f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013

Beaches
Trinidad’s
Beaches
Artist: Wulf
Trinidad’s beaches, especially the secluded north coast
bays, are unspoilt and breathtaking, where every river
mouth forms a spectacular beach, surrounded by
forest. On the eastern seaboard, wide expanses of
sand are swept by the Atlantic waves. Swimmers are
advised to exercise caution.
On the west coast, Macqueripe Bay in Chaguaramas
is popular on weekends. This deep-water bay is
excellent for swimming. (Parking, changing facilities,
lifeguards.) Chaguaramas Bay is a shallow bay, popular with local
families and children! (Dark sand, changing facilities.)
The north coast is easily accessible by taxi, half-hour from Port of
Spain. Maracas Bay is the most popular beach in Trinidad. It has been
developed by the tourist board and offers everything from hotel rooms
to changing and showering facilities, food and drink stalls (the famous
“shark and bake” is delicious), lifeguards, and a vast expanse of white,
powdery sand for castle-building! Las Cuevas, after Maracas, is a
lovely bay, with clear, calm water. Parking, a snack bar and showering
facilities are available. Blanchisseuse which has three main beaches
and countless beautiful vistas of the rugged coastline. The beach at the
mouth of the Marianne river has kayaking facilities up the river. Grande
Rivière is a wonderful beach with coarse, yellowish sand. At night,
leatherback turtles nest and hatch here. Road access is through Toco.
Sans Souci, Salybia and Toco Bays are the surfer's paradise in
Trinidad with competitions held annually. There are seasonal changes
but Trinidad is blessed with waves throughout the year, but the most
significant changes in wave size and consistency occur during October–
April. Check with locals for the safest swimming areas. Many locals
have holiday homes in the area. Waves of three to six feet and some
windy conditions can be expected at Sans Souci. With the coconut trees
swaying and the evening light shining on to the breaking waves, the
ambience at the end of a great day’s surfing has lasting appeal.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean along the east coast, Cocos Bay, commonly
referred to as Manzanilla Bay, is about 20 km long. The sea floor is
characterised by shifting sand and special care should be taken when
bathing along this coast, as rip currents are a common feature.
Landward of the coconut plantations is the freshwater Nariva Swamp
that drains into this bay via the Nariva River.
Probably the most attractive beach on the south coast, Quinam Bay,
this 1.6 km beach slopes gently towards the sea. There is a recreational
park nearby with a visitor centre, as well as tables, benches and a car
park.
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The Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago