‘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

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