Get Muddy at L' eau Michel Mud Volcano
Carnival Tabanca? Play mud mas all year long by taking a dip in Trinidad’s very own mud volcano. L’eau Michel is one of 15 mud volcano’s in Trinidad, located at Penal, Bunsee Trace (South Trinidad).
If you’re afraid to get dirty this adventure is not for you. Abort Mission!
Adventure Time
Quick Stop at "D Green Shed"
Before getting muddy, for the full Debe experience, it is mandatory to take a pit stop and try some Debe Doubles. Debe is known as home to some of the best Indian delicacies. I myself tried some Doubles and Saheena at Hassanali’s “D Green Shed Café”and no doubt it was tasty and delicious.
Along the way I also spotted a statue of Sundar Popo at the corner of Debe Trace and SS Erin Road. Sunilal Popo Bahora famously known by his stage name “Sundar Popo” of Monkey Town, Barrackpore, was a cultural pioneer to Trinidad and Tobago. A musician that was enthrone as the father of Chutney music, when he popularize the Indian art form with his 1969 hit “Nana and Nani”.
Journey to Mud Volcano
Surrounded by Teak Trees
It is possible to drive straight to the volcano. However, your vehicle can go as far as the trail will let you. It can get really muddy and difficult to pass through, especially when rain falls. So I suggest you park at the point where you first see a huge galvanized shed area.
From there the trek is a breath-taking 30-35 mins walk to the volcano, where you are surrounded by magnificent foliage of teak trees that reaches the sky and beautiful lush greenery. Once the sun is out the hike is as easy as pie. But, if rain falls it makes it 10 times harder.
Lots of mud!
To Beautiful not to Capture
Arriving at the volcano's grounds, it is scary at first, all that’s going through your mind is, what are you thinking? You’re about to enter a bottomless pit of boiling mud. But, once you get in all the fear fades and you realize it’s the total opposite. The temperature is cool, far from being boiling hot. The pockets of bubbling, dense mud keeps you afloat, no matter how hard you try to push yourself down and regardless of your height you are kept floating. The mud feels silky and smooth against your skin, a spa treatment like no other. It is an awesome experience!
L'eau Michel Mud Volcano
Getting out was a task. A fun way to get muddy without getting back into the volcano, is taking a ride on the EARTH SLIDE. Slip into muddy fun, where the excess wet mud from the volcano spills over an incline creating a natural slide. So much fun it brings out your inner child.
Hiking back up to top of Slide
This is then followed by a 50 minute hike to the southern coast, L’eau Michel Beach for a sea bath. With mud head to toe, the trek doesn’t have to be boring you can frolic around as though you’re playing mud mas.
Unless your journey is to the volcano, the beach is an out of sight secret where not much foot traffic is seen. It is the ideal and most convenient spot to wash of all the mud. The surrounding vegetation adds to the appeal of the area. The sea may not be as blue as the sky or too keen on the eyes however, I have to admit it was one of the most refreshing baths I have had.
View of L'eau Michel Beach
After washing of all the mud I couldn’t help but keep touching my skin, in awe of how smooth it felt.
Just Hanging Around
Tips/What to expect on the Facility?
Tire/regular swings hanging from various trees to enjoy.
Many visitors can relax on the grounds, as there are huts where you can picnic.
Make a cook in the mud oven created with the mud from the volcano.
There are no washrooms/toilets.
There are no bins on the compound. So be sure to walk with your bags to dispose of your trash. Do not Litter!
Ensure that you are accompanied by a guide if you are visiting with a small group as the area is off the beaten track, and is not well known to most.
This is just one of the many wonders of Trinidad and Tobago. Truly a fun and different experience that is definitely worth the visit.
Always Remember,
Love Your Journey