It is, as with most islands around the Paria Peninsular, covered with dry forest vegetation, and composed of a limestone bedrock with caves.

The Gasparillo name has been derived because of its small size relative to the much larger Gaspar Grande Island, located just to the south of it.

Thus, the government regained possession of the island after World War II as United States military bases on Trinidad were disbanded in 1950.

[3] The island is only accessible by swimming to its rocky eastern bank from a boat, before taking a steep and unmarked climb up the hills undergrowth.

On the south side of the island is a 40-foot (12 meter) cliff where thrill seekers can jump to the sea.