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Located on the north coast of Trinidad, Maracas Bay is a beach destination like no other. With crystal-clear water, white sand, and lush rainforest surroundings, it’s no wonder Maracas Bay is known as the most beautiful beach on the island.
If you’re planning a visit to Trinidad and Tobago, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing all that Maracas Bay has to offer. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit to this stunning beach destination.
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Where is Maracas Bay?
Maracas Bay is located on the northern coast of Trinidad, an island in the Caribbean. It is situated in the Saint George region, approximately 30 kilometers northeast of the capital city, Port of Spain. Its location on the Caribbean Sea draws travelers from all over the world.
How to Get to Maracas Bay
If you’re planning a visit to Maracas Bay, there are several ways to get there.
By rental car
Maracas Bay is located about a 45-minute drive from Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad. You can rent a car and simply follow the main road north from Port of Spain. Just be prepared for a winding drive, as the road to Maracas Bay involves driving around mountains.
By taxi or Uber
If you don’t have your own transportation, you can hire a taxi to take you to Maracas Bay. Taxis are readily available in Port of Spain and can be found at various taxi stands throughout the city. Just be sure to agree on a price with the driver before setting off.
For a more affordable option, you can try taking an Uber. It may be more difficult to get an Uber from other cities, but there should be plenty available in Port of Spain.
By maxi taxi
Another option is to take a maxi taxi, which is a shared taxi service that follows a fixed route. Maxi taxis can be found at the main terminal in Port of Spain and are a relatively inexpensive way to get to Maracas Bay. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride, as the roads in Trinidad can be quite rough.
What to Do in Maracas Bay
While there is plenty to see and do in Maracas Bay, here are our recommended top 5!
Enjoy the beach
With crystal-clear water and a long stretch of white sand, Maracas Bay is the perfect place to swim and soak up the sun. There are plenty of spots to spread out your towel and relax, and the beach is also a great place to catch some waves if you’re feeling adventurous. You may be able to find surfboard rentals at one of the beach stalls, but surfing is not very popular in Trinidad. You should bring your own just in case. There is also a lifeguard on duty at the beach, so pay attention to any instructions they might give.
Explore the rainforest
While you are visiting Maracas Bay, you can also explore the rainforest. The rainforest that surrounds the bay is home to a variety of plant and animal species. Take a hike through the rainforest and see what you can spot. Just be sure to wear proper footwear and stay on marked trails to avoid any misadventures.
Check out nearby waterfalls
If you’re looking to escape the beach for a bit, consider visiting Maracas Falls. Located about a 30-minute drive from Maracas Bay, the falls are a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. If you don’t want to go that far away, Angel Falls is closer to the bay, but the hike is slightly more challenging.
Indulge in the Bake and Shark
If you’re visiting Maracas Bay, you won’t want to miss out on trying the local delicacy known as bake and shark.
What is Bake and Shark?
Bake and shark is a tasty snack is a sandwich filled with deep-fried shark meat and various toppings, served on a fried dough bun called a bake. The shark meat is lightly battered and fried to perfection, and you can choose from a variety of toppings like lettuce, tomato, pineapple, and more. The combination of flavors makes this snack unique and delicious.
Where can I get Bake and Shark?
Bake and shark can be found at various stalls along the beach at Maracas Bay. Make sure you get in line quickly when the food is ready, these sell out fast!
How much does Bake and Shark cost?
These sandwiches go for about $30-50 TT ($4-7 USD).
Hike the Maracas Lookout
You can’t visit Maracas Bay without checking out the Lookout! Take a short hike up to the Maracas Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and surrounding green hills. This is a great spot to take photos and enjoy the sunset.
Best Time to Visit Maracas Bay
When planning your trip to Maracas Bay, you should take the weather, crowds, and prices of flights and accommodations into account. The peak tourism season is from December to April. This coincides with the dry season and the best weather. During this time, the beach will be much more crowded and prices of hotels and flights will likely be higher.
If you are traveling on a budget, you should visit from May to November. Trinidad will be experiencing its rainy season during this time, with the most rainfall during September and October. However, there will also be much less crowds at the beach and accommodations will be cheaper.
Where to Stay around Maracas Bay
Most of the standard hotels located near Maracas Bay are in nearby towns. What you choose will depend on your budget, desired level of luxury, and what kind of experiences you wish to have.
One of the closest options to Maracas Bay is Las Cuevas Boutique Hotel. Located in the nearby town of Las Cuevas, this hotel is less than a 15-minute drive from Maracas Bay. This hotel costs about $55 USD/night.
Located in Port of Spain, the Culture Crossroads Inn is another suitable option. This is a highly-rated budget hotel in the capital city. While this hotel is about a 45-minute drive from Maracas Bay, it is still one of the closest options. Rooms go for about $100 USD/night.
If you want a more luxurious experience, stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Port of Spain. This hotel is highly-rated by guests, and they even a pool for the days that you don’t feel like going to Maracas Bay.
Maracas Bay: FAQs
Here are some common questions about Maracas Bay:
1. Is Maracas Bay safe for swimming?
Yes, it’s safe for swimming. There is a lifeguard on duty, so be sure to listen to them in case the ocean conditions change.
2. What coast is Maracas Bay on?
Maracas Bay is on Trinidad’s northern coast.
3. Is there parking available at Maracas Bay?
Yes, there is parking available. If you come on the weekend or during a holiday, try to arrive early to get a good spot.
4. Are there hiking trails around Maracas Bay?
Yes, there are several in the area, with varying degrees of difficulty.
5. Can you surf at Maracas Bay?
Yes, you can surf at Maracas Bay. Occasionally, ocean conditions will produce waves that are surfable here. Just bring your own board. I have not seen vendors renting out surf boards here.
