Beaches Quinam Beach
Probably the most popular south coast beach, Quinam is approximately 1.6 kilometres long, with waters good for swimming, although there are moderate currents along the beach. The sand is fine and brown, although it disappears during high tide. A favourite for weekend family outings, Quinam offers an opportunity to explore trails into the woods. A lifeguard station is posted at this site and a large car park directly faces the beach. A recreational park 150 metres before the beach provides an interpretative centre, huts, tables, benches and barbecue pits. Camping and fishing are popular.
Salybia
Off the Toco Main Road on the north-east coast, the two indentations of Salybia Bay, with its blue-green water and a shoreline of coconut and almond trees, guarantees an attractive sight. An expanse of reef on the eastern section of this windswept beach filters the water, making it a calm, clean swimming area at low tide and a surfers’ paradise at high tide. The western section of the beach does not have a reef and is deeper, with weak easterly currents. There is plenty of shade along the shore, and although snack vendors abound in the vicinity, there are no facilities. Salybia is a popular camping location, with a beach resort located nearby.
Sans Souci Bay
Sans Souci, together with Toco and Salybia Bays, is the surfers’ paradise in Trinidad. The best surfing waves break during the months of November to April. Competitions are
organised by the Surfing Association of T&T and locals welcome visiting surfers. Sans Souci is approximately 300 metres long, with medium-grained, dark grey sand. The water is clearer during the months of May to September, with more ideal swimming conditions during this time. Located along the Paria Main Road, this bay is some 7 km from the Toco Junction along the rugged north coastline and mountainous landscape.
Grande Riviere Bay
Grande Riviere has become internationally known as an important nesting ground for the leatherback turtle (Dermchelys coriacea). The turtle’s nesting season lasts from March to August. There are several hotels nearby. For more on turtle watching see page 76. The beach is approximately 1.2 km long, with coarse yellowish sand and usually clear water. Swimming is safest from May to October; waves are much rougher at other times. The river, a beautiful feature of the area, enters on to the eastern side of the beach.
Mayaro
Many Trinidadians own holiday homes along the CocosManzanilla-Mayaro stretch on the east coast of Trinidad. This beach strip is characterised by swaying coconut trees, and Easter and the July-August vacation are popular times for visiting. “Chip chip” (Donax striatus), a bivalve, is commonly found in the sand, and chip chip cocktail is served by locals. June to August are the best times for swimming at Mayaro, but surging breakers, tidal fluctuations and rip currents make swimming generally dangerous. The sand is fine-grained and light-brown in colour.
Maracas Bay, North Coast Photo: Joshua Joseph
Ins & Outs of Trinidad and Tobago
• 73