Beachfront
TurtlesLodges along the beach.
Village guide
Things to do in Grande Rivière
A remote village on Trinidad's north coast and one of the most important leatherback turtle nesting beaches in the world: guided night watches from March to August, a river and rainforest to explore, and birdlife in the hills.
Mar–Aug
Leatherback nesting
2–3
Days
Where the leatherbacks nest
Grande Rivière is a small village at the end of the road on Trinidad's north-east coast, about three hours from Port of Spain. A river runs into the sea beside a long, steep beach backed by rainforest.
From March to August, leatherback turtles, the largest turtles on earth, come ashore at night to nest, in some of the highest densities anywhere. The beach is protected during the season, and visitors watch on guided tours run by trained local guides. From around May, hatchlings begin to emerge.
The village has a handful of eco-lodges and guesthouses. Give Grande Rivière two or three days, ideally in the nesting season.
Where to base yourself
Stay in one of the eco-lodges or guesthouses along the beach.
Village
LocalThe village by the river.
Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Grande Rivière
Join a guided night watch on the beach during the nesting season, roughly March to August, to see leatherbacks lay their eggs. A permit is required, and local guides arrange it; follow their rules on lights and distance.
Swim in the Grande Rivière river where it meets the sea, and walk the trails to waterfalls and swimming holes in the forest.
Watch for birds such as the endangered Trinidad piping guan, and stop at the Asa Wright Nature Centre or Matura on the way.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The beach outside nesting hours, the river and the village are free.
Walking the forest edge for birds costs nothing.
Turtle watching requires a permit and guide.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
Most visitors eat at their lodge, with Creole food, fish, and vegetarian options for €10 to €20 a meal. There are a few small shops.
Try local cocoa and fresh fruit.
A 10 to 15 per cent tip is usual in restaurants; check the bill first, as some add a service charge.
Nightlife
Going out
There is no nightlife: the night belongs to the turtles.
A beer at your lodge costs €2 to €4.
Getting around
Getting around
Grande Rivière is about three hours from Port of Spain by car, via Arima and Toco along a winding coast road. Public transport is limited, with route taxis to Sangre Grande and Toco; most visitors drive or arrange transport with their lodge.
The village is walkable.
Costs
What Grande Rivière costs
Lodge and guesthouse rooms start at around €50 to €90 a night; there are no hostels. Meals cost €10 to €20.
The turtle-viewing permit and guide cost a few euros each, and forest guides about €20 to €40.
The currency is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TT$); prices here are converted to euros at roughly TT to €1. There are no ATMs; bring cash.
Safety
Safety and scams
Grande Rivière is a quiet village. The sea is rough and currents strong; swim in the river mouth or ask locally.
Drive the north coast road by day; it is winding and narrow.
Tap water is generally safe, but many people drink bottled water, especially after heavy rain. In an emergency, call 999 for the police, 990 for the fire service or 811 for an ambulance.
Worth the trip
The north-east coast.
Port of Spain
The capital.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The turtle season.
Roughly March to August
Leatherback nesting
Grande Rivière beach
Guided night watches.
From about May
Hatchlings
Grande Rivière beach
Baby turtles head to sea.
January to May
Dry season
North coast
Easier roads.
When to go
Leatherbacks nest from roughly March to August, with hatchlings from about May. January to May is the dry season. Trinidad lies south of the main hurricane belt.
Jan
Dry
Feb
Dry
Mar
Nesting begins
Apr
Nesting peak
May
Nesting peak, first hatchlings
Jun
Nesting and hatchlings
Jul
Hatchlings
Aug
Season ends
Sep
Quiet
Oct
Wettest
Nov
Wet
Dec
Quiet
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Warm all year.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on Grande Rivière prices.
Treat these as a guide.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Grande Rivière questions
The ones we get asked most.
When can I see leatherbacks?
Roughly March to August, with the peak from about April to June.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, for night turtle watching; local guides arrange it.
How do I get to Grande Rivière?
By car, about three hours from Port of Spain.
Are there ATMs?
No; bring cash.
Where can I stay?
Eco-lodges and guesthouses on the beach.
How many days do I need?
Two to three.
When is the best time to visit?
April to June.
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