For some individuals outdoor
recreation is simply relaxing at the beach. Trinidad has numerous beaches and outlined
below are some of the beaches found around Trinidad. An excellent source of information on
the beaches of Trinidad and Tobago is "A Guide to Beaches and Bays of Trinidad and
Tobago" produced by the Institute of Marine Affairs.
The links listed below
will take you to specific information on the particular beach.
To find the beaches referred to on this page, in the overall geographic space of
Trinidad, see the Trinidad Map. To help you have a
safe and enjoyable time at the beach, see our article on Beach Safety. To
see a listing of beach houses, villas, vacation cottages, guest houses and hotels
available for rental in Trinidad, click on this link to the Accommodation
Page.
If the information you are seeking is not on this page, visit the other
pages in the top banner or use the search box below to search this site. When searching,
you do not need to enter the word "Trinidad" in your search.
Blanchisseuse was first settled by French immigrants to Trinidad in 1783 and is named
after the french word for "washer woman". It is located on the north coast of
Trinidad and is a small village on the sea coast backed by the Northern Range. There are
several rivers in the area. Overall it is an area of rustic charm. It has always been and
continues to be a small village with a few small hotels and guest houses along with seaside rental cottages.
The village of Blanchisseuse ends at the suspension bridge that
spans the Marianne River. This river enters the sea at Blanchisseuse Bay and freshwater
marsh vegetation exists along the banks of the river near the mouth while freshwater swamp
forest exists further inland. Kayaking and
Camping are popular activities along the Marianne
River. After the suspension bridge there is a hiking trail that follows the coast
to the village of Matelot. Two other popular hikes in the area are to the Avocat Waterfall and to the Three Pools. The Blanchisseuse area is a
favorite of bird watchers particularly along the hiking trail and along the
Arima-Blanchisseuse Road.
The two popular beaches in the Blanchisseuse area are L'Anse Martin and Blanchisseuse
Bay. L' Anse Martin is a small beach with the entrance to the beach being via a footpath
opposite Surfside Inn. Blanchisseuse Bay is at the end of the North Coast Road and is
approximately 1.4 kilometers in length. The popularity of this beach stems, not from the
sea which has plunging breakers and strong rip currents, but from the swimming in the
mouth of the Marianne River. Other beaches in the area are Damien Bay, Yarra and opposite the police station.
For many individuals beach going ends at the spring bridge that
spans the Marianne River. This suspension bridge is one of the two
remaining bridges of this type in Trinidad, with the other located at La
Ruffin in Moruga. It has become an attraction and some people visit simply to feel the
undulating motion as you drive across while others come to admire the beauty of the scene.
While many believe that the beaches end at the bridge, hikers have long known that
there are beautiful beaches beyond. The road after the bridge is the starting point for
the hike to Paria and Matelot.
After the bridge the road is composed of packed gravel and then eventually becomes hard
dirt and grass. It is possible to drive for a considerable distance along this road and
reach the two beaches described in this section. The drive is however best accomplished in
the dry season as there are sections along the road where the passage of vehicles has
created mud pools, which even 4-wheel drive vehicles have difficulty navigating, and there
are two sections where the road surface is smooth clay on an incline.
If one begins at the suspension bridge, after 0.4 kilometers you encounter the first
major mud pool opposite a new housing development. The majority of individuals choose to
park their car at this point and continue on foot. Along this leg of the trail there are a
few beach/country houses set on either side. After approximately 20 minutes you encounter
a cream house set slightly above the trace. The trail bends right, then goes straight and
then bends left. On the left bend there is a track on the left, opposite a metal gate and
marked by two metal poles. This track leads downhill to Ti Delma beach.
Ti Delma is set within a small cove and because of its location is usually empty and
when occupied it generally at most has two or three young people. The beach has evidence
of sand flies but they are only a problem in the rainy season during the early mornings
and late afternoons. Ti Delma is used for camping and there is room for at least three
small groups.
As you continue along the trail after Ti Delma, a variety of birds are heard and seen.
Particularly eye catching are the silver-beaked tanagers with their velvety red almost
maroon feathers and silver-white beaks. Among the various clumps of heliconia,
hummingbirds hover drawing their daily supply of nectar.
After a thirty minute walk you encounter Laspor beach. There two large rocks stand like
center pieces on a tableau of the roiling sea. A small grove of almond and coconut trees
at the entrance, combined with the sea breeze provides a refreshing cool spot after the
walk. This is a beach that exists exactly as nature made it. There are no facilities and
everything that you require must be brought with you (and taken back when you leave). The
sea at Laspor can be very rough, especially when the tide is rising, and so the beach is
best suited for relaxing and developing a harmony with nature.
For those who do not want to endure the full rigors of a hike to Paria but still want to
enjoy the gifts of our North Coast, a hike to these two beaches is a perfect introduction.
This long (2.2 kilometers) lovely beach is named after the caves that lie on the
southwestern end of the beach. These caves are reputed to have been the hiding places of
various smugglers. Located approximately 7 kilometers east of Maracas
Bay along the North Coast Road, this is an extremely popular beach for both bathing
and camping. On the eastern end, on a low cliff
above the beach, there are beach facilities consisting of a snack bar, showers, toilets,
changing rooms and car parking. The eastern end of the bay is more sheltered and
lifeguards patrol this section with posted flag
warnings. The western end of the bay is backed by natural vegetation and it is not
advisable to frequent this section because of security concerns. Also on the eastern end
of the bay is the fishing depot where fresh fish is sold every day. For those who prefer
to catch their own fish, Las Cuevas is a popular
fishing location. There are two small inns that overlook the bay. Sand Flies can be a
problem on this beach during the evenings in the rainy season.
At the eastern end of Maracas Beach there is a small headland
and then another bay. Most locals commonly refer to this as Tyrico Bay. This beach is
actually a continuation of Maracas Bay and the real Tyrico
Bay is further to the east. This beach is accessible by car, as it is approximately
one kilometer after Maracas Beach on the North Coast Road. It is very popular because it
is possible to drive the car on to the beach and so have your car near to where you are
relaxing. There is a small river at the eastern end of the beach in which children
sometimes bathe. Lifeguards are assigned to this beach.
Approximately 2.5 kilometers after Maracas Beach there is a small
road on the left that goes downhill past a cell tower. This road leads to the real Tyrico
Bay. The beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles plus a delight for the sun seeker as there
are not many shade trees. There are a few houses in the immediate vicinity of the beach
but there are no amenities nor are there any lifeguards.
Maracas Beach is approximately 30 minutes from Port of Spain and is probably the most
popular beach in Trinidad. Lifeguards patrol the beach and warning flags are posted. There are changing
facilities, picnic tables and snack booths. Sit-on-top kayaks can also be rented at this
beach. Approximately three quarters of the way along the beach there is a small concrete
jetty, on which people occasionally engage in fun fishing. At the western end of the beach
is a fishing depot at which it is possible to purchase fresh fish on most days. There is a
small hotel and a few rental beach houses at Maracas Bay.
Located at the end of the Tucker Valley Road in Chaguaramas is Macqueripe Bay. The
Tucker Valley road is the first right turn off of the Western Main Road, immediately after
the Police Post in Chaguaramas. There is a paved carpark and then you descend a series of
concrete steps to the beach. The water in this small bay is usually clear and calm. During
November to April, the sea may be rough on some days. As you enter the water the beach has
a downward slope. There are no facilities at this beach, nor are there any lifeguards.
Scotland Bay is on the northwestern tip of Trinidad in the Chaguaramas penninsula. It
faces the First Boca. In the 1870's Scotland Bay was a little village composed mainly of
fishermen and farmers. The village expanded in the 1920's and 1930's with the construction
of holiday homes. In 1941, the Chaguaramas penninsula was leased to the U.S. government
for the construction of an army base and all residents were required to leave. Although at
the present the penninsula has reverted to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, there
are no homes at Scotland Bay nor roads to the bay. All access to the bay is by boat. The
bay is backed by cliffs with sand and shingle beaches. The U shaped bay is very sheltered
and so an excellent location for swimming and snorkelling. It is in a rain shadow area and
so has clear water for the majority of the year.
The island of Chacachacare has several lovely beaches and bays, including Bulmers Bay,
Sanders Bay, Rust's Bay, La Chapelle Bay. Most of the beaches are only reached by boat or
by hiking along old paths that were created either when the island was leper colony or in the early days when the island had several
agricultural estates. Most of these paths are now overgrown. The two most popular beaches
are La Tinta and Coco Bay.
La Tinta Bay is the most popular beach on Chacachacare. It is a short walk across the
isthmus from the main landing point at Perruquier Bay. The beach is
approximately 300 metres in length and composed of sand and gravel. The bay gets its name
from the fact that the dark sand causes the water at times to look "inky" (Tinta
being spanish for ink). The water is however very clear and relatively calm. The bay is
one of the nesting sites for the hawksbill turtle and is also a popular camping site.
This beach is easliy reached from Perruquier Bay. You simply follow the
main road going past La Tinta and continue as the road ascends. At the first left turn in
the road there is a track that descends on the right. This track takes you to Coco Bay.
This small bay is backed by a wide flat area with numerous shade trees. The waters of the
bay are very shallow for a considerable distance out. The sea floor is sandy at the start
of the bay and then turns to a sandy bottom with a muddy feel. As Chacachacare is an
uninhabited island, there are no lifeguards or beach facilities.
Matura Beach, on the east coast of Trinidad, is part of Matura Bay that
also includes Rincon Beach. On this beach the vista seems
endless as the Bay stretches for 12.8 kilometers. Backed by natural forests and coconut
trees the beach appears almost as it would have in the 15th to 18th centuries when
Trinidad was first being settled. The shore has brownish-grey sand and as you enter the
water, it is steeply sloping. This beach is not recommended for swimming as the waters are
rough with strong currents. There are no lifeguards on this beach nor are there any
houses. The access to the beach is in Matura Village on Orosco Road, which is between the
Police Station and the two shops (in Trinidadian parlance, at the junction). Matura
Village is on the northeastern penninsula along the Toco Main Road. Orosco road is in a
passable condition (as at September 2007), although there are spots where the asphalt has
been worn through and the road is mainly gravel and stone. The drive to the beach is
approximately 10 minutes from the junction. There are signs along the road which direct
you to the starting point for the turtle
nesting tours, as Matura Beach is one of the prime locations for the nesting of the
leatherback turtle.
This beach is often confused with Salybia
because most Trinidadians pronounce both words in an almost identical fashion. Sally Bay,
which is also called Saline Bay, is located after Matura Village, along the Toco Main Road
but before Balandra Bay. The main entrance to the beach is
immediately before the bridge spanning the Rio Seco River and runs parallel to the river.
There are strong offshore currents that flow in a westerly direction and to the center of
the beach is a small offshore reef. The attraction of this beach for many individuals is
that the Rio Seco river empties into the sea at this beach and the river near the mouth is
quite wide and suitable for swimming. Lifeguards patrol this beach. There is a beach
facility with toilets and showers that is open on weekends and public holidays. Snack
vendors usually operate on this beach on weekends. There is a hotel that fronts onto this
beach and several beach houses along the Toco Main Road, immediately before the beach.
The starting point for the hike to the Rio Seco
waterfall is shortly after this beach, along the Toco Main Road.
Just to the north of the Rio Seco river off the Main Road is a road on the right that
leads to the northern section of the beach. There is a wide flat area that is used for car
parking and camping among the shade trees. The water
in this section of the beach is generally calm. It should be noted that there are no
lifeguards on this section of the beach.
After Matura village and river, there is a faded sign
that announces the entrance to Rincon Beach. Parking is immediately off the road and there
is a pleasant track that leads gently downhill to the beach. At the base of the track is a
shady grove of coconut and sea grape trees and then one steps onto the sand. This grove is
ideal for relaxing Sunday lunches and snoozing away an afternoon with a good book. The
actual beach is an extension of Matura Bay (for photos of the beach, visit the photo gallery and
enter Rincon in the search field). There is evidence of rip tides and strong currents
along this beach, which make it advisable to avoid swimming in this area. The beach is a
turtle nesting site so permits are required in order to be on the beach at night during
the turtle nesting season.
Balandra Bay is in north east Trinidad further along the Toco Main Road, after Sally Bay and Rincon Beach. Balandra Bay
Road is on the southern side of the Toco Main Road and leads directly to the beach. The
shoreline is gently sloping and backed by coconut, almond and sea grape trees. For more
photos of the beach, visit the photo gallery and enter Balandra in the search field. The currents in
this area are negligible, particularly at the northern end next to the headland and wave
heights average 42 centimeters. There are no toilet facilities at this beach. There are
rental beach houses in the village of Rampanalgas which is
nearby.
Camping on this beach is particularly popular at
Easter.
Adjoining Balandra Bay on the northern side and accessed by a footpath across the
headland is Sena Bay. This bay is scenic with a look of untouched coastline. The virgin
appearance of this shore encourages walking along its 1 kilometer length. This beach is
however dangerous for swimming with wave heights average 180 centimeters and longshore
currents that flow northwards. The southern end of Sena Bay is used for surfing but surfers do so at their own risk.
Known by many weekend beach lovers as the place to stop and get ice, drinks and other
supplies at Arthur's Grocery & Bar, Rampanalgas has more to offer. Directly across
from the grocery are steps leading to a delightful cove that in the dry season has
shimmering light green water. From a height the water allows you to see straight to the
bottom. The shore has numerous coconut trees for those who do not want to be exposed to
the direct rays of the sun after having their swim. Although not considered a major
surfing location, there is a small fringing reef on the southern side of the cove, which
provides waves for short board surfing.
For those who wish to have more than a one-day visit, in the Rampanalgas area there are
numerous vacation cottages, plus a nature resort, a bed & breakfast inn and a newly
built hotel. Another of the attractions for this area is a two-tiered waterfall. The area also boasts
several streams with bathing pools.
Shortly after Rampanalgas along a bend of the Toco Main Road
is a tiny sheltered inlet, known to some as Cobra Bay. The Bay is visible from the road
and the entrance to the bay is via steps notched into the short hillside. It is possible
to park along the road side but parking is limited with spaces for possibly four vehicles.
This beach is along the Toco Main Road after Rampanalgas Village and
before Cumana Village. The beach is directly opposite Khan Avenue. Guayama Beach is
visually dramatic and its tremendous beauty encourages individuals to stop and picnic. On
most weekends you will see groups relaxing on the edges of this beach either as a
"pit stop" along the way to other areas on the northeast penninsula or
picnicking with their family.
Guyamara Beach is an area of heavy surf and currents that is not
suitable for swimming but good for fishing.
The heavy surf and steep profile at the water's edge also create the conditions that are
favored by nesting leather back turtles.
Along the Toco Main Road, next to the Catholic
Church in the village of Cumana, Toco is Cumana Depot Road that leads to a long
beach that most of the time has only a few people. An offshore reef shelters the southern
part of the beach. For persons wanting to go to Cumana for a vacation, there are beach houses that front directly onto this beach and
numerous other vacation cottages in the Cumana
area. The Tompire River which is good for kayaking
is immediately before the entrance to the village. The Tompire River mouth beach is also a
site for the nesting of the leatherback
turtles.
For campers the Cumana area offers several amenities; the only gas station in the Toco
area, the only ATM in Toco, several shops and bars. Freshwater is available at the Fishing
Depot at the northern end of the beach. There are no toilet facilities however on this
beach nor are there any lifeguards.
Along the road leading to the Toco
Lighthouse, before Salybia Bay, lies Patience Bay. This small bay is protected by a
fringing reef and on the north-eastern end the reef and rocks form a pool. At low tide
these rocks are ideal for beachcombing. As one steps back from the sand there is a mixture
of trees so those who like the beach but do not like the sun can find shade. This beach is
another favorite location for campers. Access to
the beach is via a footpath. Immediately after the Toco Composite School the road bends
right and on the bend is a track that leads to the beach.
The eastern section of this beach is protected by a fringing reef
providing a calm area at low tide. At high tide the waves break over the reef and
generate westerly flowing currents. The western section of the beach does not have a reef
and is deeper but with weak easterly currents. There is plenty of shade along the shore.
Snack vendors abound in the vicinity but there are no facilities. It's off the Toco
Main Road, approximately 2 kilometers after the Toco Composite School. This is an
extremely popular beach for camping, particularly at
Easter. There are no beach houses or vacation rental cottages directly on this beach,
however there are beach houses and a beach resort
nearby and the entire Toco area has numerous beach houses.
La Fouray Headland and accompanying beaches is one of Toco's hidden treasures. The
majority of persons who go to the Toco
Lighthouse never imagine that the area exists. The headland provides commanding views
of the coastline. On the left of the headland is a sand and rock beach with pools, which
are protected by larger rocks offshore that dissipate the waves. On the right of the
headland is a sloping sand beach where the waves roll gently onto the shore. Both beaches
are safest at low tide, particularly the rock beach where at high tide the sea covers the
rocks with a heavy surf.
In addition to sea bathing, La Fouray is used for fishing and camping.
For more photos of the beach, visit the photo gallery and
enter Fouray in the search field.
Along the road leading to the Toco Lighthouse, immediately after Salybia Bay is a wooden bridge with a gravel road on the
right. This gravel road leads to La Fouray. After driving 1.8 kilometers (5 minutes),
there is a road on the left. On turning onto the road on the left, 1.7 kilometers (7
minutes) drive along this road brings you to La Fouray. Both of these roads are
agricultural roads that were once paved and still have paving in parts but are now mainly
gravel and dirt roads. They are navigable by car in the dry season but are best traveled
by SUVs and pickups that can handle the ruts and bouncing.
On the western outskirts of the village of Toco, along the road that leads to Mission,
Lance Noir, Sans Souci, Matelot and other points west, is the Toco Fishing Depot. The
Depot lies in a cove that has clean clear water. In the waters of the cove are
numerous rocks that while a hazard for boaters are a boon for bathers as they break some
of the force of the waves. These rocks also create small pools at the ocean's edge that
are very nice for relaxing in, at low tide.
The beach is a mixture of white powdery sand and pebbles. The beach area is narrow with
the land at the edge of the beach rising approximately 12 feet to the level of the road.
Along the hillside is a mixture of fruit trees consisting of pomerac, papaya, breadfruit,
mango and coconut. You can walk down the hillside from several points along the roadway or
use the steps at the western end of the cove or access the beach by walking through the
fishing depot.
This beach lies a short distance after the Toco Fish Depot on the Toco Main Road. It is a scenic
location with a wide shore of white and gray sand backed by almond trees. This beachfront
invites you to stop and picnic as the road runs alongside the beach, making it possible to
literally drive off the road and park on the beach. The wide spreading almond trees
provide shade for relaxing and dozing away an afternoon. Those interested in weekend camping will find Mission Beach a good location.
On this beach the submarine electricity cable that supplies electricity to Tobago
leaves Trinidad. While the beach has a wide flat sandy top, as you enter the water the
land slopes steeply. At high tide this steep profile creates tumbling wages that crash
onto the shore. The steep profile of this beach and wide flat sandy top create the
conditions that are favoured by nesting leather
back turtles.
The name Mission arises because around 1738, the Catholic Capuchin
priests founded a mission in this area in an attempt to convert the Amerindians. The existing Catholic church is
on the site where the first church was erected.
Sans Souci is another of the French place names in Trinidad. Lying along
the road that leads from Toco to Matelot, this village is after Lance Noir and before Gran
Riviere. Known for the surfing that takes place in its waters,
Sans Souci has two popular beaches, Big Bay and Reef Break. The best time for swimming is
May to September when the currents are at their weakest. Sans Souci is another of the
locations in Trinidad where you can view the nesting
of turtles.
Gran Riviere is named after the large river that enters the sea
at the edge of the village and the name is derived from the French words for large river.
The Gran Riviere beach is the premier leatherback turtle-nesting site in Trinidad. During
the nesting season (March to September) the beach is closed at night to all except those
who have purchased passes to view the nesting. The beach is however open during the day
all year round. To access the beach you turn right off the Toco Main Road onto Hosang
Street in the village of Grande Riviere.
The beach is wide with considerable length and steeply sloping as you enter the sea.
Almond and other trees back the sandy shoreline. The beach has two aspects, the slope to
the water and a flat plateau top with the loose sand favored by the turtles. Between May
to October the beach has plunging waves averaging 100centimeters and there are moderate
strength longshore currents in the eastern section that flow towards the northwest. At
other times of the year, the waves are higher averaging 200 centimeters and bathing is
unsafe. For bathers in this area, the prime attraction is the wide Grande Riviere
River that enters the sea on the eastern end of this beach.
This windswept beach is on the east coast on the eastern outskirts of Sangre Grande. It
has dramatic beauty as the coastline extends for miles with no habitation. This beach is
ideal for picnicking, great care should however be exercised when swimming. There are no
lifeguards on this beach, nor are there any facilities.
The beach is a turtle nesting site
and access is gained via a wooden boardwalk over a swamp area.
To get to North Manzanilla you follow the Eastern Main Road to Manzanilla from Sangre
Grande. Immediately after the Manzanilla Gas Station and just before the Anglican Church
you take the left fork in the road. Along this road you will see the Manzanilla Police
Post. Follow this road for approximately 4.5 kilometers and then take the road on the left
(there is no sign). If you miss this left turn do not worry because shortly after the main
road ends in a dead end above the beach
North Manzanilla Beach is sandwiched between Matura Bay and
Manzanilla Bay. The beach is approximately 1.5 kilometers in
length and backed by cliffs on either end with a flat grassy area in the centre that is suitable for camping or beachside cookouts. The
beach area is composed of grey brown sand. Being along the same coastline as Matura Bay
and Manzanilla Bay it is to be expected that moderate longshore currents will flow.
In this area, part of the Third Company of soldiers from the American war of 812 was
settled. This settlement took place during 1815 and 1816 and was part of the settlement of
six companies of negro soldiers who had fought alongside the British in the American war
of 1812. In 1841, these soldiers began to grow cocoa and coffee, today many of these trees
can still be seen as you drive through the area. The Other Places of Interest Page
in the section on The Company Villages
has more information on these soldiers.
North Manzanilla was also the site of the first Jungle Warfare School established by
the U.S. Army. To learn more about the American military presence in Trinidad during World
War II see our section on Former U.S. Army Bases.
One of the joys of visiting Manzanilla is cruising along the seashore surrounded by
coconut trees with the ocean on the side. Manzanilla Bay (also called Cocos Bay) is on the
east coast and is over 20 kilometers in length with a constant wind flow from the sea.
Manzanilla was named by the Spanish after the manchineel trees that grew in the area
because the fruit reminded them of little apples. How the Manzanilla coast came to be
heavily populated with coconut trees is somewhat of a mystery but one common belief is
that the coconut palms were carried to this coast from Africa by the winds and waves.
Another story is that in 1760 a Portuguese ship bound for Brazil with Javanese coconuts
was shipwrecked on the coast and the coconuts landed on the coastline when the holds of
the ship broke open.
There are beach facilities (changing rooms, snack bars, toilets, showers) on the
northern end of the beach. Care should be exercised when bathing in the sea at Manzanilla
as there are currents and rip tides. There are lifeguards at this beach but only in the
area of the beach facilities. There are several small hotels at the northern end of the
beach and beach houses available for rental. There are also a few beach houses along the
middle portion of the beach.
Manzanilla is another of the popular camping
locations in Trinidad. The Nariva River, which empties into the sea on Manzanilla Bay, is
a popular fishing spot and also good for kayaking. A visit to a mud volcano can
easily be incorporated into a day trip to Manzanilla as there is a mud volcano at Cascadoux Trace,
Manzanilla.
Mayaro is on the East coast of Trinidad and is one of the earliest villages in Trinidad
having been settled by the original Amerindian inhabitants of Trinidad. The name is an
Amerindian word meaning the place of the Maya plant. In 1783, the Spanish Governor of
Trinidad, Jose Chacon, gave land grants in the Mayaro area to the French immigrants
leading to the growth of the area. Mayaro has the longest beach on the island of over 9
miles. It has been a favorite holiday place for generations of Trinidadians with small
hotels, guest houses and holiday homes throughout the area. Chip-chip (Donax striatus), a
bivalve with bluish white to pink shells that is found buried in the sand in the
inter-tidal zone is abundant in Mayaro. Chip-chip is a delicacy that can be prepared in
various ways.
Along Mayaro Beach there are areas with rip currents, side currents and
inshore holes. Eight sections of the beach are patrolled by lifeguards from 10.30am to
5.30pm and these areas are:
Indian Bay
Bourmount Beach
Radix Beach
Plaisance Beach
Church Road Beach
Derose Beach
St Anns Beach
Rabitta Beach
Camping is popular along the entire length of
the beach and kayaking is possible in
the Ortoire River. In Plaisance (Pierreville) can be seen the former Mayaro Post Office which is
on the National Trust register of historic buildings, while the St Joseph Statue, which is over 140 years
can still be seen standing next to the beach near Point Radix. There is a mud volcano at Cascadoux
Trace which is easily accessible and viewing the Point Radix offshore mud volcano can also
be combined in the same visit. At nights the glow from the offshore oil and gas platforms illuminate the
horizon along the entire length of the beach.
Along the southeastern coast of Trinidad after Mayaro, lies
Guayaguayare. On Tuesday 31st July 1498, Christopher Columbus on his third voyage of
discovery sighted this particular coastline and named the island, La Trinidad. On
approaching land he named the peninsula, Cape Galera, which is shown in the photo above
and is known today as Point Galeota. Guyaguyare also has the distinction of having the
first commercial drilling of oil in July 1902 on the banks of the Pilot River. It is not
the first oil well in Trinidad, as that had been drilled in 1867 by Walter Darwent at
Aripero in South Trinidad, going to a depth of 200 feet. The Other Places of Interest Page
provides more information on Trinidad's oil fields.
Guayaguayare Bay extends for approximately 5 kilometers with clear water most of the
year, except after heavy rainfall. The best place for swimming is the center of the bay.
To the west of Guyaguyare is the Trinity
Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Reserve, Trinidad's oldest nature reserve.
Guyaguyare Village has several beach houses that are used by persons on holiday.
Gran Chemin in Moruga is believed to be the location where Christopher Columbus first
came ashore in Trinidad. This historically significant fact is commemorated by a sign and
cross on Gran Chemin beach. The landing of Christopher Columbus however is not the only
significant historical event in this area. The main road leading to Gran Chemin parallels
a trail that was used for centuries by the Guarahoon Indians who visited Trinidad,
travelling in their dug-out canoes across the channel from Venezuela. This trail was so
frequently used that by the early 1800's it came to be known as Indian
Walk. The Moruga Road passes through a series of villages known as Third, Fifth and
Sixth Company. These names are the result of the settlement in Trinidad in 1815 and 1816
of six companies of negro soldiers who had fought alongside the British in the American
war of 1812. The Other Places of Interest Page has more information on these villages that
came to be called The Company Villages.
Gran Chemin Beach is a 1.2 kilometer fine grained light brown sand beach. According to
the IMA's Guide to Beaches and Bays of Trinidad and Tobago, low energy
spilling breakers, 20 cm in height characterize the bay with longshore currents flowing to
the west. During periods of strong winds large plunging breakers are experienced. In the
rainy season, the water colour is brown because of the outflow from the Orinoco River.
Gran Chemin has an active fishing industry with many boats using the beach as their home
port. The village abuts the beach and there are a few small shops. To get to Gran Chemin
you travel east from Princes Town and turn onto the Moruga Road at St Julien. The Moruga
Road runs for approximately 23 kilometers and ends at Gran Chemin.
La Lune Beach lies to the west of Gran
Chemin in Moruga. To get to La Lune you drive to Gran Chemin and at the village center
you turn right (west) onto La Lune Road.
La Ruffin Beach lies to the east of Gran Chemin, Moruga and is accessed via La Ruffin Road that
intersects the Moruga Road shortly before Gran Chemin. The road crosses the River of Hope
using one of the two remaining operational spring (suspension) bridges in Trinidad. The
other spring bridge is at Blanchissuesse. The River of Hope
is a good location for fishing and kayaking.
La Ruffin Beach is along the same coast as Gran
Chemin Beach and so the water conditions would be the same. The beach has no human
habitation, or life guards or support services.
L' Eau Michel beach is on the south eastern coast and is reached either by
boat or by hiking. The hike is often combined with a visit to the L' Eau Michel mud volcano. From the mud
volcano the hike is approximately 30 minutes going through teak forest for most of the
journey. The last 10 minutes of the hike goes through secondary forest and is a downhill
walk. On this last segment the hiker finds relief from the sun through the overhanging
branches. On this last portion of the trail, manakins can be heard dancing at their leks.
This beach is best visited at low tide because at high tide the sea covers
the entire beach area. The shore is backed by low cliffs. There are small submerged rocks
in the water and so it is advisable to wear beach shoes when bathing.
This beach has sand flies but they are not usually a problem except during
the early morning and late evening hours particularly during the rainy season. There are
no lifeguards on this beach or toilet facilities. The edges of the beach have overhanging
trees that provide shade.
This beach in south Trinidad is found by going to Siparia and turning onto the Coora
Road and then onto the Penal-Quinam Road. From Siparia village it is approximately a 15
minute drive to the beach. The road goes through rural countryside with open grass areas,
bamboo clumps and a teak plantation. Along the drive, old oil pumping jacks can be seen that are still in
operation under a farm-out program (see Picture Gallery).
Quinam Beach is approximately 1.6 kilometers in length with low waves. The currents
along this beach are moderate. The Ministry of Tourism maintains a life guard station on
this beach. There is a large car park directly facing the beach. The Ministry of
Agriculture maintains an recreational park, 150 metres before the beach, which has an
interpretative center, huts, tables, benches, barbecue pits. Camping and fishing are
popular at this beach in addition to swimming. See the photo gallery for
more pictures of Quinam Beach (enter Quinam in the search field).
Beach Camp in Palo Seco on the south-east coast possesses one of the easily accessible
beaches on this coast. Residents of the area sat that the beach is excellent for bathing
and fishing. To get to this beach you drive along the Siparia-Erin Road going past Santa
Flora to Palo Seco. You make a left (eastern) turn on to Beach Camp Road and proceed to
the end of the road in the vicinity of the Petrotrin housing compound. A short walk from
the end of the road takes you to the beach. There are no lifeguards or visitor facilities
on this beach. The Anglais Point mud
volcano is on the western end of this beach allowing you to combine a visit to a mud
volcano with a sea bath.
The Los Iros beach seems to always have constant breezes, making it a favorite for windsurfers. It has been also been a favorite
vacation location for southerners for more than 30 years and although its popularity as a
vacation location has declined there are still rental beach houses and a guest house. The
beach is approximately 2 kilometers in length with light brown sand. The waves have an
average height of 40 centimeters. There are weak to moderate longshore currents along the
shore and care should be exercised on the eastern end where the currents are strongest.
The Ministry of Tourism has lifeguards posted at this beach. During the rainy
season, sand flies are plentiful.
To get to this beach one uses the San Fernando-Siparia-Erin Road and then turns onto
the Los Iros Road. See the photo gallery for more pictures of Los Iros Beach (enter Iros in the
search field).
Erin Bay has one of the most picturesque beaches in Trinidad with a vista that typifies
the dream of a Caribbean beach. This is a long flat beach with powdery white sand edged by
an aquamarine sea. It is a photographer’s delight with fishing boats drawn up on the
sand at low tide and some floating in the water, while on the shore egrets and gulls can
be seen wading in the pools left by the retreating tide. See the photo gallery for
more pictures of Erin Beach (enter Erin in the search field).
Going to this beach is one of those occasions when the drive is a pleasure, taking you
through numerous small villages and towns. You go past Siparia, Palo Seco and Rancho
Quemado. Along the route are constant reminders of Trinidad’s petroleum exploration past (see Picture Gallery).
The beach is on the Siparia Erin Road and you turn left just after the St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic
Church and just before the Police Station. Erin is believed to have been settled by
the Amerindians around 500 AD. The name however is a Spanish word as there were Spanish
settlers in this area and the St. Francis of Assisi church was originally established in
1758. For some, the area is called San Francique in the French version of the name as a
result of French settlers who planted cocoa, coffee and cotton in this area. A short drive
along the road takes you past the Fishing Depot, where fish is on sale every day, and then
directly onto the shore.
The seashore is usually bereft of people, apart from the fishermen tending their boats
and a few residents relaxing on the beach. This beach has sand flies but they are not
usually a problem except during the early morning and late evening hours. There are no
lifeguards on this beach or toilet facilities.
One activity that can be combined with a visit to Erin Beach is viewing the Erin Group Mud Volcanoes.
Cedros is named after the many giant cedar trees that lined the bays during the early
period of Spanish colonization. The Cedros region lies along the Southern Main Road at the
end of the Southwestern Peninsula. Bonasse is the first village encountered as the Cedros
region is entered. This very pretty village abuts the sea with the Main Road running
between the seashore and the village and the village streets running at right angles to
the Main Road. A Police Station, Coast Guard and Immigration facility are located at the
end of the Main Road.
The beach is composed of white and light brown powdery sand while the water is calm and
a clear blue-green all year (except during heavy rainfall) with weak currents. On the odd
occasions when the wind blows from the north, the sea becomes rough, with strong currents
and bathing is not advised. Scattered along the beach are almond and coconut trees
providing refreshing shade from the sun. At the entrance to the village is an open area
that accesses the beach and provides parking for vehicles. Fronting the entire village
alongside the Main Road is an esplanade with concrete benches that are ideal for relaxing
during the evenings and on the opposite side of the road are numerous bars and shops.
This beach is very similiar to Bonasse Beach as it is
along the same coast and immediately after Bonasse. Fish Vendors can be found on this
beach almost every day of the year. There are several bars and shops in the immediate
vicinity of the beach. To get to Fullarton you turn left on to Perseverance Road in
Bonasse Village.
Columbus Bay lies between Los Gallos Point and Corral Point. On August 2nd 1498,
Christopher Columbus entered this bay and named the headland that juts into the sea, Punta
del Gallo (Points of the Cockerel) as they reminded him of a cock's spur. Wave action has
eroded Los Gallos Point until today only stacks of land remain.
This 4 km beach has good swimming. There is a car park and a beach facility, however
the beach facility does not always have water. Snack vendors are usually found near the
beach facility especially on weekends. There are no lifeguards stationed at this beach and
moderate longshore currents flow to the west. Sandflies can be a nuisance at specific
times during the year. At the village of Bonasse on the
Southern Main Road, you turn left onto Perseverance Road and then continue west on
Fullarton Road.
The early Arawak inhabitants of this part of the Cedros region named the area after a
shrub they called icaco, which was abundant in this region. Today the shrub is called
"fat pork" and the area known as Icacos. The drive to Icacos is very
scenic. At the village of Bonasse on the Southern Main Road,
you turn left onto Perseverance Road and then continue on to Columbia Road to the Icacos
Savannah Road. The road winds through acres of coconut plantations and then enters a
region of marsh and swamp. From within your car you can see an amazing variety of bird
life. The photo
gallery provides pictures of some of the birds in this region (enter Cedros as the
search term).
Icacos beach is a wide sandy beach with low to moderate energy waves. Beach goers are
usually assured of finding fish and shrimp for sale as Icacos lies off the rich shrimping
grounds between Trinidad and Venezuela. There are no lifeguards or beach facilities at
Icacos.
This area derives its name from the Constance estate that was established between 1784
to 1797 and is believed to have been named after a French settler, Constance de Cournand
Boue'. The estate is still in operation. Constance Beach is a continuation of the Bay that
contains Icacos. To get to Constance you enter Icacos and turn right
along the street with the gas station.
Unspoiled is the word that best describes this beach. It is a wide coconut fronted
coastline with no houses, just sea, sand and coconut. Its location means that this beach
does not have crowds. This beach is along the same coastline as Los
Iros and so there are constant breezes that make it well suited for windsurfing. Camping is done along this beach
and there are ample areas for erecting tents. There are no lifeguards or beach facilities
on this beach and moderate currents.
To get to Balieau Beach you turn left at the Health Center in Bonasse
Village and then right on to Balieau Road.
This beach is similiar to Balieau Beach being on the same
coastline and only a few miles apart. To get to Galfa Beach you turn left at the Health
Center in Bonasse Village and then right on to road that
leads to the sea front. On this beach chip-chip (Donax striatus) can be found in the sand.
Although the sand on this beach is firm in the area of the road, vehicles should not be
driven along this beach. In some areas the sand is only a few inches above a wet mud layer
and it is very easy for vehicles to become stuck in the sand/mud. There are no lifeguards
or beach facilities on this beach and moderate currents.
This moderately sloping beach has low to moderate energy waves that are approximately
15 centimeters in height. The water is usually clear except after periods of heavy
rainfall. There is a paved car park with toilet facilities and also a private beach
facility. There are a few beach houses along the northern section of the beach, which are
available for rental. Granville is one of the popular camping locations in southern Trinidad.
There are no lifeguards at this beach. To get to Granville Beach you turn off the
Southern Main Road at Granville Road and then turn left onto Coromandel Road.
Those with roots in South Trinidad will remember Clifton Hill Beach in Point Fortin. Backed by almond and manchineel
trees, this beach was a favorite of those on Sunday excursions. Unfortunately the laying
of the pipeline to provide gas for the LNG plant resulted in the destruction of the beach.
Today there is a large sea wall where previously children played on the sand. For bathing
in this area, one now has to go to the east of the original beach, in the area closer to
the Guapo River. Sea bathing in this area is more enjoyable in the dry season as there is
heavy sedimentation in the rainy season.
This beach is located opposite the Police Station in La Brea. There is a small cricket
field alongside the beach and changing rooms. A small picnic area with benches and tables
set among almond trees is on the southern end of the beach (see Picture Gallery).
The beach has a gentle slope with plunging waves of 30 centimeters. To get to Station
Beach you turn off the Southern Main Road at the Pitch Lake in La Brea and drive to the
Police Station. There are no lifeguards on this beach.
The Accommodation Page
provides a listing of beach houses, villas and vacation cottages available for rental in
Trinidad
