• ABOUT THE SPOT

Surfing in Grande Riviere, Trinidad, Trinidad & Tobago

Skill Level :
All
Best Wind Direction:
South, Southwest
Type:
Beach-Break
Bottom:
Sandy With Rocks
Trinidad and Tobago is an island country that is situated just off the coast of northeastern Venezuela. Both Trinidad and Tobago islands surprise visitors with their unspoiled natural beauty that is not found in most of the other Caribbean islands. The climate here is classified as tropical with two seasons annually, the dry and rainy season and the winds are usually influenced by the northeast trade winds. The islands are known not only for their beautiful sandy beaches, but also for their carnivals. Trinidad boasts one of the largest carnivals in the world that promises to get you in the festive spirit.

Grande Riviere is a small village that is situated on the north coast of Trinidad, about 100 km/62.2 mi from the capital city, Port of Spain. It is home to one of the most important Leatherback turtle nesting beaches in the world. During the nesting season, the beach is closed at night, but it is open during the day at any time of the year.

Grande Riviere beach is a sheltered beach-break that is very popular among surfers. The optimum wind direction blows from the south and southwest, while the ideal swell direction is from the north. The swell size starts working at 1-1.5 m/3-5 ft and holds up to 3 m/10 ft. The site provides both left and right hand waves and accommodates all kind of surfers. In addition, the best tide position is mid and high tide and the ideal tide movement is rising tides. At summer the wind blows onshore 72%, at autumn it blows 67%, at winter 83% and at spring 62%.

Note that you should be careful of rocks and rips. Finally, if you find yourself in the area, do not miss the chance to visit the large Grande Riviere river, which enters the sea at the eastern end of the beach.