Discover the Hidden Gem: Unveiling the Caribbean's Best Beaches

When you think of the Caribbean, you automatically picture beautiful beaches. However, when it comes to Trinidad, beaches aren't the first thing that comes to mind. Trinidad is known for its vibrant soca music, lively Carnival celebrations, thriving oil industry, and famous personalities like Nicki Minaj. If you're seeking beaches, you might typically head to other Caribbean destinations.

But have you ever considered exploring Trinidad's beaches?

Trinidad has over 50 stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm to cater to different types of beach lovers. Let's explore some of the best ones:

Mayaro Beach is the ideal spot for those seeking a scenic location to get their daily 10,000 steps in. As Trinidad's longest beach, Mayaro spans a length of nine miles along the island's southeastern coast.

Manzanilla Beach is known for its strong surf, making it suitable for only the most experienced swimmers. However, thrill-seekers can also enjoy kiteboarding here, testing the wind and waves. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, taking a leisurely walk along the unspoiled silver-gray sands of Manzanilla Beach, far away from the busier and more popular beaches to the north, offers a satisfying alternative.

Manzanilla is another great walking beach.

Manzanilla is another great walking beach.

Manzanilla Beach, located just north of Mayaro, may not be as famous but it is perfect for taking a leisurely stroll. The beach is lined with miles of tall coconut palms, giving it a classic deserted beach vibe.

The main attraction here: beachcombing for seashells. Thick clusters of them lay in piles along the Manzanilla sand.

Aerial, Redonda. - Note - FFI has a non-exclusive and non-transferable license over this photo. It may be used by FFI for our own communications indefinitely and credited as © Ed Marshall / Fauna & Flora International however for outreach to the media we must request permission from the photographer directly on a case by case basis. Not to be shared with any third party.

Aerial photo of Redonda taken by Ed Marshall for Fauna & Flora International. FFI has a license to use this photo for our communications with credit to the photographer. However, for media outreach, permission must be obtained directly from the photographer on a case by case basis. This photo should not be shared with any third party.

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Grand Riviere Beach

Grande Riviere is Trinidad’s prime sea turtle nesting beach.

Grande Riviere is Trinidad’s prime sea turtle nesting beach.

Trinidad’s north coast beaches are different from the long sandy beaches on the east. They are tucked away in small bays, forming beautiful half-moon shapes. These secluded coves, nestled in the rugged coastline hills, are perfect for a romantic beach getaway.

Grand Riviere is known as Trinidad's top sea turtle nesting beach. During the nesting season between March and August, visitors can witness hundreds of Leatherback turtles nesting along Grand Riviere's short one-kilometer stretch of sand.

Please note that a permit from the Trinidad Forestry Division is necessary to observe Leatherback turtle nesting.

Maracas Bay Beach

Maracas Bay is known for its food kiosks.

Maracas Bay is known for its food kiosks.

Alamy

Maracas Bay Beach is a must-visit destination for food lovers, much like how Grand Riviere is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. This charming crescent-shaped beach on Trinidad's north shore is the most well-known and beloved beach on the island.

Part of Maracas' fame can be attributed to its popularity among US servicemen stationed in Trinidad during World War II. These servicemen were so captivated by the beauty of Maracas Bay that they funded the construction of a new road, which was considered the best road in Trinidad for many years. This road was built to provide easier access to the beach so they could enjoy its splendor more conveniently.

In later years, Maracas’ fame grew even more thanks to the uniquely Trinidadian culinary treat that is bake and shark.

A bake and shark (it’s also sometimes called shark and bake) is a sandwich. A shark meat sandwich. The shark (usually blacktip) is deep-fried. Trinidadian bakes, fluffy fried flour-dough treats similar to Johnny cakes, are used in place of bread. The combination yields one of the most beloved tastes of Trinidad.

Legend has it that the famous bake and shark dish originated at Maracas Bay Beach, where it was first created, served, and savored. Today, at the beach, a variety of lunch kiosks are nestled in the sand, each offering their unique twist on the traditional Trini favorite, along with a selection of other local and international delicacies.

In recent years, there have been growing concerns about the sustainability of using black tip sharks for food, leading to campaigns encouraging people to reconsider consuming them.

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Las Cuevas Beach

Las Cuevas is the largest beach on Trinidad's north coast.

Las Cuevas is the largest beach on Trinidad's north coast.

John de la Bastide/Alamy

Located just one bay east of Maracas (only a 10–15-minute drive away), Las Cuevas Beach is a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy two beaches in one trip. After chilling out a bit in the lively Maracas scene, make your way over the hill to Las Cuevas.

Compared to Maracas, everything here is much calmer, including the sea and waves. This makes Las Cuevas possibly the top choice for swimming in Trinidad. Stretching 2.2 kilometers in length, Las Cuevas is also the biggest beach on the north coast of Trinidad, giving you plenty of space to have your own private and tranquil beach experience.

Down ‘D’ Islands

Monos Island is among the smaller islands off the coast of Trinidad.

Monos Island is among the smaller islands off the coast of Trinidad.

Martino Motti/Education Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

Trinidad’s satellite islands and islets are not as well-known as its beaches. The country of Trinidad and Tobago consists of more than just its two main land masses. One of these lesser-known areas is Down ‘D’ Islands, or DDI for short. This group of islands makes it possible for visitors to explore the offshore parts of Trinidad that most locals are not familiar with.

Many tour companies in Chaguaramas, located on Trinidad’s west coast near the capital city of Port-of-Spain, offer boat excursions to DDI. These tours provide a unique opportunity for island-hopping and exploring the hidden gems of Trinidad’s satellite islands and islets.

One of the most popular day trips takes visitors to Gaspar Grande. Once there, guests enjoy a low-impact hike to a cave. Well-lit stairs trail down to an underground pond known as the Blue Grotto.

Less adventurous travelers, however, can skip all that and simply opt to frolic around swimming in the unspoiled, secluded bays of Trinidad’s uninhabited tiny sister islets. A truly unique travel experience in a most unexpected place.

Trinidad beaches things to know…

Toco Beach - one of many in Trinidad that are staffed by lifeguards during the day.

Toco Beach - one of many in Trinidad that are staffed by lifeguards during the day.

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Trinidad boasts over 50 beaches along its 260-mile coastline, all of which are open to the public.

One thing that sets Trinidad apart from many other Caribbean destinations is that its most popular beaches have lifeguards on duty. Beaches like Mayaro, Manzanilla, Maracas, and Las Cuevas have lifeguards ensuring safety. Other beaches with lifeguard services include Los Iros, Toco, Salybia, Vessigny, and Quinam. Lifeguards are available from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day, even on weekends and holidays.

Many of Trinidad's popular beaches offer food and drink concessions, beach bars, restrooms, and other facilities. Maracas Bay Beach is a prime example, where even the Wi-Fi extends to the shoreline.

Unlike other Caribbean destinations overrun by megaresorts, Trinidad does not have such establishments. Instead, accommodations are typically small and cozy guesthouses, villas, or Airbnbs. This creates a more authentic beach experience that reflects the island's natural vibe and true culture.

It’s the real West Indies, as great as it’s always been.

Editor's P/S:

Trinidad, known for its vibrant Carnival and soca music, also boasts over 50 stunning beaches, each catering to a diverse range of preferences. Mayaro, the longest beach, offers scenic walks, while Manzanilla is ideal for thrill-seekers with its strong surf and kiteboarding opportunities. Grand Riviere is a haven for nature enthusiasts, where visitors can witness hundreds of Leatherback turtles nesting.

However, it's important to note that while Trinidad's beaches are open to the public, they are often less crowded and commercialized compared to other Caribbean destinations. Accommodations are typically small and cozy guesthouses or villas, preserving the island's authentic charm and allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture. The absence of megaresorts ensures a more intimate and genuine beach experience that showcases the true essence of the West Indies.