Maracas Valley

Maracas Valley is in northern Trinidad. It’s a beautiful, popular getaway to the north of Port of Spain with beaches and mountain views. Maracas Bay has, by Trinidadian standards, calm water for swimming, and the beach is known for its local bake and shark establishments.

Understand

Landscape

This shows the rugged hillsides covered in tropical vegetation falling steeply into the sea. This view looks westwards over Seat Deau bay towards a peninsula behind which is the beach at Maracas itself.

Climate

The climate is tropical with pronounced wet and dry seasons. During the dry season, days are hot, with little moderation from the sea. The humidity adds to the perceived temperature.

The temperature change with altitude is minimal.

Get in

Saddle Rd and the North Coast Rd provide access to Maracas from Port of Spain. The journey is an about an hour from the center of the city. North Coast Rd is narrow in several places and the duration of the journey can depend on traffic. There is some parking available at the beach, but it can be packed on weekends.

Fees and permits

No permit is required to go to Maracas but there are fees for beach tents (about $600 TT for a nice double cabana and chairs, 2025) and for some of the washrooms ($5 TT per person, 2025).

Get around

You will must go by road to get to these shores. The route from Port of Spain goes through rugged mountains.

See

View of Maracas from the southwest

There’s a great viewpoint on the road in with breathtaking views of the valley and the coastal ranges. There are outdoor booths at the vista with souvenirs and street food for sale.

• 1 Maracas Waterfall, Waterfall Rd. The tallest single drop waterfall in Trinidad and Tobago, standing at around 300 ft (91 m) high. Getting there involves a relatively straightforward 30 to 45 minute hike. However, it is advisable not to go when conditions are wet and slippery. (updated Mar 2025)

Do

• Enjoy the scenery
• Chill on the beach at Maracas Bay

Eat

The shacks on the beach at Maracas are known for their bake and shark. This is a sandwich with battered meat with pepper sauce and other condiments available.

• 1 Uncle Sam & Sons, ☏ +1 868 344-3552, orders@unclesamtt.com. The main site at the beach with the famous bake and shark, with outdoor seating and beach views. (updated Mar 2025)

Drink

Fruit punches and coconut water are available for purchase at bake and shark stands.

Sleep

Stay safe

The road to and from Maracas is narrow, reducing to one lane in several places, and the cliffs on the northern side are deadly. Most drivers take the road quickly so use caution.

Go next

• Chaguaramas
• Port of Spain, the national capital, is the nearest major city and is about an hour away by car or bus.