Mayaro Beach is Trinidad's great east coast escape. Located on the island's Atlantic-facing shore, this sweeping, seemingly endless stretch of golden sand runs for over five kilometres, making it one of the longest continuous beaches in Trinidad. Unlike the mountain-enclosed north coast beaches, Mayaro is flat, open, and expansive — a place where the sky feels enormous, the coconut palms lean lazily in the trade winds, and the Atlantic Ocean rolls in with a rhythm all its own.
For Trinidadians, Mayaro is synonymous with beach house weekends. Generations of families have rented or owned beach houses along this stretch of coast, coming down from Port of Spain and central Trinidad to spend weekends swimming, cooking, liming (the Trinidadian art of hanging out), and simply enjoying the slower pace of east coast life. If Maracas is where you go for the day, Mayaro is where you go for the weekend.
Location & How to Get There
Mayaro is located on the southeast coast of Trinidad, approximately a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from Port of Spain. The journey takes you through the heart of the island — through Chaguanas, past the sugar cane fields of central Trinidad, and through the rural villages of the east coast. It's a very different Trinidad to the busy north, and the drive itself offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's agricultural and cultural heartland.
There is no public transport directly to Mayaro beach — you'll need to drive or hire a taxi. Car hire is recommended for east coast trips as it gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding area. The road is good and well-maintained the entire way.
Turtle Nesting Season
One of Mayaro's most extraordinary attractions is the leatherback turtle nesting that takes place between March and August each year. These magnificent creatures — the largest of all sea turtles, weighing up to 700kg — haul themselves ashore under cover of darkness to lay their eggs in the sand. Watching a leatherback turtle nest is a profoundly moving experience, and Mayaro is one of the best places in Trinidad to witness it.
Turtle watching must be done with an approved guide or through an organised tour to ensure the turtles are not disturbed. Nature Seekers, a community-based organisation, runs turtle watching tours from the nearby Matura Beach. Never approach nesting turtles without guidance — they are critically endangered and protecting them is essential.
🐢 Turtle Season
Leatherback turtles nest from March to August, with peak nesting in April and May. Hatchlings emerge 60-70 days after laying. For the best chance of seeing nesting activity, visit between 8pm and 4am with an approved guide.
What to Expect
Mayaro's beach is wide, flat, and perfect for long walks, beach cricket, and splashing in the waves. The water is warm but the Atlantic surf can be rougher than the north coast — keep an eye on conditions and don't swim out too far. There are no lifeguards on this stretch, so exercise caution.
The beach house culture means that the coast is dotted with rental properties, from basic to comfortable. Several guesthouses and small resorts also operate in the area. The atmosphere is distinctly local — you won't find tourist infrastructure here, and that's part of the charm. Bring your own supplies, cook your own food, and settle into the rhythm of east coast life.
Quick Facts
Location
Southeast coast, 2-2.5 hours from Port of Spain
Length
Over 5km of continuous sandy beach
Turtles
Leatherback nesting March-August. Approved guides only
Accommodation
Beach house rentals, guesthouses, small resorts
Swimming
Atlantic surf — can be rough. No lifeguards. Exercise caution
Best For
Weekend getaways, nature lovers, turtle watching, families