Rio Seco Waterfall tour from Trinidad: Swim the emerald pool

One hour to a waterfall with a pool deep enough to jump into

Rio Seco Waterfall is a tour from Trinidad to a wide, shallow-sloped waterfall with a deep emerald basin in the foothills near Sally Bay. You hike a marked, easy trail for about an hour, then swim and dive in the plunge pool. The tour includes private transportation, a driver-guide who speaks English or Spanish, and runs 7 hours total. Children from age 6 are welcome, and pickup is included from your accommodation.

The experience

The hike starts on the Toco Main Road near Sally Bay, where the trail is signposted. You can begin right from the road or drive a couple of kilometers inland first and start further up the path. Your driver will decide based on conditions. The trail itself is wide and clearly marked, nothing like the overgrown scrambles at other waterfalls in Trinidad. It takes about an hour to walk, mostly on a general clear path, so families and people without serious hiking experience can manage it easily.

Rio Seco's appeal is the waterfall's shape and the pool beneath it. The face slopes backward instead of dropping straight down, which means you can climb to the top without technical gear. The basin is wide and deep, filled with emerald-green water, and the depth encourages jumping and diving, not just wading. The plunge pool is the whole point: you'll spend time in the water, not just photographing it from the rocks.

Your driver-guide handles the route and can speak English or Spanish. The full outing takes 7 hours, which includes the drive from your hotel in Trinidad, the hike, time at the waterfall, and the return. Pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport yourself. Children from age 6 can go. The trail is gentle enough that younger kids who hike regularly will be fine, though the water is cold.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your accommodation in Trinidad.
• a driver-guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• access to the Rio Seco Waterfall trail and the emerald basin for swimming and diving.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (11 to 45 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 7 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Is this one for you?The private pickup from your Trinidad hotel means you don't need a rental car or local knowledge to find the trailhead. Your driver knows the route and the best starting point, which settles the logistics for anyone staying in the city without their own transport.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual hike to Rio Seco Waterfall?

The hike takes about 1 hour on a marked, wide trail that is easier than most other waterfall walks in Trinidad. The path is generally clear and well-signposted from the Toco Main Road near Sally Bay.

Can I swim and dive in the waterfall pool?

Yes. Rio Seco's deep emerald basin is specifically suited for swimming and diving. The waterfall's backward-sloping face makes it accessible to climb to the top, and the plunge pool is deep enough for both activities.

What's included in the 7-hour tour?

Private transportation from your Trinidad accommodation, a driver-guide who speaks English or Spanish, and the route to and from Rio Seco Waterfall. Pickup is included. You don't arrange separate transport.

Where does the hike to Rio Seco start?

The trail begins on the Toco Main Road near Sally Bay, where it is signposted. You can start from the road itself or drive about 2 kilometers inland along a country road and begin the hike further up the path, depending on conditions.