them while we made our way out and were not too bothered that the rain started to fall heavily again. As we sat in the car drying ourselves off, we laughed and chatted, expressing how happy we were that we had decided to come back that day. 

Fast facts:

• Admission including the cost of a guide: Adults: TT$30 for residents, TT$40 for non-residents
• Children 5-11 years: TT$10 for residents, TT$20 for non-residents
• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
• The guides wear uniformed t-shirts and sit in the lodge
• Make sure to put on insect repellant in advance.

This way to Argyle Waterfall

Scenes on the way to the falls

Views from the three levels of the waterfall

Views from above- People enjoying the bottom pool and the water flowing off of the top level

Beautiful scenery

Blue-crowned Motmot

Aisha and Ariann are ready to reacquaint themselves with and in some cases ‘meet’ Trinidad and Tobago. Follow as these two travel to different places and interact with a multitude of faces while ‘Discovering T&T’.