If Maracas Bay is the loud, social, everyone-knows-your-name beach, then Las Cuevas is its quieter, more contemplative sibling. Located just 15 minutes further along the north coast road from Maracas, Las Cuevas offers the same stunning mountain-backed scenery, warm Caribbean waters, and beautiful golden sand — but with a fraction of the crowds. For many Trinidadians, Las Cuevas is actually the preferred beach, offering the peace and space that Maracas can't always provide on busy weekends.
The name "Las Cuevas" means "the caves" in Spanish, a reference to the sea caves found at the eastern end of the bay. These rocky formations add a sense of adventure and drama to what is already one of the most visually striking beaches on the island. The bay itself is long and wide, backed by steep, forested hillsides that create a sense of being enveloped by nature.
Location & How to Get There
Las Cuevas is reached via the same spectacular North Coast Road that takes you to Maracas Bay. From Port of Spain, the drive takes approximately one hour. You'll pass through the Northern Range mountains, take in jaw-dropping views at the various lookout points, and drive past Maracas Bay before continuing along the coast to Las Cuevas. The road beyond Maracas is slightly narrower and less travelled, adding to the sense of escaping to somewhere more remote.
If you're combining a visit with Maracas, consider stopping at Maracas for bake and shark, then continuing to Las Cuevas for the actual beach time — you get the best of both worlds. Taxis from Port of Spain will cost around TT$350-400 each way. If driving, there is a small car park at the beach.
What to Expect
Las Cuevas is a long, curved beach with lighter golden sand and waves that tend to be slightly calmer than Maracas — though they can still be powerful during rough seas. The beach has lifeguards on duty, changing rooms, showers, and toilet facilities. There's a small snack shop, but the food scene here is nothing like the elaborate stall setup at Maracas. Many visitors bring their own coolers with food and drinks.
The eastern end of the beach is where you'll find the famous caves — rocky outcrops and sea caves that you can explore at low tide. Be careful on the rocks, especially when wet, and check tide times before venturing too far. The caves give the beach its unique character and are a wonderful spot for photography.
One of the greatest pleasures of Las Cuevas is simply the space. Even on weekends, you can find a quiet stretch of sand to yourself. The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, with none of the commercial bustle of Maracas. It's the kind of beach where you spread out a blanket, read a book, take a swim, and let the afternoon drift by to the sound of waves.
💡 Top Tip
Bring your own food and drinks in a cooler — the food options at Las Cuevas are much more limited than Maracas. Alternatively, grab bake and shark at Maracas on your way and eat it at Las Cuevas. Genius.
Quick Facts
Location
North Coast, 1 hour from Port of Spain, 15 min past Maracas
Best Time
Any day — it's always quieter than Maracas
Swimming
Lifeguards on duty. Generally calmer waves than Maracas
The Caves
Explore at low tide — rocky sea caves at the eastern end
Getting There
Continue past Maracas on North Coast Road. Small car park
Best For
Families, couples, anyone seeking peace and quiet
Who Is Las Cuevas For?
Las Cuevas is perfect for anyone who loves the idea of a beautiful Caribbean beach without the crowds. Families with young children appreciate the calmer waters and space. Couples enjoy the romantic, secluded atmosphere. Nature lovers are drawn to the caves, the forested backdrop, and the wildlife. And anyone who's done the Maracas scene and wants something different will find exactly what they're looking for here.
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