Trinidad and Tobago is one of a handful of countries in the Caribbean that does not rely on tourism as its main source of income and is instead a thriving business and industrial hub that benefits from an eclectic cultural mix. Although Trinidad and Tobago has more beach frontage than most other Caribbean islands, beach tourism can appear as an afterthought, with many of the better ones off the beaten track and without the frills more commonly found in other Caribbean hot spots. Do not be fooled, though. The twin-island country features some superb strips of secluded sand immersed in natural beauty.
Trinidad North Coast
- On the north coast, 18 miles from the capital, Port of Spain, Maracas Bay is arguably the best-known beach in Trinidad, set in a tranquil cove surrounded by lush mountains and the site of a peaceful fishing village. The beach features fine white sand and shallow water clear, with a slight undertow at times. Food stalls serve the Shark and Bake delicacy – deep fried shark fillet. Blanchisseuse is on the outlet to the Marianne River and leads through the rainforest to a nearby waterfall on a hiking trail. Nearby accommodations can be found at numerous guesthouses.
Trinidad Southeast Coast
- Manzanilla Beach has one of the longest stretches of sand, fringed by lofty coconut palms. Visitors can camp out on the beach in a tent at the northern end or bunk up in a guesthouse. Nearby Mayaro is the island’s longest beach, popular with locals as a weekend getaway. Visitors can enjoy the sight of fishermen landing their catch on the beach in huge nets but should watch out for occasional contamination from the offshore refineries that serve as Trinidad’s lifeblood.
Nature
- Grande Riviera, the second largest leatherback sea turtle nesting ground in the world, and Matura are two great beaches from which to witness the turtle-hatching season between March and August. These two beaches lie on the northeast coast, which tends to be the roughest of Trinidad’s coastlines, but bodysurfers come in droves to try the waves. In Tobago, mile-long Turtle Beach is one of the three main nesting beaches on the island and home to the Turtle Beach resort (rexresorts.com), an all-inclusive hotel.
Tobago
- The smaller island of Tobago is markedly more laid-back than Trinidad. Pigeon Point, with its much-photographed jetty and cabana, represents the island’s best-known beach. The offshore Buccoo Reef protects the beach and is a great snorkeling location. Store Bay nearby, just five minutes from the airport, features lifeguards, showers and refreshment stops to meet all the needs of beachgoers. Most of the glass bottom tours to the reef leave from Store Bay. Over on the Windward coast, Speyside is a delightful town whose beach is protected by reef and the offshore islands of Little Tobago and Goat Island. The snorkeling accesses some of the largest brain coral in the world.
