Whether you like to zip line through the tress above Macqueripe, or scuba dive for sunken treasures below; surf the waves in Toco, or relax at Maracas Beach with a delicious shark and bake for lunch; you’re sure to have an amazing time.Trinidad’s beaches are stunningly beautiful and unique, with lots to do and explore.

Top Image: Maracas. Photo: Richard Lyder

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Trinidad Beaches

Blanchisseuse

Along the north coast lies the small fishing village of Blanchisse use.  The French name for “Washer Woman”, this village is made up of a cluster of small coves, namely “Jean Baptiste”, “Champong” “Deport” and “Marianne”.  Each bay adds to the rustic and timeless character of the scenic village. Swimming at the shallow mouth of the MarianneRiver is safer, while kayaking is also done up the river. Caution is recommended for both activities.

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Chagville

Upon entering along the north-west peninsular of Chaguaramas is the Chagville beach.  Avery popular evening and weekend site for locals who are also seen lined along the boardwalk fishing.  Jet-skiing, kayaking, boating and swimming are available. The surrounding marinas, dining, entertainment and recreational facilities provide additional attractions for visitors.

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Columbus Bay

Along the west coast of the island, lies this expansive beach, nestled between Los Gallos and Corral Point, with views of mainland Venezuela on a clear day. There is a coconut plantation on the upper end of the beach and a small wetland at the centre of the bay. The arresting stacks of monumental rocks out at sea, add to the seascape.

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Grande Rivière

No trip to Trinidad is complete without a visit to the north-east tip to experience the nesting of Leatherback turtles on the breathtaking, expansive beaches of Matura and Grande Riviere. If this is high on your agenda, make sure to plan your trip between the months March-August. A permit to view the leatherback turtles is required from one of theForestry Division offices at San Fernando (868) 657-9450, Sangre Grande (868)668-2518 and Port of Spain (868) 622-3217.

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Las Cuevas

Farther along the north coast (past MaracasBay), is another favorite local retreat. This beach boasts small caves, a meandering Cuaraguate River, almond trees and sand runners.  Well maintained parking, restroom and lifeguard facilities are available onsite.

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Macqueripe

A quiet cove located in the lush TuckerValley, Chaguaramas, this popular beach has a fringe reef teaming with fish. Enjoy the hiking trails, zip-lining and golfing facilities are also available nearby.

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Manzanilla

One of two popular beaches on the Atlantic coast (the other is Mayaro), this dramatic, windswept coconut-lined beach is atop destination for locals, especially during the vacation and public holidays.  It is also a nesting beach for the Leatherback Turtle between March & August.

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Maracas Bay

The most popular beach on the island is located along the scenic north coast road and 30 minutes away from the capital, Port ofSpain. Bordered by impressive headlands, the beach has three rivers and a small fishing village. Best be careful swimming as there are rip currents and plunging breakers. Enjoy the signature dish of “Shark & Bake” which is widely available, and a must-have during any visit.

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Marianne Beach

The secluded Marianne fishing village is perfect for a family outing: go fishing and then kayaking on the Bamboo bordered river, or enjoy a swim in the calm waters of the lagoon.

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Matura Bay

This expansive beach, along with Grande Riviere, are well known turtle nesting sites for the Leatherback Turtles between the months of March - August. A permit is required from the ForestryDivision for viewing.

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Mayaro

A popular holiday retreat, many enjoy bathing in the waters, which may be deep green because of the impact of Venezuela’sOrinoco River. Bordered by hundreds of coconut palms, with fronds constantly blowing in the breeze, the bay stretches for many kilometres. The ochre sands gently slope to waters that can at times be dangerous, with rip tides and strong longshore currents, as well as sea floor depressions, so take care.

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Paria Bay

Accessed by either boat or hike, the beauty of this secluded beach is worth the effort. Lush vegetation gives way to pristine sand surrounded by rock formations; one is known as the Cathedral Arch. Quite apt really for this is the place to enjoy Mother Nature's splendour.

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Quinam Beach

Probably the most popular south coast beach, Quinam is approximately 1.6 kilometres long, with waters good for swimming, although there are moderate currents along the beach. The sand is fine and brown, although it disappears during high tide. A favourite for weekend family outings, Quinam offers an opportunity to explore trails into the woods. A lifeguard station is posted at this site and a large car park directly faces the beach. A recreational park 150 metres before the beach provides an. interpretative centre, huts, tables, benches and barbecue pits. Camping and fishing are popular.

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Rampanalgas

Just off the Toco Main Road, this little gem of a beach offers the divide of the village to one side and the never-ending horizon to the other. At high tide the water washes onto the edge of the coconut trees; stop off swims don't get better than this. 

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Salybia

The surfer's favourite beach is a curved bay that forms a natural arena. Its clear waters are Caribbean, while the braided river mouth provides serenity and relaxation amongst its little sand islands.The presence of all amenities makes this an all day stay.

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Sans Souci

The local surfing mecca is a hybrid of competition level waves, imposing but beautiful cliffs, family-friendly beach areas and a large parking lot that plays host to skateboard competitions at surf time. T&T's young and young-at-heart have made it home for the nation's spring break respite.

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Vessigny Beach

Located directly south of the world famous LaBrea Pitch (Asphalt) Lake is Vessigny Beach in Siparia.  Widely visited by excursion buses on the weekend, facilities include a bar, picnic and changing areas. The waters are calm and the perennial Vessigny River enters the sea on the northern end.Lifeguards stationed at the beach generally work from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Yarra

Located after La Fillette, this secluded hide-away offers aquamarine waters in a bay protected by monumental rocks, the remnants of a promontory. The bay opens out to white sands, closer to the Yarra River.