ECOTOURISM - NORTH-EAST 
(Copyright MEP - From Discover Trinidad ) 

The rugged north-eastern coast is one of the loveliest and most unspoilt stretches in all of Trinidad, and a prime location for turtle-watching. 

Grande Rivière: A small, friendly fishing village, whose main beach is a primary nesting location for leatherback turtles. Great for bird watching; home to species such as the endangered Blue-throated Piping-Guan (Pawi), Crimson-crested Woodpecker, and Swallow-tailed Kite. Though one of the more remote areas on the island, there are a number of hotels, guest houses and cottages for rent. Local tour guides are available for rain forest hikes. 

Matelot Village: Matelot Waterfall is a half-day hike from the village centre (ask in the village for directions), or can be reached by boat from where the road ends to the pristine beach at Paria Bay. Great for bird watching. The Paria Waterfall is a shorter, half-mile hike into the forest. 

Matura: Another important spot for leatherback turtle nesting. The award-winning Nature Seekers Inc. is responsible for protecting the area and turtle-watching tours. (Turtle-watchers must get a permit beforehand from the Forestry Department’s Wildlife Division.) The turtle nesting season runs roughly from March to August. 

BEACHES
(Copyright MEP - From Discover Trinidad ) 

Matura: This protected beach is one of Trinidad’s primary locations for leatherback turtle nesting. 

Salybia: A favourite resting point for those journeying to Toco — though it’s also a good final destination if you’re looking for a picnicking spot and a refreshing dip in the sea. Recently enhanced with beach facilities, including changing rooms and showers.

Balandra: A narrow stretch of land shelters Balandra Bay, making it good for swimming. Good body-surfing as well, at the rougher end of the bay. 

Grande Rivière: The river meets the sea here, so you can combine sea bathing and river swimming. During the nesting months (March to August), leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The village is one of Trinidad’s most visitor-friendly communities, with a number of hotels, guest houses and cottages for rent. Local tour guides are available for rain forest hikes. 

Surfing: The north-east coast has several good surf breaks, including Toco, Sans Souci, Matelot and Grande Rivière.