Best summer beach spots in Trinidad and Tobago ranked by locals

Sun, sand and local secrets

When it comes to enjoying the Caribbean sun, Trinidad and Tobago offer some of the best beach experiences in the world. While tourists often flock to well-known spots, locals know where the true summer magic lies.

These are not simply scenic coastlines they’re living spaces for family gatherings, culinary delights, ocean sports, and moments of calm. Here’s a ranked guide to the best summer beach spots in Trinidad and Tobago, chosen by the people who know them best.

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1. Pigeon Point, Tobago – the icon for a reason

Pigeon Point is consistently ranked number one by both locals and visitors. With its iconic thatched jetty stretching into shallow turquoise water, it is the definition of a Caribbean beach. Tobago residents love it for family daytrips, weddings, and watersports like windsurfing and paddleboarding.

The beach is part of the Buccoo Reef Marine Park, offering boat tours with glass-bottom views of vibrant coral and marine life. While there is a small entry fee, most locals agree it’s worth every cent for the facilities and consistent cleanliness.

2. Maracas Bay, Trinidad – bake and shark and beyond

Maracas Bay is the crown jewel of Trinidad’s north coast. Located just an hour from Port of Spain through the lush Northern Range, it is both accessible and dramatic.

The crescent-shaped bay is flanked by rainforest-covered mountains and is loved for its consistent surf, lifeguard presence, and world-famous “bake and shark”.

Locals often arrive early on weekends and public holidays to secure picnic spots, often spending the entire day with music, coolers, and beach games. It’s a social beach with a local heart.

3. Englishman’s Bay, Tobago – quiet and untouched

For those who prefer solitude over scene, Englishman’s Bay is the preferred destination. Tucked between Castara and Parlatuvier on Tobago’s leeward coast, this beach offers a raw and quiet experience. Locals who treasure nature come here to relax without vendors or large crowds.

The water can be deep and strong at times, so it’s best suited to confident swimmers. The surrounding rainforest makes it ideal for spotting wildlife like parrots and motmots. For many Tobagonians, this is the beach that represents a peaceful, unspoilt Tobago.

4. Las Cuevas Bay, Trinidad – a hidden gem with space

Overshadowed by the popularity of Maracas, Las Cuevas Bay lies just ten minutes further along the North Coast Road but offers a more relaxed experience. It’s the longest beach on Trinidad’s north coast and provides ample space, making it a favourite for those looking to avoid crowds.

Lifeguards are present and the gentle slope into the sea makes it family-friendly. Locals often bring their own food and drinks, enjoying long days under the shady almond trees. The caves at the eastern end give the beach its name and are worth exploring at low tide.

5. Store Bay, Tobago – culture and convenience

Store Bay combines cultural charm with easy access. Located just minutes from the ANR Robinson International Airport, it’s one of Tobago’s busiest beaches, but still a firm favourite for Tobagonians.

Its popularity comes from the lively atmosphere: stalls selling Tobago-style curry crab and dumpling, homemade ice cream, and crafts are all part of the experience. Locals enjoy Store Bay for its walkability and centrality. Boat tours to Nylon Pool and Buccoo Reef depart regularly, making it a hub for both recreation and relaxation.

6. Toco’s Salybia Beach, Trinidad – community and clarity

Salybia Beach, nestled in Trinidad’s northeast, is a stronghold for locals from Toco, Sangre Grande and surrounding villages. Known for its clear waters and scenic backdrop of coconut palms, this beach provides a genuine local vibe.

Weekends see families set up full camps complete with tents, grills, and hammocks—while weekdays are calm and meditative. A nearby river mouth makes it unique, and its natural shallows make it safe for children. This beach represents the essence of community in Trinidad’s rural coastal areas.

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7. Manzanilla Bay, Trinidad – the longest stretch

Manzanilla Bay may not be the best for swimming due to its strong Atlantic currents, but it wins for space and ambience. Stretching for kilometres along Trinidad’s east coast, it is lined with coconut trees and kissed by strong trade winds.

Locals favour this spot for its drive-in access and the wide open areas perfect for long beach walks, kite flying, and even horseback riding. It’s a weekend retreat for many families in east Trinidad who prefer a less commercial atmosphere.

8. Castara Bay, Tobago – harmony in a fishing village

This two-part bay combines rustic charm with swimmable waters. Castara Bay is located in a traditional fishing village, and locals value it for its sense of harmony between man and sea, between work and play.

The community has embraced low-impact tourism, and the beach itself offers snorkelling, calm waters, and a view of local fishermen hauling in their nets. For many Tobagonians, it represents a sustainable way to enjoy what Tobago has to offer without sacrificing culture.

More Than a Pretty Coastline

The best summer beach spots in Trinidad and Tobago offer more than postcard views. They provide cultural experiences, community interactions, local food, and emotional connections that go beyond tourism. Whether it’s the culinary joy of Maracas, the serenity of Englishman’s Bay, or the festive energy of Store Bay, each beach has a story to tell told best by the people who live nearby and love them all year round.

For the ultimate Caribbean summer, follow the locals’ lead. Bring your beach towel, your cooler, and your sense of appreciation for the rhythms of sea and society.

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