:: BEACHES ::
The Beaches in Trinidad are probably some of the most unspoilt and breathtaking in all of the the Caribbean. There are many secluded bays on the north coast which can only be reached by hiking. Along the east coast has a wide expanse of sandy beach where the leatherback turtles come to nest and hatch every year.

NORTH COAST

Maracas Bay: Trinidad’s most famous beach is about a 30-minute drive from Port of Spain via a beautiful drive through the rainforest. Swimming in the designated area is observed by lifeguards and a complete array of facilities is available (including a beach club, parking lot, lifeguards, refreshment stands, and numerous vendors selling shark-and-bake, the delicacy almost as well known as the beach itself).

Tyrico Bay: Just east of Maracas, Tyrico has equally good as Maracas, but doesn’t attract the crowds.

Las Cuevas: Just 15 minutes east of Maracas is the long, sandy, ever-popular Las Cuevas beach. Facilities, including showers, lifeguards, parking, and bar.

Blanchisseuse: A popular weekend getaway, with several guesthouses available. A series of small bays and beaches nestle at the foot of lush rainforest, with a little fishing village strung out along the coastal road. Marianne Bay, where the road ends, is the largest and most popular beach, with a freshwater lagoon at its eastern end. Follow the Marianne River upstream to the gorgeous Three Pools.

Paria Beach and Waterfall: A popular hiking route. The trail to this secluded beach and waterfall begins where the North Coast Road ends, at the suspension bridge across the Marianne River. The hike can take two to three hours each way.

NORTH-EAST COAST

Balandra Bay: A little difficult to find but one of the loveliest beaches on the island. Very popular on weekends, many locals have holiday homes in the area, some of which can be rented.

Grande Rivière: A wonderful beach with coarse, yellowish sand where the river meets the sea . At night, leatherback turtles nest and hatch here. The village has a number of hotels, guest houses and cottages for rent. Local tour guides are available for rainforest hikes.

Matelot: The very last beach along the North-East coast stretch. From the village centre, the Matelot Waterfall is a full half-day’s hike. The Paria Waterfall is also accessible from this direction

Matura Bay: This protected beach is a major leatherback turtle nesting site.

Salybia: A favourite resting point for those driving up to Toco. Facilities include changing rooms and showers.

Sans Souci: Often referred to as the surfers paradise

Toco: Toco is the main hub for Trini Surfers.

NORTH-WEST PENINSULA

Williams Bay: A wide, calm bay, popular for kayaking. The seafront offers views of Trinidad’s Five Islands and is a favourite of recreational walkers and line fishermen. Facilities include bicycle and kayak rental. No lifeguards.

Chagville: 15 minutes from Port of Spain. Change rooms, parking and refreshment stands are available. No lifeguards.

Chaguaramas Bay: A a shallow bay, popular on weekends for local families. Changing facilites available.

Macqueripe: Located at the end of the Tucker Valley road in Chaguaramas. This usually calm, intimate bay is good for swimming and snorkelling. Popular on weekends, this deep-water bay is excellent for swimming. Parking, changing facilities, lifeguards.

Scotland Bay: Only accessible by boat, this bay is ideal for swimming.

Chacachacare Island: A 20-minute boat ride from the mainland, this 900-acre island has eight beaches and a salt-water pond.

EAST COAST

Manzanilla: Miles of tall coconut palms distinguish this 2½ mile stretch of beach. There’s a wide estuary where the Nariva River meets the sea. Snack bar, picnic tables and even changing facilities with showers are well maintained. The beach is about 1½ hour drive from Port of Spain.

Mayaro: Trinidad's longest beach on the southeastern coast with many accommodation options in the area and is a popular weekend getaway. The expansive beach has good bathing and is great for long walks. Swimming can be a little dangerous in these waters, so check for lifeguards' flags and stay in the designated safe areas

SOUTH-WEST PENINSULA

Vessigny Beach: Excellent for a spot of seaside relaxation after a visit to the Pitch Lake, which is about a mile away. Beach facilities are available.

Cedros: Near the tip of the south-western peninsula, and of the furthest points on the island from Port of Spain, Cedros has Trinidad’s widest beach at low tide.

Columbus Bay: Said to be the point at which Christopher Columbus first landed in Trinidad. The beach is surrounded by miles of coconut plantations and the "Three Sisters" (3 tiny islands) protrude just off the shoreline.

Erin Bay: Located on the South side of the peninsula, Erin is a popular spot for windsurfing.