Capoey Lake

Capoey is a blackwater lake set back from the Essequibo coast, smaller and much quieter than Mainstay, with the Arawak mission village of Capoey on the far shore reached by boat across the water. The lake has a sand beach and dark clear water, and the village keeps a church, a school and craft work. It sees far fewer visitors than its neighbour, which is the reason to choose it. The mission was established in the nineteenth century and the community farms and fishes rather than living off visitors, so there is no jetty of tour boats and no stalls: someone in the village takes people across when asked.

What you actually see

• The blackwater - dark clear water over pale sand.
• The mission village - the Arawak settlement on the far shore.
• The boat crossing - the short paddle or motor across to the village.
• The beach - a sand shore used for swimming.

When to go

September to April is drier and the most comfortable. Weekends bring local visitors. The wet seasons raise the water and bring mosquitoes.

Honest expectations

Facilities are minimal and there is no resort infrastructure. Visiting the village should be arranged rather than assumed. Access from the coast road is on a rough track.

Nearby

Lake Mainstay is north, and Anna Regina is on the coast.