Maracas Beach, the most well-known beach in Trinidad. Maracas Bay is bounded at both ends by prominent headlands. Three rivers enter the western end of the bay; two are seasonal and the third, the Maracas River, is perennial. There is a small swamp south of the North Coast Road, part of which has been converted into a car park. A fishing village is located at the western end of the bay. The beach is approximately 1.8 km long, composed of fine-grained, off-white quartz sand and slopes moderately into the sea. Unlike other north coast beaches, it is backed by a large coastal plain consisting of a backshore landscaped with almond trees and coconut palms.  Swimming, body surfing, sun bathing and camping are popular recreational activities at Maracas. Facilities include a car park located south of the North Coast Road and huts and picnic tables on the beach. Change rooms with showers and toilets are also available for a fee. Vendors sell ‘bake and shark’ and other local dishes from stalls located on the backshore and in the car park.  Maracas Beach is approximately 29 kilometres from Traum House Lodge.