Manzanilla a natural beauty!

June 22, 2019

Manzanilla Beach offers a premier coastal experience in Trinidad and Tobago, characterised by its expansive shoreline, scenic coconut groves and newly integrated boardwalk facilities. This article is a personal account and first-person narrative detailing the sensory and practical aspects of visiting the Manzanilla coastline.

It examines the geographical allure of the Atlantic side of the island, highlighting the transition from traditional rugged beach trips to a more modern, convenient recreational space. Readers will find comprehensive details on the accessibility of the drive, the diversity of local marine life encountered by fishers and the specific amenities that enhance the visitor experience.

This narrative is distinct for its dual perspective, blending contemporary observations of the upgraded facilities with nostalgic reflections on the cultural evolution of the local beach “lime”.

Key Takeaways

Manzanilla Beach provides a scenic and smooth driving route along the eastern coastline of Trinidad.
The area supports diverse marine ecosystems including mangrove habitats and varied fish species for local anglers.
Modern infrastructure upgrades such as the waterfront boardwalk and picnic benches have improved site accessibility and safety.
Natural features including the Cocal coconut groves and the Manzanilla River mouth define the unique local landscape.
The location serves as a primary site for traditional Trinidadian social gatherings and recreational fishing activities.

The following account is written from the perspective of a local citizen who has witnessed the transformation of the Manzanilla coastline. The voice is one of appreciative observation, balancing a love for the raw, natural elements of the Atlantic coast with an endorsement of the improved public infrastructure. This first-person narrative serves to guide the reader through the emotional and physical journey of “going down Manzan”, a staple experience in Trinidadian culture.

Manzanilla Beach: A personal journey through the natural splendour of Trinidad’s East Coast

By Marika Mohammed. What I love most about Manzanilla is the views when going to the beach. It’s a long ride, but the drive is smooth and relaxing. There’s nothing better than a drive without a pothole. One can see views from either side. The side of the hills and the lush green grass or the opposite, the roaring waves and coconut trees. Either way, the views are spectacular and the air crisp and clean.

There are points that make people stop and just take in the scenery. Looking at the deep waters and seeing the rippling currents, people tend to fish at these points. If it’s not fishing it’s crab hunting across the mangrove. It’s amazing what people will catch here. From jelly fish to red fish to puffer fish.

Manzanilla clean, convenient and safe

The beach itself I like. It’s clean, convenient and safe. There are benches for picnics and the car park is in eyes’ view. The boardwalk is a great place for pictures, looking at the ocean and taking in the salt ocean air. The water is so warm and great. There’s always someone playing or liming on the shore. Driving back from Manzanilla is just as gorgeous as going to it. The whole thing simply looks picture perfect.

Manzanilla waves in sweet T&T for Sweet TnT Magazine, Culturama Publishing Company, for news in Trinidad, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, with positive how to photography. — *Bathers enjoy the water.*

*Manzanilla road decorated with coconut trees.*

Manzanilla beach — *Visitors walk along the rocky shoreline.*

Manzanilla benches — *A view of the Boardwalk.*

June 2016 – Issue 22 www.sweettntmagazine.com

Manzanilla shore — *Just relaxing at the edge of the water at Manzanilla Beach.*

The Journey to the East

What remains most striking about Manzanilla is the visual progression during the transit to the shore. While the journey from central or western points of the island is considerable, the road conditions facilitate a smooth and relaxing transit. The absence of significant road defects allows the traveller to focus entirely on the shifting environment. To one side, lush green hills and pastoral grass dominate the horizon, while the opposite side reveals the rhythmic arrival of roaring Atlantic waves framed by thousands of leaning coconut trees.

The air quality in this region is notably crisp and clean, providing a sensory reset from urban environments. There are specific intervals along the coastline where the scenery compels a pause. At these junctions, the deep waters and rippling currents become a focal point for locals. These spots are not merely for observation but serve as active hubs for fishing and crab hunting within the nearby mangroves. The biodiversity is significant; catches often range from jellyfish and pufferfish to the highly sought-after red fish.

Infrastructure and amenities

The Manzanilla beach facility has undergone significant improvements to ensure it is clean, convenient and safe for the public. The inclusion of a waterfront boardwalk provides an elevated vantage point for visitors to appreciate the ocean breeze and salt air without traversing the sand. For families and groups, the provision of benches facilitates the traditional picnic atmosphere that is central to the local experience.

Safety and visibility are prioritised through the strategic placement of the car park, which remains within the line of sight from the main recreational areas. The water along this stretch is consistently warm, making it a preferred location for bathers. Whether it is the sight of the river mouth or the iconic Manzanilla road lined with its famous coconut trees, the area maintains a high level of aesthetic appeal.

Evolution of the beach ‘lime’

The cultural significance of Manzanilla has evolved over several decades. In previous eras, a trip to this coast was an intensive domestic undertaking, involving the preparation of large quantities of pelau or macaroni pie for extended family gatherings. These “limes” were defined by children playing cricket on the sand and digging for “chip chip,” a local delicacy found in the shoreline.

In contemporary times, while the “lazy day” approach—relying on external food vendors—has become popular at other beaches like Maracas, the new and improved facilities at Manzanilla have revitalised the appeal of the traditional excursion. The updated beach facility and boardwalk offer a welcoming haven that bridges the gap between childhood nostalgia and modern convenience.