On the north coast of Trinidad lies the sun kissed sands of Maracas Beach, with it’s tall swaying coconut trees and blue Caribbean sea. It is undoubtedly the most popular beach for locals and tourists alike.
There are only two roads leading to Maracas which merge to join the trek across the winding road of the Northern Range mountains. Here you can witness the spectacular aerial view of the Moka Valley draped in lush rainforest. Feast your eyes on the Tobago Ferry that sits on the horizon where the blue of the sea merges into the blue of the sky.
On occasion, one can experience wisps of cold fog-like mist while driving up the mountain.
There is a recently refurbished visitor look-out, where you can buy cold coconuts to drink, corn soup and a host of delectable preserves and even souvenirs.
There is also some “live” Trini culture on hand as you may find the odd man brandishing a quarto, who creates original songs about YOU! A most hilarious encounter.
The rest of the drive from herein is downhill, where you get that almost always present smell of burning brakes as you make your descent from the mountains down into Maracas Bay.
Suddenly there it is...the beach!
There are several places to park, all of which will guarantee you a short walk to the sandy beach. Picnic tables, changing facilities, toilets and showers are available although somewhat limited. Lifeguards are posted every few metres to ensure the safety of bathers.
Shops housed in tourist attraction type huts, sell everything...from matches to food. Here is where you will find the ever-popular ‘Shark & Bake’ stands. Shark and bake is simply crispy fried shark served in a fry bake sandwich. Some stalls offer accompanying salad and other condiments to add to the meal including spicy lashings of hot pepper sauce!
Generally, at peak season, there are huge speakers which can easily be mistaken for a lifeguard tower. They pump music across the entire area for all to hear.
For the viewing pleasure of the guys, there is a multitude of bathing beauties. For the gals, the choice is a difficult one. Well-toned hunks surfing the waves or those showing off their abs while playing the occasional volleyball game!
Surf, sea, sand, shark and bake! What else could you ask for!
Copyright Islandevents.com 2002
