Maracas Beach Reviews (Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago)

Maracas Beach

New York, New York

March 14, 2008

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Best of IgoUgo I’ve been to beaches all over the world and can easily say that this is one of my favorites. Maracas Bay sits on the north coast of Trinidad and is well protected both by its eponymous bay but also by Tobago to the northeast. To get there, you drive ...Read more I’ve been to beaches all over the world and can easily say that this is one of my favorites. Maracas Bay sits on the north coast of Trinidad and is well protected both by its eponymous bay but also by Tobago to the northeast. To get there, you drive roughly an hour from Port of Spain (though probably a lot less without stops and not in a maxi) through the mountainous inner edge of the island along the narrow roads that are typical of the islands. The drive from Port of Spain is beautiful and once you get to the north shore, you are treated to sweeping views into peaceful valleys and, eventually out toward the sea. About 15 minutes before you reach Maracas, there is a nice overlook and rest stop. Bring your camera and a few dollars, there are splendid views of the bay as well as several tents set up selling local candies and pickled fruit. Be careful though, a lot of the pickled stuff is really spicy and salty. If you’re unsure, stick to the dried fruit or something simple, like the peanut brittle. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the pickled mango.

As you arrive in Maracas, you park in the lot just south across the street from the beach. There are facilities for showering and changing which cost about TT$1, (about US$0.12). The beach is a long arc of white sand shaded on the upper portion by those same widely-spaced palm trees that lean out over the sand toward the water. On either end of the beach, green hills stretch out into the water, creating a natural bay and giving you the feeling that you are in a very private spot. Of course, you’re not, it’s a hugely popular beach, but get there before 11am or even noon and you’ll find plenty of space. There are lifeguards on duty, and they stay active keeping people safe. Thanks to the bay, the surf is way out and rolls all the way in across a soft sand bar and shelf; it’s good for all levels of swimmers. As I said, my Atlantic upbringing encouraged me to venture into the rougher break zone and try to catch some of the waves. The day we were there, it started raining, creating a glorious sound as the drops pelted the water surface and bounced off. Of course, the storm brought some burly surf with it, making for a fun day of trying to stay afloat. Not many people venture out as far as we did, so if you’re a strong enough swimmer, it makes for great body surfing. Just don’t get caught in the break zone, or you’ll be drinking brine all the way to the sand bar.

If you can, take a walk down the beach once it starts to fill up. People are all around playing beach games. Watch for a while then ask, or see if you can get invited, to join in. I played cricket with a local family for the better part of an hour. I think they were surprised to see such a lanky American with knowledge of bowling. Of course, my batting skills are considerably better, but they still bowled me out more or less at will. Sometime after noon, when the mood and hunger strikes you, cross back over the road to the parking lot to Richard’s Shark and Bake for one of their famous shark sandwiches. Close

From journal Trinidad Carnival

Maracas Beach

by Limburger

Oakdale, Minnesota

February 10, 2007

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Maracas Beach is the most popular beach on Trinidad, and it was pretty much the sole reason we took this day trip to Trinidad. While vacationing on Barbados, we went for one day to Trinidad to visit Maracas Beach. It is very pristine, and this is ...Read more

From journal Day Trip to Trinidad

Maracas Beach, Blanchesseuse

by rossiste

Seattle, Washington, Afghanistan

December 2, 2004

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I loved this beach. The drive alone from the Port of Spain is an adventure in itself. It’s a horseshoe-shaped cove surround by large cliff-like hills. It is on the Atlantic Ocean side of the island, which is good because most Caribbean islands ...Read more

From journal Trinidad and Tobago

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