blanchisseuse beach

Blanchisseuse beach is one of my favorites in Trinidad but be aware that you have to get up early in the morning and the road beyond Filette gets bumpy. We arrived at 0900, entrence fee was 15TT$ but you get some amenities now compared to previous years inlcuding restrooms, foot washing area and changing room. The beach area itself was clean and, possibly due to the longer drive, not many people were there. We actually were the first visitors of the day. Even at lunch time not more than 20-30 people were there (and we were here directly after carnival where usually everyone in Trinidad goes to the beach and a lot of tourists are still on the island). We left at 1300 and when we reached Las Cuevas and Maracas the beaches there were packed! So if you want to have a less-crowded beach keep on driving to Blanchisseuse bay.As mentioned by previous reviewers the waters at Blanchisseuse bay were rough (as always). There are strong rip currents going westwards in the water which can pull you dangerously close to the rocks at the west end of the beach and swimming is definitely for experienced swimmers only. There are no life guards at the beach. Definitely no swimming for kids. Nevertheless, kids can bade in the Marianne river which is entering the sea at Blanchisseuse bay. There, you can also wash off the sand in case you were swimming in the sea. The river is clean with crystal clear water and lots of fish and tadpoles. However, the beach between the river area and the parking lot is dirty (left overs from picnics, broken bottles etc.). Nevertheless, the polluted area remains small and can easily circumvented by walking close to the water. Watch your step in the river because there are single tree branches on the ground. Further in, the ground gets more and more "slicky" because of algae and algae-covered stones and sticks (especially close to the area with the water lilies). For those who want to swim in the sea: The challenge is to overcome two lines of pretty rough waves rather than usually one to reach deeper thus calmer water. In addition, the rip currents have to be taken into account. Start east because you will get pulled westwards twice: on the way out and on the way back in. Do not fight the rip current because you would waste important energy and you would not stand a chance anyway. Just be aware that on the western end the beach gets sole rock and you have to reach the beach again before you get there! Due to high tide the rip currents were strong and, thinking about it right now, it was a really stupid thing to do.In summary: A secluded beach and not crowded; due to the presence of a river suitable for everyone (including families with kids); swimming in the sea quite risky due to rough waves and strong rip currents. Nevertheless, I always come back. One of my favorite beaches because of few people only.

This beach is average but the long drive to get there is a huge turn off. Parking is to be paid. The cleanliness of the beach is not good and the water is rough. There are better beaches on the island.

Wonderful family experience, safe, picturesque, beautiful drive to location. Lovely sand and waves. Food available for sale.

Had a chance to visit with friends and family loved it. There is an option to bathe in the river or in the sea so if you get fed up of one you can go in the other. Did kayaking something I always wanted to do for a long time and it was really enjoyable. Highly recommend.

Water was rough the day we were there. The beach was nice, but we prefer a beach where we can swim as well. There was a place where the mouth of the Marianne River enters the sea. It was a place to swim, but not really that deep. We entered at the side of the restaurant attached to the Laguna Mar Beach Hotel. It is chained off with a sign that says private property. We went under the chain, believing it was to keep cars out.

Generally, the water gets rougher the further you move up the North Coast, and Blanchisseuse is the end of line (by car, anyway). The town is small and friendly, and the beach is lovely, but the water is often too rough for swimming, and there can be dangerous rips. Ask the locals about conditions, and keep your feet under you. No lifeguards, and not really any facilities there.

This is a very popular weekend getaway is in the North Coast, about 1,30 hours from Port of SpainIn addition you'll find hiking trails that lead to the near waterfall. Nature is beautiful but infrastructure at the beach is rather poor

Lovely relaxed feeling here - not like some of the bigger beaches nearer Port of Spain. We visited in early August and were lucky to see baby leatherbacks hatching and scuttling down the beach. Amazing

Be careful though, extreme hidden sandbanks where you may break your collarbone! Oops. We all loved this beach but take care in the sea, the rip rises are strong. The back drop is beautiful and there is plenty of shade.

This beach is like paradise. A river flows from the mountains Into the ocean and is a big attraction for visitors. It has great picnic spots under the huge trees. You can park your car on the road next to the hotel or on the beach next to the hotel, where you pay an entrance fee. The rocks on this beach is unique and a must for photographers. The waves are awesome and sunrise and sunsets are spectacular. A great pity is pollution by Locals. Bottles, plastic, cans and food containers are left on this popular little beach. Turtle season is on and you can see huge Leather Back turtles laying their eggs on the beach and are you are allowed flash lights and to take photos after she laid over a hundred eggs. It is an awesome experience and the guards measure them for records. It takes 2-3 hours from coming out the ocean, lay her eggs, cover her tracks and go back in the water. A must see during the next few months.

Not overly crowded and usually quiet, this is one of the best beaches, if not the best, in Trinidad. Parking is available for a small fee with bathrooms and food stalls too. It's much quieter than the usual hustle and bustle at Maracas. Swimming in the river is nice. The ocean itself does have rough currents and waves, so exercise caution. Not suitable for small kids swimming. Overall, an excellent beach worth the drive.

Sometimes in traveling the journey is just as beautiful and awesome as the destination. For us, a visit to Blanchisseuse Bay from Port Of Spain happens to be the case.Driving along the North Coast of Trinidad turns out to be one of the more spectacular drives we have ever taken to go to the beach. The views of places like Maracas and Tyrico Bay are fantastic especially contrasted with the lush green tropical foliage along the highway. At one point we even make a stop to sample truly fresh and natural mountain spring water.Arriving at Blanchisseuse Bay after driving through some unique villages on some interesting roads, we pay a US$1 for parking and practically have the whole beach with pebble brown sand to ourselves.Although the beach has a continuous stream of crashing waves and surf, the area to the right side where we chose to enter the water has a smooth floor. Standing in waist high water it is fun to body surf and be trashed around by the waves. Across from us is a fresh water river that flows into the ocean via an interesting stream. Leaving the crashing salt water waves we walk across a sand barrier between the ocean and the river. Finding the right spot we take a seat in the clear river water but hold on as it streams rapidly to it's salt kin.On the right day you can find a man name Eric Blackman who will rent you a kayak to use in a small portion of this river. For us, it is unfortunate that during our visit he was busy preparing for the upcoming Easter weekend and we missed out on the opportunity. Maybe you will have better luck.If you would like to spend more time at Blanchisseuse Bay I did notice a few hotels or guest houses in the area where even camping is available. Being here is so relaxing that no matter how much or little time you spend here I think you will enjoy this magnificent part of Trinidad and nature.

I would also advise anyone to visit damien's bay on the way back from blanchisseuse,beaches are well kept and the drive down is fantastic,we also visted the three pools which is a small hike when you reach the spring bride in blanchisseuse

Beautiful family beach for holidays and weekend getaways, roads needs improving.

This beach may look good in photos, but it's full of trash and many of the nests of the endangered leatherback turtles have been destroyed by roaming dogs. If you find trashed habitats depressing, avoid this one.