Best Beaches in Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad’s most popular beach, Maracas, is up on the north coast and can be reached by a spectacular winding mountain road. Palm trees and a curve of soft, golden sand set the scene, alongside wraparound green mountains and wavy waters. Vendors sell beach food – including the must-try Trinidadian dish of deep-fried shark sandwich with spicy sauce (quite possibly the reason people come back here again and again). 

This is where those in the know come for a quieter alternative to Maracas – up at the eastern end of the same beautiful bay but without the facilities. The water’s a little calmer over here, giving perfect paddling conditions.   

Named for the caves galore found along this 2km stretch of beach, Las Cuevas is Trinidad & Tobago’s one and only Blue Flag certified beach. The water here is wonderfully calm and clear for swimmers, unless you head to the surfier west end in the winter months for fun on the waves. The facilities are well thought out, and there’s usually a lifeguard on duty.  

Mother Nature’s created a real looker here on the north coast: inches from the rainforest and lined with palms and sea grapes lies a stretch of bright golden sands, surfy sea and rocky outcrops. Take a paddle in the river that runs into the sea or look out for the leatherback turtles who lay their eggs here between March and August. The best bit? Often, it’s just you and beautiful Blanchisseuse.   

At the far end of the Tucker Valley Road on the Chaguaramas peninsular, this one’s a tiddler – stretching for just under 120m in a pretty bay, backed by hilly tropical forest. Come here on a clear day and you should be able to spot Venezuela. Swimming and snorkelling are two of the best activities here, thanks to the deep, calm nature of the water. There’s also a wicked-fast zip line nearby. 

On the island’s southwest coast, Mayaro’s gold sand stretches on and on (and on) forming Trinidad’s longest beach. It’s an absolute dream when it comes to beach walks and kayaking and feels gloriously quiet. Lifeguards should be on hand to point you to the safest swimming spots, as some parts are affected by undercurrents.   

The Pigeon Point Heritage Park juts out into the Caribbean Sea on the south end of Tobago, and at its tip is a seriously beautiful beach. Which is sometimes seen as three separate beaches: Main Beach, then on either side of it North Beach and South Beach.  Each has its own character, but the bright white sand, palms and turquoise sea remains a classically Caribbean constant. 

Though one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Englishman’s is far from the busiest. In fact it feels fabulously isolated, backed by rainforest with golden sand, almond trees and clear water that seems to come in every shade of blue, with black volcanic rock jutting out at the edges. Swim, snorkel or sunbathe, as brightly feathered parrots flit overhead. For food and souvenirs, Eula’s restaurant and shop is on hand with tasty roti, fresh fish and hand-crafted gifts.   

Trust us when we say Pirate Bay’s worth the rickety road and 150 or so steps to get to (or you can catch a boat from nearby Charlotteville). Pale yellow sands, blue-green water and emerald trees are the makings of this desert-island beach, which pirates used for shelter back in the day and Luis Buñuel used for filming the 1954 Robinson Crusoe. Swim, snorkel and soak up the scenery – there aren’t any facilities or activity providers, but having the beach to yourself is a dream.   

A mile of white sand and bright turquoise water are the makings of Buccoo Bay, sheltered by the Buccoo Reef which happens to be one of the most spectacular marine parks on earth. So bring your snorkel! Stick around on a Sunday evening and you can join the Sunday School Street party with local musicians, street food and dancing.