
Las Cuevas Beach
A beautiful, crescent-shaped beach on Trinidad's North Coast, known for its calm waters and lush surroundings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat crowds & sandflies

Las Cuevas Beach
Best Time
Beat crowds & sandflies

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, crescent-shaped beach on Trinidad's North Coast, known for its calm waters and lush surroundings.
"Arguably the best beach in Trinidad with clear, calm water, perfect for families. "

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The main car park fills quickly, especially on weekends. Consider the secondary car park if needed. :car:
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Sandflies can be a significant issue. Protect yourself to fully enjoy the beach experience. :bug:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm, Clear Waters
Main beach area
Perfect for families and relaxed swimming, with gentle waves and clear visibility. Ideal for a peaceful beach day.

Crescent-Shaped Bay
Entire beach
A picturesque setting backed by lush, wooded hills, offering a more secluded and natural vibe.

Blue Flag Beach Status
Beach entrance
Recognized for its environmental standards and safety, making it a well-maintained and responsible choice.

Fort Abercromby Views
Near Las Cuevas Beach
Just a short drive away, this historic site offers stunning coastline views and a glimpse into the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Sandflies
Facilities & Food Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The main car park fills quickly, especially on weekends. Consider the secondary car park if needed. :car:
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Sandflies can be a significant issue. Protect yourself to fully enjoy the beach experience. :bug:
💰 Bring Cash for Vendors
Most food and rental vendors operate on a cash-only basis. :moneybag:
💧 Facilities Need Upgrade
Restrooms and showers are often in poor condition. Manage expectations or use facilities elsewhere. :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The main car park fills quickly, especially on weekends. Consider the secondary car park if needed. :car:
🦟 Pack Insect Repellent
Sandflies can be a significant issue. Protect yourself to fully enjoy the beach experience. :bug:
💰 Bring Cash for Vendors
Most food and rental vendors operate on a cash-only basis. :moneybag:
💧 Facilities Need Upgrade
Restrooms and showers are often in poor condition. Manage expectations or use facilities elsewhere. :toilet:
🌊 Check Wave Conditions
While usually calm, waves can become rough, especially by midday. :ocean:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Las Cuevas Beach is praised for its calm, clear waters, making it ideal for families, and its beautiful, natural scenery. However, visitors frequently note the poor condition of the facilities and the persistent issue of sandflies, which can detract from the experience.
"Las cuevas beach is definitely a favorite for families with small children. The waves are significantly calmer than maracas. We arrived around 8.30 am and the main car park was already full so we had to park at the secondary carpark at the top. There's a steep ramp from there to the beach. At that hour, the beach was very calm and there was barely a ripple. The beach has very little shells and few stones and the water is pretty clear and we even found a sand dollar on the beach!
. We rented an umbrella and 2 chairs for $140TT and stayed the day.
It's less 'vibesy' than maracas and there's a lot of beach landscape so persons can spread out along the beach as they please making it less crowded looking.
By midday, there was a fair amount of people.
There's not as many food choices as maracas ( there's a lady selling pholourie, bake and shark, fried chicken bites and fries) at the entrance. Her food is good but it's $50 a meal and the service is slower than what you'd get at Maracas and of course, as it's a very small business she only takes cash.
There's also another vendor selling pineapple chow fresh on the spot (amazing chow btw 10/10-would buy again)
There's a few other carts selling ice cream and sno-cone about and another vendor selling snacks and preservatives.
By 1.30pm the waves started getting 'maracas style' and we packed up to leave. Which brings me to the issue of the change rooms...
The change rooms are in a deplorable condition (thank heavens they know not to charge you to use that!)
The showers are pipes in broken cracks in the wall and the entire floor of the change room is a shallow pool of sand and water. It was a solid 0/10 --I will never use that restroom again.
It needs a serious upgrade and they need to build some family change rooms like what's at Maracas. The facility needs a LOT of improvement.
Las cuevas has a lot of potential to be as great as Maracas if they would renovate and improve the infrastructure.
Update: the sandflies on the beach are excessive.walk with some bug/insect repellent and stay off the layin in the sand because our entire family had a rash from sandfly bites the next day after our visit to the beach esp our youngest who was laying in the sand making sand castles"
Maria Ferdinand- Benn
"always a calm clean beach with good washroom,nice relax vibes"
Adesh singh
"Arguably the best beach in Trinidad with facilities etc, highly recommend to tourists..water is clear and calm... stop at Maracas for your bake n shark and simply take the 10 mins drive up the road, SAND FLIES WILL GIVE YOU A HARD TIME ..."
NICKOLAI GOMEZ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Las Cuevas Beach is located on the North Coast of Trinidad. The most common way to get there is by car, taking approximately 45-60 minutes from Port of Spain. You can drive along the scenic North Coast Road, passing Maracas Bay. Taxis are also available, but it's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand.
Public transportation directly to Las Cuevas Beach is limited. While buses go to Maracas Bay, you would likely need to arrange a taxi or shared ride from there to Las Cuevas.
The driving distance from Port of Spain to Las Cuevas Beach is roughly 20-25 miles (32-40 km), depending on the exact starting point and route taken.
Yes, the drive along the North Coast Road is very scenic, offering stunning ocean views and lush rainforest landscapes. It's a popular route for road trips.
Las Cuevas Beach is well-signposted along the North Coast Road. Look for signs directing you to the beach entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to access Las Cuevas Beach itself. However, parking fees may apply in designated car parks.
Las Cuevas Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict official opening or closing times posted, but lifeguards are usually present during peak times.
No, advance booking is not required for Las Cuevas Beach. It's a public beach, and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis for parking.
Generally, there are no strict restrictions on bringing your own food and drinks to Las Cuevas Beach. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of waste and keep the beach clean.
Yes, Las Cuevas Beach is highly recommended for families with small children due to its typically calm and clear waters, which are significantly less wavy than Maracas Bay.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Facilities include restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and chair/umbrella rentals. However, reviews indicate that restrooms and showers can be in poor condition and require significant upgrades.
Yes, there are vendors on-site who rent out chairs and umbrellas. Prices can vary, so be sure to confirm the cost.
Lifeguards are typically present at Las Cuevas Beach, especially during peak hours and seasons, to ensure visitor safety.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can explore small caves along the shore, relax on the soft sand, or enjoy the scenic views.
Las Cuevas Beach can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is recommended to secure parking and a good spot. It tends to be less crowded-looking than Maracas due to its larger expanse.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options are limited to a few vendors at the beach entrance, offering items like pholourie, bake and shark, fried chicken bites, fries, pineapple chow, ice cream, and sno-cones.
Yes, you can find bake and shark from one of the vendors. However, some visitors recommend stopping at Maracas Bay for a wider selection and potentially faster service before heading to Las Cuevas.
No, most food vendors at Las Cuevas Beach operate on a cash-only basis. It's advisable to have sufficient cash on hand.
While there are limited vendors directly on the beach, there are some food establishments located about 5 minutes before reaching Las Cuevas Beach on the right-hand side, offering seafood.
Maracas Bay generally offers more food choices and a more established 'bake and shark' scene. Las Cuevas has fewer options but can be a good stop if you're already there.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the crescent-shaped bay, the calm waters, and the lush green hills. The views from Fort Abercromby nearby are also spectacular for coastal photography.
Las Cuevas Beach offers beautiful aerial views of the coastline and the bay, making it a great location for drone photography.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
Look for the small caves along the shore and the unique textures of the sand. The contrast between the blue water and green hills is also very photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the beach itself is family-friendly, be prepared for potential issues with facilities. The restrooms and showers are often reported to be in poor condition, so managing expectations or planning accordingly is advised. Packing plenty of snacks and drinks is also a good idea, as food options are limited and cash-only. Don't forget insect repellent for sandflies!
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Relaxation Seekers
While it's less 'vibesy' than Maracas, the spaciousness allows visitors to spread out, enhancing the feeling of tranquility. Renting chairs and umbrellas can add to the comfort. Just be mindful of the sandflies and pack repellent to ensure your relaxation isn't interrupted.
📸 Photographers & Scenery Enthusiasts
For unique shots, explore the small caves along the shoreline. Early morning or late afternoon light will enhance the colors and textures, creating memorable images. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the full beauty of the bay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Sandfly Situation
Travelers strongly advise carrying insect repellent with DEET or other effective ingredients. Applying it liberally, especially to exposed skin and before sitting directly on the sand, can greatly mitigate the problem. Some visitors suggest avoiding lying directly on the sand altogether if sandflies are active.
While the beach's beauty is undeniable, being prepared for sandflies is crucial for a comfortable visit. It's a trade-off for experiencing this less-developed, natural paradise.
Facilities: Potential vs. Reality
However, reviews consistently highlight that the existing facilities, particularly the restrooms and showers, are in a deplorable state. Many visitors describe them as needing serious upgrades, with broken fixtures and unsanitary conditions. This stark contrast between the beach's natural beauty and the poor state of its infrastructure is a recurring theme in feedback.
While chair and umbrella rentals are available, and there are food vendors offering local treats, the lack of well-maintained public facilities can detract from the overall experience. Visitors hoping for a fully equipped beach day might be disappointed by the restroom situation.
Exploring Nearby Attractions
For those interested in culinary experiences, there are food vendors located about five minutes before reaching Las Cuevas Beach. These vendors offer a variety of local delights, including seafood like fish and shrimp, which have been positively reviewed. This can be a great opportunity to sample authentic Trinidadian flavors before or after your beach visit.
While Las Cuevas is known for its calmer waters compared to Maracas Bay, some visitors suggest stopping at Maracas Bay first for its famous bake and shark and then continuing to Las Cuevas for a more relaxed atmosphere. This allows you to experience the best of both worlds on a North Coast excursion.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit