The Surf Window

Maracas Bay

San Juan-Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago

Beach breakIntermediate

Trinidad's most famous beach combines a consistent, punchy beach break with the island's legendary shark and bake beach food scene, the spiritual home of weekend surf culture in Trinidad, where locals have been riding Atlantic swell for generations.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

S

Offshore

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

December–April

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Punchy, powerful beach break, can be hollow on the right sandbar

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The north coast is fully exposed to Atlantic groundswells, the beach break has real power

Hazards

  • •Strong rips near the river mouth at the eastern end
  • •Rocky headlands at both ends of the beach
  • •Very crowded on weekends, beach is Trinidad's most popular

Local Tips

  • •Richard's and Maracas Bake and Shark are legendary, try both for the ultimate shark and bake comparison
  • •Arrive early, parking fills up by 9am on weekends and the beach gets crowded quickly

Location

Map showing the location of Maracas Bay in San Juan-Laventille, Trinidad and Tobago

10.7656, -61.4330