A day at the beach

Hi Guys,

How can I omit to mention a day at the beach; admittedly Trinidad is not the best destination for beach goers as it does not lend itself to the white sandy shores and cool green water as Tobago or the other Caribbean islands.  Trinidad beach experience however will impress; there are many popular beaches and a few hidden treasures, which are secluded and requires a hike or boat ride.   Due to water coming from Guyana River the silt covers Trinidad so the beaches to the southern end are normally brown in color except for Columbus bay, which has some pristine water (once the tide is in) found in the south western peninsula.

Salybia beach view from resort. Source: discovertnt.com

Lots of fishing villages located nearby will provide you with either fresh caught or supplies and advice should your desire be fishing.  The north east coast has Toco resort and the old lighthouse (national monument), a great family area or try one of the nearby beaches for surfing.  The southeastern end as well as the east has Mayaro and Manzanilla great for camping or staying at the beach house, the water is a bit choppy at times due to the Atlantic Ocean but mostly very good and clean.  The western end has a few beaches but due to fishing and being very populate with both residents and industrial estates, they are mostly used as fishing ports.  To the northwestern end is Chaguarams, which is highly developed with the boardwalk, many nightclubs, a mini safari, team parks, party boat cruises, yacht club, military base, golf course and much more with lots of historical buildings from World War 2 as well as a museum. 

Maracus Bay. Source: discovertnt.com

The north coast is my favorite, apart from the beautiful beaches and great hiking trails and forest, wildlife, waterfalls and so on; here is where Maracus bay is located.   Now anyone who has visited Trinidad would always be sure to visit Maracus not for the great beach but the bake and shark, a mouthwatering street food made with a fried dough and seasoned fried shark.  There is also always a party on the beach, the Caribbean vibes is very strong at Maracus; weather you want to grab a beach lounger and sun bathe or play sport, surf, build a sand castle with the kids or be the center of the party, I promise you a good time.   The venue has become so popular that apart from concerts held there throughout the year, during the Carnival season, fetes are held there. 

Leather back Turtle visits Mathura beach to lay her eggs. Source: discovertnt.com

Trinis are not big on selling their beaches to the world, Tobago is the beach destination however during my visits to some Caribbean islands, and I found the clear calm waters and white sand a bit boring.  Don’t give me wrong it was very nice however there isn’t much to do except soak or try to swim, when will the waves come by and throw me over and roll me to the shore, riding a wave is always great fun.  I mean isn’t that why they invented surfing… well maybe I am wrong, let me know your take.