The Surf Window

Manzanilla

Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago

Beach breakIntermediate

A long, dark-sand beach on Trinidad's wild, windy east coast fronting open Atlantic swell, flanked by the largest coconut estate in the Western Hemisphere and completely removed from the tourist trail.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

December–April

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Powerful, consistent beach break, exposed to full Atlantic energy

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The east coast is fully exposed, waves are more consistent but also more powerful than the north coast

Hazards

  • •Strong rips
  • •Strong NE trade winds on the east coast
  • •Remote, limited facilities

Local Tips

  • •The Cocal coconut estate behind the beach is one of Trinidad's most unique landscapes, miles of palms
  • •The Nariva Swamp behind the beach is one of the Caribbean's most important wetlands, extraordinary birdwatching

Location

Map showing the location of Manzanilla in Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago

10.4986, -61.0481