Summary

The article recounts the author's long-awaited visit to Maracas Beach in Trinidad and Tobago after COVID-related closures, emphasizing the joy and beauty experienced at this popular destination.

Abstract

The author, JoAnn Ryan, shares her delight in finally visiting Maracas Beach after a prolonged wait due to pandemic-induced beach closures. She describes the beach as a source of great joy and a mood booster, highlighting the scenic drive, the local snacks, and the overall experience of relaxation and fun with her husband, Andy. Despite the harrowing drive through crowded streets and winding mountain paths, the arrival at Maracas Beach, with its magnificent Caribbean Ocean views, is deemed well worth the journey. The article is punctuated with personal anecdotes and vibrant photographs that capture the essence of their visits, showcasing the beach as a place of natural beauty and tranquility.

Opinions

The author expresses a strong affection for the beach, citing it as one of her favorite places for its serene atmosphere and natural beauty.
The beach is considered a great mood booster by the author, suggesting that the environment has a positive impact on one's emotional well-being.
The article conveys a sense of frustration and loss due to the beach closures during the COVID pandemic, which made the eventual visit even more appreciated.
The author holds a favorable view of the local snacks, particularly highlighting the mango and pineapple chow, and sweetmeat coconut cake as local favorites and personal preferences.
The scenic drive to Maracas Beach, although challenging, is considered an essential part of the experience that enhances the anticipation and enjoyment of the destination.
The author emphasizes the beauty of the Caribbean Ocean and the charm of the beach's surroundings, suggesting that these elements contribute significantly to the beach's popularity.
The article suggests that the waiting period during the beach closures made the reunion with the beach "that much sweeter," implying that absence can heighten appreciation for a beloved place.

Writing — Travel & Photography

Majestic Maracas Beach, at Last!

Beach closures due to COVID made it a long wait indeed, but it was worth it

Beautiful Maracas Beach — Trinidad & Tobago — Photo by JoAnn Ryan

Spending the day at the beach is one of my all-time favorite activities. I love the ocean air, the breeze, the swaying palm trees, the tide coming in and I love drinking in the sunshine while looking out over the beautiful water… under a nice shady tree of course.

The beach is a great mood booster!

Maracas Beach — Trinidad & Tobago — Photo by JoAnn Ryan

When we first arrived in Trinidad last year the beaches remained closed from when COVID first hit in 2020. We ended up being here for about six months without being able to go to the beach at all! Terrible!

Well, we did end up making up for lost time. We went several times before the rainy season set in. Now, with all the sporadic heavy rain, we are finding ourselves pining away for the beach once again.

I suppose having to wait just serves to make it that much sweeter when the time to go comes around again.

Maracas Beach is by far the most popular beach here in Trinidad, and though it’s less than 30 miles away, the drive is a rather harrowing one. One must first navigate the crowded, narrow streets of San Juan, pass through the charming town of Santa Cruz and then wind along a twisting path through thick trees and foliage.

The drive becomes well worth it though, when the magnificent Caribbean Ocean first begins to peek out from the mountains. Soon thereafter, there’s a lookout to stop and take photos and purchase local snacks and wares. The first three in the photos below were taken at this lookout.

The scene is really breathtaking.

Maracas Bay — Trinidad & Tobago — Photo by JoAnn Ryan

Snacks we usually purchase: my husband usually opts for mango or pineapple chow or something similar, which is heavy on the salt, culantro and peppers. It’s a local favorite here in Trinidad.

On the other hand, I usually opt for something sweet, like this sweetmeat coconut cake that was delicious, but was indeed sweet! I took small bites from it throughout the day and had plenty to take home and nibble at the next day.

The last photo above is from the beach itself after getting settled in on one of our many trips.

We eat, we drink, we relax, we swim and we just enjoy!

Here’s the proof:

Andy & JoAnn at Maracas Beach — Trinidad & Tobago — Photos and graphic by JoAnn Ryan on Canva

It’s always a great time!

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