Going to Trinidad and planning to visit Maracas Bay Beach? Continue to read to get all of the information you need to know to enjoy your Trinidad Beach Day.
Trinidad, one half of the twin-island nation Trinidad and Tobago, is renowned in the Caribbean for its captivating blend of cultures, vibrant festivities, and stunning natural beauty. The island’s dynamic music scene, featuring genres like calypso and soca, along with its world-class Carnival celebration, are major draws for visitors. Trinidad’s culinary scene is equally diverse, reflecting the multicultural makeup of its population.
The island’s lively atmosphere, lush rainforests, and rich history make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Situated about an hour’s drive from the lively capital of Port of Spain, Maracas Bay Beach is a true gem of Trinidad. Located within a protective deep bay, this place truly embodies the island’s charm. Maracas Bay’s popularity is not only due to its convenient location but also the stunning beauty and sense of escape it provides for both locals and tourists alike.
My journey there with friends became an unexpected highlight of our trip. This beach’s allure is simply undeniable. Not only does it have a picturesque shoreline and soft sand, but it also has a one-of-a-kind vibe.
It’s the energy of the place that ultimately grabs you. What was pleasantly unexpected was how social and welcoming it felt—like stepping into a community where everyone is invited to the party—from the granny serving her family doubles, to the groups of good friends laughing together, and kiddos playing in the sand.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about packing much when you head to Maracas Bay. The beach is set up to cater to your every need, with vendors selling everything from delicious local snacks (you’ve got to try the bake and shark) to renting out beach chairs and umbrellas.
In this blog post, we will dig into everything you need to know to have an amazing day at Maracas Bay Beach.
Where is Maracas Bay Beach?
Maracas Bay Beach finds its home on the north coast of Trinidad, amidst the island’s lush greenery and landscape. For travelers embarking from Port of Spain—the Island’s vibrant capital—this journey to Maracas Bay is convenient and scenic. Covering approximately 26 miles, the drive typically takes around an hour, give or take, of course depending on traffic.
This route isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s a mini-adventure of its own, winding through the mountains with views that make you want to pull over and take it all in. Luckily, there are plenty of viewpoint sites along the way to stop at and bask in the full beauty of this area.
Aside from its proximity to Port of Spain, Maracas Bay’s location is strategic for those looking to immerse themselves in nature’s finest. It’s close to some of the island’s best natural attractions, including rainforests and hiking trails.
For instance, Rincon and Avocat waterfalls are just a short drive away, offering a refreshing change of pace from beach lounging. Hikers will find the beach a great starting or ending point for exploring the nearby trails, which weave through the rich, tropical landscape, offering glimpses of the island’s diverse flora and fauna.
How to get to Maracas Bay Beach
Getting to Maracas Bay Beach is a breeze, especially considering its convenient proximity to Port of Spain. Whether you’re a fan of road trips, looking for a straightforward drive, prefer to lean back in a bus, or are interested in the unique experience of hiring a local driver, there’s an option tailored just for you.
Rental Car
Driving yourself to Maracas Bay Beach in a rental car is a relatively simple affair—given you’re up for the challenge of driving on the left side of the road. This unique aspect of the journey might require a bit of an adjustment period, but it’s nothing too daunting.
In fact, the drive itself is quite pleasant and manageable, with clear signs and a direct route that takes you through some truly beautiful scenery. The roads are well-maintained for the most part, making it a smooth ride to your beachside destination.
On my trip, we were lucky enough to hitch a ride with a family member of a friend, which meant I got to enjoy the views without the initial jitters of tackling the left-side driving firsthand. Watching them navigate the roads with ease, I couldn’t help but think that driving myself would have been totally doable—after getting a handle on the whole left-side situation, of course.
The freedom of having your own wheels means you can take your time, make stops along the way, and really soak in the Trinidadian landscape at your own pace.
👉 Check Rental Car Prices and Availability 👈
Parking at Maracas Bay Beach
Parking at Maracas Bay Beach is surprisingly convenient, with a decent amount of space available. It costs about 30TT, which is roughly $4.50 USD, making it both affordable and practical for visitors. What’s more, the parking lot is located just across the street from the beach, so you can go from car to sand in no time at all.
Bus to Maracas Bay Beach from Port of Spain
Taking the bus to Maracas Bay Beach offers a unique perspective on the journey, immersing you in the local ambiance and providing a more laid-back approach to travel. The Blanchisseuse bus, departing from Port of Spain (POS), passes through Maracas Bay on its route.
During the week, there are early morning departures at 4 AM and 7 AM, perfect for those looking to catch the sunrise or enjoy a full day at the beach. On Saturdays, the schedule shifts a bit later, with a departure at 8:30 AM, giving you a bit of a sleep-in before your beach day adventure. However, it’s important to note that this bus service takes a break on Sundays, so you’ll need to plan around that.
The fare for this journey is a mere $8TT, which translates to just over a dollar in USD, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to reach the beach.
For the most accurate and current bus schedules and fares, checking the official website is a must.
Taxi or Maxi Taxi
In Trinidad, there are two types of taxi options- a regular taxi and a maxi taxi. A regular taxi is similar to a personal driver and will pick you up and drop you off at your desired location, at a specific time. While in Trinidad, our driver was Porche. You can WhatsApp him at +1-866-395-1219.
The other option is a maxi taxi, which are color-coded minivans that run on fixed routes and generally operate from designated stands. To find the location closest to you, ask your hotel concierge and/or vacation rental host.
You’ll want to let your driver know that you’re going to Maracas Bay so they can let you off close to the beach, as there may not be a specific stop there. Likewise, If you choose to take a maxi taxi, be sure to get their number so you know when they are heading back to Port of Spain.
Tour Company
If you prefer someone else to take care of all your trip details, then the group tour option may be up your alley. They pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. So all you have to worry about is grabbing your lounge chair and getting your bake and shark once you arrive at the stunning Maracas Bay Beach.
👉 Learn about group tour to Maracas Bay Beach 👈
Things to do at Maracas Bay
Maracas Bay Beach in Trinidad is a true paradise for every type of beachgoer. Whether you desire to lounge under the sun and soak up the serene atmosphere, dive into the refreshing waves for some exhilarating water activities, or indulge in the mouth-watering local cuisine right by the water’s edge. There’s something here for everyone.
It’s a place where each visit can be as relaxed or as adventurous as you wish, making it a perfect spot for anyone looking to curate their ideal beach day.
Sunbathe in Comfort
When hitting the beach on vacation, I personally like to be catered to a bit. So I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived and there were people renting lounge chairs and umbrellas. We rented 4 chairs and an umbrella for 120 TT- which is about $18 USD.
You may not want to sit too close to the shoreline as the water can be a bit unpredictable. While there, we saw a few groups who ended up a bit wet after the waves crashed their hangout spot – so keep that in mind if you like your stuff dry!
Enjoy Delicious Bake and shark
As I mentioned before, bake and shark is a must-try at Maracas Bay Beach. An extremely popular street food in Trinidad and Tobago, this tasty treat consists of deep-fried shark meat tucked into a fried dough bread called “bake.” The sandwich is typically dressed with various local condiments. My personal favorite is the garlic sauce- chef’s kiss!
Just about every food stand at Maracas Beach offers bake and shark. But the most popular place is Richard’s Bake and Shark. There will be a line, but it will be worth it!
In addition to bake and shark, you can get a variety of other food at Maracas Bay Beach, including burgers, hot dogs, wings, shrimp, fries, and more! Trust me, you won’t leave hungry.
And if you didn’t bring your own alcoholic beverages, don’t worry. Multiple stands serve beer and cocktails.
Enjoy the Water
The current at Maracas Bay Beach is typically moderate, making it a great tide for boogie boarding or swimming. In fact, you can rent boogie boards and inflatables right at the beach.
The tide is normally most calm from May to October. From November to April, the current is normally rougher.
On my trip in February, we found the water to be nice and the waves relatively calm. Everyone was able to enjoy the water – swimming, splashing, and soaking up the day. Even young children could safely partake in the beach fun! However, I would still recommend checking the current reports before going to Maracas Bay Beach if you plan to go in the water.
Take in the Beauty
Maracas Bay Beach is surrounded by lush, tropical greenery typical of Trinidad’s vibrant natural landscape. Thus, a visit to Maracas Bay Beach is not complete without stopping at the Maracas Lookout.
Located high above the bay, this spot offers panoramic views that are truly breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to snap memorable photos of the sweeping coastline and the lush hills that frame the beach. The lookout also features local vendors selling crafts and treats like coconut water and pineapple chow, giving you a taste of local flavor.
Get Adventurous
For those adventure seekers, you may not want to miss the opportunity to hike to a waterfall. Although there is not a waterfall at Maracas Bay, Rincon waterfall is about a 15-minute drive, close to Las Cuevas Beach.
As Trinidad’s second-highest cascading waterfall, Rincon Waterfall sits at 250 feet high. The 4-mile, moderate hike from Rincon Village is about 1.5-2.5 hours, including sections of steep uphill climbs and more mellow downward hikes. Your reward is a beautiful large basin of waterfalls to swim and relax in.
Although there are not any guided tours featuring Rincon Waterfall and Maracas Bay Beach, there are some options that offer the tourist favorite, Avocat Waterfall. Do note that Avocat Waterfall is about a 45-minute drive from Maracas Bay Beach.
👉Learn more about the Avocat Waterfall and Maracas Bay Beach Tour 👈
Things to Know Before Going to Maracas Bay Beach
Restrooms and Changing Facilities
The restrooms at Maracas Beach are staffed by attendees and cost 5TT, about $0.75 USD. While we were there, the lines were rather long. So don’t wait until the last minute to use them.
Bring Local Currency
Not only will you need local currency to use the bathroom, but it’s also wise to have it to pay for the parking, chairs, and other items that locals may be selling on the beach, like fruit. Do note that the food stands, including Richard’s Bake and Shark, do accept credit cards.
Go Early
Maracas Beach is a local favorite, especially on Sundays. Therefore, it can get very crowded. If you are not a fan of a crowd, it’s recommended to go early in the day. The beach opens at 8 AM Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, weekends, and public holidays it opens at 6 AM.
FAQ: Maracas Bay Beach
2-4 hours would be a great amount of time at Maracas Bay Beach. It will allow you enough time to sunbathe, enjoy the water, and of course, partake in the local fare Bake and Shark.
Yes, there is plenty of parking across the street from Maracas Bay Beach. The cost is about 30TT, or $4.50 USD.
Yes! Especially If you are a beachgoer or want to experience a different side of Trinidad than the hustle and bustle of Port of Spain. It’s pretty unbelievable that a lush paradise is so close to the city. Plus, you get to try a local favorite, bake and shark.
The current at Maracas Bay Beach is moderate- with the tide most calm from May to October. That doesn’t mean you can’t swim at the beach for the rest of the year, just be cautious of the current. Be sure to check the tide before heading to the beach.
Yes, there are umbrellas and chairs that can be rented at Maracas Bay Beach. We rented 4 chairs and 1 umbrella for 120 TT which is about $18 USD.
Wrap-Up: Maracas Bay Beach
For beach enthusiasts and those seeking authentic local experiences, a visit to Maracas Bay Beach is a must on your Trinidad itinerary. Here, you’ll encounter a blend of locals and tourists savoring the lush, tropical surroundings that embrace the stunning sandy shore. Besides sunbathing and water activities, you can indulge in the famous local delicacy, bake and shark.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll also be near opportunities to combine your beach day with a hike or visit to a waterfall. It’s a win-win for everyone!
