Trinidad > Touring > Trinidad Beaches
Trinidad’s beaches, especially the secluded north coast bays, are unspoilt and breathtaking, where every river mouth forms a spectacular beach, surrounded by forest. On the eastern seaboard, wide expanses of sand are swept by the Atlantic waves. Swimmers are advised to exercise caution.
On the West Coast Macqueripe Bay in Chaguaramas is popular on weekends. This deep-water bay is excellent for swimming. (Parking, changing facilities, lifeguards.) Chaguaramas Bay is a shallow bay, popular with local families and children! (Dark sand, changing facilities.)
The north coast is easily accessible by taxi, half-hour from Port of Spain. Maracas Bay is the most popular beach in Trinidad. It has been developed by the tourist board and offers everything from hotel rooms to changing and showering facilities, food and drink stalls (the famous "shark and bake" is delicious), lifeguards, and a vast expanse of white, powdery sand for castle-building! Las Cuevas, after Maracas, is a lovely bay, with clear, calm water. Parking, a snack bar and showering facilities are available. Blanchisseuse which has three main beaches and countless beautiful vistas of the rugged coastline. The beach at the mouth of the Marianne river has kayaking facilities up the river. Grande Rivière is a wonderful beach with coarse, yellowish sand. At night, leatherback turtles nest and hatch here. Road access is through Toco.
Sans Souci, Salybia and Toco Bays are the surfer’s paradise in Trinidad with competitions held annually. There are seasonal changes but Trinidad is blessed with waves throughout the year, but the most significant changes in wave size and consistency occur during October–April. Check with locals for the safest swimming areas. Many locals have holiday homes in the area. Waves of three to six feet and some windy conditions can be expected at Sans Souci. With the coconut trees swaying and the evening light shining on to the breaking waves, the ambience at the end of a great day’s surfing has lasting appeal.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean along the east coast, Cocos Bay, commonly referred to as Manzanilla Bay, is about 20 km long. The sea floor is characterised by shifting sand and special care should be taken when bathing along this coast, as rip currents are a common feature. Landward of the coconut plantations is the freshwater Nariva Swamp that drains into this bay via the Nariva River.
Probably the most attractive beach on the south coast, Quinam Bay, this 1.6 km beach slopes gently towards the sea. There is a recreational park nearby with a visitor centre, as well as tables, benches and a car park.
