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Maracas Bay
Trinidad’s favourite beach, a rainforest drive and the home of bake and shark
Trinidad’s favourite beach, a rainforest drive and the home of bake and shark
The long sandy beach has changing rooms, showers, food stalls and lifeguards. The water can be rough, especially in the winter months, so swim between the flags near the lifeguard stations. A small fishing village sits at the eastern end of the bay.
Arrive early on weekends and public holidays, when parking fills up.
Photo: Kalamazadkhan, CC BY-SA 4.0
The drive from Port of Spain winds up through the rainforest of the Northern Range and down to the coast. The roadside lookout above the bay is the classic photo stop, with vendors selling snacks, pepper sauce and drinks.
The road is narrow and full of bends; drive slowly and avoid it after heavy rain.
Photo: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fried shark in a pillowy fried bread (bake), loaded with sauces and toppings such as tamarind, garlic sauce, shado beni, pineapple and coleslaw, is Maracas’ signature dish. Family-run stalls line the beachfront, each with loyal fans.
Sauces are self-serve at most stalls; try a little of each.
Photo: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 3.0
A few kilometres further east along the North Coast Road, Las Cuevas is a quieter, sheltered bay with facilities, popular with families looking for a calmer alternative to Maracas.
Combine both beaches in one day trip.
Photo: Grueslayer, CC BY-SA 4.0
The forested mountains behind the north coast are rich in birdlife, with more than 400 bird species recorded in Trinidad. The Asa Wright Nature Centre in the Arima Valley is a well-known birding area, and hiking trails lead to waterfalls across the range.
Hike with a guide; trails can be remote and slippery.
Photo: Rictor Norton & David Allen, CC BY 2.0
Bake and shark is the essential Maracas meal, but the beachfront stalls also sell fried fish, chicken, coconut water and cold drinks. Trinidad’s wider food scene includes doubles (curried chickpeas in fried bread), roti, pelau and callaloo.
Bring cash for the stalls. Port of Spain has the widest choice of restaurants for the rest of your stay.
Maracas Bay is reached by the North Coast Road from Port of Spain, a scenic drive of under an hour depending on traffic. There is no frequent public transport to the beach, so most visitors drive, take a taxi or join a tour; maxi taxis run on the route at busy times.
Piarco International Airport, east of Port of Spain, is Trinidad’s main airport.
Trinidad and Tobago uses the TT dollar (TTD). The beach itself is free; parking and facilities have small charges.
A bake and shark is one of the cheapest filling meals on the island.
A rental car lets you explore the whole north coast.
Carnival season prices rise sharply.
Maracas is an easy day trip from Port of Spain.
Drive the North Coast Road in the morning, stop at the lookout, swim at Maracas and have bake and shark for lunch. In the afternoon continue to Las Cuevas before heading back to Port of Spain before dark.
Go on a weekday for a quieter beach.
Currents can be strong; stay between the flags.
The North Coast Road is narrow and winding.
Food stalls and parking are cash-based.
Do not leave belongings unattended on the beach or visible in cars.
Quick answers for planning time in Maracas Bay.
Under an hour’s drive over the Northern Range on the North Coast Road, depending on traffic.
Fried shark served in a fried bread (bake) with sauces and toppings, the signature dish of Maracas Bay.
Yes, near the lifeguards and between the flags, but currents can be strong, especially in winter.
US forces and the US Navy Seabees built it in 1943–44, during the Second World War.
The dry season, from January to May, has the most sunshine.
Planning a wider trip? Our Trinidad and Tobago travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.