Discover Trinidad & Tobago 2017 (#28)

More of our favourites
THE NORTH COAST
Turtles nest on this coast in season (March–
September), so please don’t drive on the
beaches
n Blanchisseuse: the waters are rough here,
but there are hiking trails to the nearby
waterfall, into the rainforest (a favourite for
birders), and along the north coast, with
good kayaking in the nearby Marianne River.
Surfing is good November–April
n Grande Rivière: the second largest
leatherback turtle nesting ground in the
world. Good for river bathing and kayaking,
as well as hikes into the forest. Perfect for a
weekend eco escape. Accessed via Toco
n Macqueripe Bay: a small and calm bay in
Chaguaramas, great for swimming and snorkelling,
with recently renovated bathroom/
changing rooms, a car park, children’s play
park — and a zip-lining course overhead!
Entrance fee
n Maracas Bay: Trinidad’s most popular
beach — great food, good stretch of sand,
surfing if the conditions are right, lifeguards,
and gas station nearby. At press time, the
facilities were undergoing a significant overhaul
n Paria Bay: good for ocean kayaking, with
waterfalls and rocky pools nearby. Accessible
only by boat or via hiking trail from
Blanchisseusse (see our Eco Escapes section)
n Tyrico Bay: close to Maracas’ amenities,
but a calmer, smaller, quieter alternative
THE EAST COAST
Swim with caution on this coast, as the Atlantic
currents are strong. Turtles also nest here in
season
n Balandra Bay: sheltered and good for
swimming
n Manzanilla: perfect for sunbathing and
jogging, bordered by the distinctive “Cocal”
(coconut forest). Facilities and lifeguards in
specific areas
n Mayaro: glorious stretch of beach — the
longest in the island — perfect for long
walks, kite-surfing, sun-bathing, and camping.
Shells of “chip chip”, like clam shells,
protect small oceanic organisms. A popular
weekend getaway spot
n Salybia Bay: popular for surfing (November–April),
and ideal for swimming June–
September. There’s a fringing reef offshore.
Beach facilities have recently been built
tHE SOUTH &
SOUTHWEST COASTS
n Columbus & Cedros Bays: stunning and
pristine bays in quiet fishing villages on the
southwestern coast, with views of Venezuela
on a clear day. Cedros has the widest
beach on the island at low tide. Good for
bathing, biking, and kayaking
n Quinam Beach: probably the most popular
beach on the south coast, good for swimming
(though the beach disappears at high
tide). There are amenities, lifeguards, and
trails into the woods.
discovertnt.com
33