Beaches:

The better months for swimming at beaches around Trinidad and Tobago range from May to September, however June to August are the best. Ball games are not encouraged at beaches nor should flotation devices be taken into the water. Careful note should be taken of coloured flags, with red flags signifying unsafe bathing areas and yellow and white flags indicating safer areas.

Beaches in Trinidad:

Chagville:
Chagville Beach is located at Carenage Bay, opposite the Convention Centre in Chaguaramas. It is a man made beach, sandy and about 600 m long. Service facilities include 2 large car parks, changing rooms, showers and toilets. The service facilities and the beach are well maintained and Chagville is a popular location for wind-surfing. There are no lifeguards at this beach. (15 mins. From P.O.S).

Maracas Bay:
Maracas Beach is the most popular beach in the North. It can be accessed by the Saddle Road through Maraval or by the Saddle Road from San Juan through Santa Cruz, and again onto the North Coast Road. It is about 45 minutes from Port of Spain. The beach is about 1850 m long and has off white sand. Waves are an average height of 1.0 m. and are ideal for surfing. Safety needs are met through the use of red flags indicating unsafe bathing areas and the presence of life guards daily from 10 am-6 pm.

Facilities are well maintained and include a large car park, tables, benches, changing rooms with showers, toilets and lockers. Visitors can enjoy the tasty local food from nearby vendors or bake & shark on the pits provided. On the hill above the Bay there is a restaurant and bar from which the visitor can enjoy the scenery and tranquillity. For those who wish to stay a little longer, the Timberline Nature Resort, located just off the 'look out' provides accommodation and tours within the area.

Tyrico:
Just east of Maracas Bay is Tyrico Bay with a beach about 900 m long and fine grayish brown sand. Like Maracas it offers good sea and sun bathing with waves reaching to .80m. It is also popular for overnight camping and is just 45 minutes away from Port of Spain. A life guard service is provided from 11 am to 5 pm daily. Portable toilets, a parking area and a well maintained beach add to the comfort of visitors to Tyrico Beach.

Las Cuevas:
Approximately 8 km east of Tyrico is another popular beach at Las Cuevas Bay. The name "Las Cuevas" is derived from the Spanish word for caves and there are many caves on this beach. This bay is more sheltered than Maracas and is therefore calmer. The water is clear and provides excellent swimming with waves reaching to .82m. Las Cuevas is a scenic 1 hour drive from Port of Spain.

The service facilities located at the top of the cliffs, are well maintained and include a snack bar, car park, tables, benches, changing rooms with showers and toilets. Lifeguard services are provided between 10am-6pm.

Manzanilla:
Manzanilla Bay located on the East Coast along the East Coast Road, can be reached via Sangre Gande and the Manzanilla-Mayaro Road. A long beach of about 4000 m with brownish grey fine sand, it is ideal for sunbathing. There are lifeguards on duty within a marked area and well maintained service facilities including a car park, snack bar, picnic tables, changing rooms with showers and toilets. (1 & 1/2 hrs. from P.O.S.)

Mayaro:
Located on the East Coast, Mayaro Bay has the longest beach in Trinidad. It can be accessed by the Mayaro-Guayaguayare Road. Caution must be exercised when swimming and along a designated area most of the beach there are lifeguards from 10 am to 5 pm (up to 6 pm during the Summer vacation). There are a number of guesthouses and small hotels along the beach and also several properties for rent around the more popular bathing areas. It is about 2 & 1/4 hours drive away from Port of Spain.

Vessigny:
The beach lies west of Vessigny Village about 3 km south of La Brea and the Pitch Lake. The water is generally very calm and is cleaner during the dry season. There are well maintained service facilities including a car park, snack bar, camp grounds, changing rooms with showers and toilets. There are no lifeguards on duty. It is about 2 hour's drive from Port of Spain.