‘You absolutely must go to Maracas Bay,’ I’m informed by a smiling resident of Port of Spain, ‘and you absolutely must try the Bake n shark.’
‘Bacon Shark?’ I reply.
‘You heard me,’ a wide smile, teeth flashing. ‘Bake n shark.’
The road to Maracas Bay
The road to Maracas Bay. Photo credit: Benjamin White
Trinidad, a Caribbean Island amongst the best of them, is more mangrove wetland than coral atoll.
But it isn’t all mangroves. Along the rugged northern coastline, amongst the steep, green cliffs, within those deeply-recessed bays?
Idyllic beaches!
Photo credit: Benjamin White
It takes about an hour to drive from Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad, to Maracas Bay.
The distance isn’t all that great, but the road is narrow and winding, and there are glimpses of stunning coastline along the way that are sure hold you back.
Photo credit: Amrita Ronnachit
The first thing that will happen at Maracas Bay is the banana chair lenders will get you.
But you’re on holidays. Don’t worry about it. Get yourself a large beach umbrella and a low-slung chair and relax.
Photo credit: Amrita Ronnachit
Maracas Bay – be warned – is touristy.
It’s one of the few noticeably touristy spots I visited in Trinidad.
But it’s the premier beach on the island. What do you expect?
Photo credit: Benjamin White
When you’ve at last had your fill of the beach, it’s time to venture amongst the line of shacks and stalls in the hind-beach area.
It’s time for bake n shark.
Bake n shark
Ami meets Bake n shark. Photo credit: Benjamin White
What is bake n shark?
It’s a generous portion of deep-fried, herb-spiced fish on a flatbread bun with coleslaw, pineapple, tomato, and a multitude of sauces.
It’s delicious, and it’s up there with doubles as my favourite Trinidadian dish.
Photo credit: Amrita Ronnachit
Practical information and how to reach Maracas Bay:
Maracas Bay is just over 30 km from Port of Spain. There are infrequent public buses that make the trip from the capital. Otherwise join a tour or hire a car for the day.
More transport info here.
More on Trinidad and Tobago:
Grande Riviere Beach – leatherback turtle egg laying
My favourite beaches:
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Beaches of the Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone
Secret Lagoon Beach, Philippines
Or visit my Top 10 Beaches page.
More on the Caribbean:
Barbados:
Bridgetown – famous residents: George Washington and Rihanna
Brownes Beach – hawksbill turtles, aquamarine waters, and jet blades
Costa Rica:
Cahuita National Park – sleep in, go at midday, what animals will I see?
Cuba:
Havana – murals of Che, cocktails of Hemingway, billboards of Fidel
Wonderful looking beach, and Ami looks like she is really enjoying that Bake n Shark!! A good spot for relaxing.
Kazzieandkitty
Yep, the bake n shark gets my tick of approval 🙂