Trinidad: 5 ‘Hidden’ North Coast Beaches You Need to Visit

One of my favorite assumptions about island life is that there are beaches around every corner and we spend all of our free time lounging on the sand and playing in the surf. While I wish with all my heart and soul that this was true, the fact is that on an island like Trinidad, it often takes over an hour to get to a beach, depending on where you live. And, if you’re looking for a less crowded stretch of coastline, it could easily take you an additional 30 minutes (or more). But, the drive is always worth it.

In fact, over the past few months I’ve learned that many of our most beautiful beaches are miles away from civilization with barely noticeable entrances and precarious paths. These characteristics mean they’ve remained virtually untouched, secluded slivers of paradise for you to enjoy. Here are 5 ‘hidden’ north coast beaches that you need to visit ASAP.

Yara Bay

Down a rugged path usually strewn with fallen coconut leaves, across the first portion of the beach, up some steps, across a bridge, down more steps and finally you reach Eden. With the river on your left, the ocean on your right and a strip of cinnamon colored sand running straight down the middle, it’s one of those sights you feel you’re drinking in for the very first time, every time you see it. I’m not sure how many people know about Yarra, and of those who do know, I’m not certain very many of them are up for making the trek regularly, so it’s usually a relatively empty spot where you can enjoy swinging over the water, scaling the rocks, taking a dip in the cool river and just lounging on the beach. 

Getting there:

100 Steps Beach

A rugged path covered in mud, a broken staircase, an aging rope and a leap of faith onto the sand – that’s how I reluctantly landed on 100 Steps Beach. To say I was not psyched about the effort required to get to this beach, would be an understatement. I’m relatively adventurous when I set my mind to it, but sliding down a slippery cliff where steps should have been wasn’t my idea of ‘fun’. However, once my feet were safely planted on firm ground, I quickly got over my skepticism and fell in love. Yes, next-level commitment is required to access 100 Steps but it is absolutely worth it. Not very many people will make the effort on any given day so it’s ideal if you’re seeking seclusion. The water is relatively calm, compared to other beaches in the area so it’s nice for swimming (advisable only if you’re a strong swimmer), but also great for sunbathing, picnics and just a chill group lime.  

L’anse Mitan Beach

The wooden archway at the entrance of this beach might be a little hard to spot if you’re not looking for it, but once you find it, just follow the winding walkway from the road to the sand. L’anse Mitan is a relatively popular spot for surfers but also a great retreat for those who just want to avoid the crowds. I can’t speak for the state of the beach when the surfers descend, but I was fortunate enough to visit when the waves weren’t necessarily cooperating and it was completely deserted for most of the time we were there. There are low hanging coconut trees, perfect for lounging and the occasional photo op; a decent sized cave, perfect for setting up camp if dark spaces don’t creep you out; and a wide beach perfect for a game of frisbee, cricket, or football. 

Ti Delma Beach

The path down to Ti Delma is unpaved, rocky and slippery when wet, but it’s definitely worth the effort. This little cove is lined by thick foliage so there’s no shortage of shade if your plan is to avoid the sun. The surf is rough (in my opinion) so I wouldn’t recommend it if your plan is to enjoy a swim, or at the very least a quick dip. However, if you’re content to just lay out on the sand, bask in the cool, crisp breeze and enjoy the good company you came with, Ti Delma will suit you just fine. We had this piece of coastline all to ourselves for quite some time before two separate families arrived, but everyone found themselves a little corner to settle into without invading anyone else’s space.

Blanchisseuse Bay

This beach is quite popular but I still count it as ‘hidden’ because for many who don’t frequent this part of the island, it is easy to miss. It only requires a short drive/walk off the road to get to this stretch of coastline, but if you’re unfamiliar with the turn-off (like me) you can drive right by. Note: If you’re looking for seclusion, “Blanchi” (as it’s commonly called) isn’t your destination. Surfers, sunbathers, even kayakers frequent this location to take advantage of the massive waves, large stretches of sand, and the calm, clear water of the Marianne River where kayaks are available for rent. But, even with the sizable group of people congregated at this beach, it never feels cluttered as there is a lot of real estate – enough for everyone to pick their spot, hunker down and keep out of each other’s way.

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I admit, some of these beaches may be common knowledge to quite a few people. But for those who aren’t aware of their existence, they’re hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, whether you live in Trinidad or you’re just visiting, if you have some time on your hands, I encourage you to drive on past Maracas (stop for bake and shark of course!) and Las Cuevas, and acquaint yourselves with these lesser known but absolutely breathtaking spots.

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