6. North Coast Road

Most people say best time to go North Coast
is when the sun is hot or on a public holiday.
I say, once the gas tank is full, you have good
company and it’s not raining: Let's hit the
road! My most enjoyable trips the North
Coast have been late evening, after work. We
stop by Uncle Sam for the famous Bake and
Shark (my version shark and fries) and dine
in the perfect ambiance, the sound of the
ocean crashing against the shore, the cool
refreshing sea breeze and the crisp scent of
salt water (except when the occasional diesel
vehicle passes). There are those days when I
feel for a sea bath and drive to Las Cuevas to
enjoy the peaceful water until sunset.          

What does North Coast Road have to offer?

Ø  The “Look Out”

Apart from the spectacular view and amazing background for selfies or group photos, there are a few stalls that sell local arts and craft as well some of Trinidad and Tobago’s best delicacies. My all-time favourite is the pineapple chow.

                       

Ø  Maracas Bay

This is the most common beach on the North Coast. It is known for its surfing waves (body or board), long stretch of almost white sand, restroom facilities and on-duty qualified lifeguards. This beach is also well known for many social events. Opposite Maracas Bay is a myriad of food stalls that sell bake and shark, fries various types of fried fish and chicken etc. It’s a teeming smorgasbord of yum!!! Richards Bake and Shark made famous by Andrew Zimmerman, food aficionado, is also located there.

  Ø  Tyrico Bay

This bay is usually less crowded than Maracas but is just as refreshing to enjoy. Although there are no on site facilities because of its close proximity to Maracas most people don’t mind. There are qualified lifeguards at this beach between the hours of 11am and 5pm daily.

  Ø  Las Cuevas

Now this is my favourite North Coast beach. Although most people

complain about sand flies, I rarely get bitten (probably because they don’t bite in water) but I always walk with citronella oil as a back-up. This beach features white sand, restroom facilities, secured car park, bar and qualified life guards. The beach also has caves and flowering trees along the beach which can be used to shade from the grueling sun. The water is usually calm with the occasional waves and somewhat clear.

  Ø  La Fillette

The water at this beach is calm and known for snorkeling. It is accessed via almost one hundred winding steps. I’ve gone to this beach to sit and reflect on life. It’s very secluded and peaceful. I've had the pleasure being present at the pre-wedding shoot for one of my closest friends at this beach.  

  Ø  Blanchisseuse

The village of Blanchisseuse has a lot to offer. From guesthouses for weekend rendezvous, to hiking trails, rivers for kayaking, bird-watching and the seasonal surfing and turtle watching.

North Coast road has many things to offer. You can choose to simply drive up for bake and shark and enjoy the sea breeze, or pick one of the beaches mentioned above to enjoy a day of sand sea and fun in the sun or make it a North Coast beach hop.  

               

There are other beaches that I may not have included. Do you know any? Do you have pictures? Which of the beaches along North Coast is your favourite? Have you ever eaten a bake and shark? Who is the best? Were you ever serenaded by this man? Comment share your experiences and comments with us.