Things To Do
in Claxton Bay

Claxton Bay is a coastal town on Trinidad’s southern shore, known for its working fishing community and warm Caribbean hospitality. It sits along the Gulf of Paria, offering easy access to beaches and waterfront scenery while remaining less touristy than Port of Spain or Scarborough. The area blends residential life with markets, local eateries, and sea breezes that characterize southern Trinidad.

Expect a laid-back vibe with opportunities to sample authentic Trinidadian cuisine and observe everyday coastal culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Coastal Beauty
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing walk along the picturesque beaches of Claxton Bay, soaking in the sunrise and the soothing sounds of the waves. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Trinidadian dishes. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant marine life as you stroll along the shoreline.

afternoon
:

Indulge in a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant, taste local seafood specialties while enjoying breathtaking ocean views. After lunch, visit the nearby nature reserves to experience the diverse flora and fauna, making sure to capture plenty of photographs. Unwind at one of the tranquil lagoons, where you can relax or enjoy a paddle in the cool waters.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head back to the beach for a stunning view of the horizon painted in hues of orange and pink. Dinner awaits at a beachside grill, where you can savor fresh fish and tropical cocktails under the stars. End the night by enjoying the lively local music scene, dancing to the rhythms of calypso and soca.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Begin your day by visiting the local market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and sounds of Trinidadian culture. Savor a traditional breakfast of doubles or bake and shark while mingling with friendly locals. Take the time to browse and pick up some unique hand-crafted souvenirs.

afternoon
:

Afterward, participate in a guided tour of Claxton Bay's historical landmarks, learning about the island's rich history and heritage. Satisfy your hunger at a local eatery, sampling the diverse flavors of Trinidadian cuisine. In the afternoon, engage with local artists and craftspeople, exploring their creative processes.

evening
:

As twilight descends, visit a nearby cultural center to witness traditional dance performances, showcasing the island's rich artistry. Dine at a renowned local restaurant, relishing in a fusion of exotic Caribbean flavors. Conclude your evening with a stroll along the waterfront, reflecting on the day's discoveries under the starlit sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🥤Drink at cafe/bar$2-6
🏨Hotel room per night$60-120
🚍Local transport (one-way)$1-3
🛒Grocery basket for meals$15-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close to beaches and southern coast scenery
  • Warm Caribbean hospitality and cuisine
  • Affordable travel in a less-touristy area
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Public transport can be crowded and less reliable
  • Heat and humidity can be intense for some travelers
  • "Mawnin" - Good morning
  • "Whey de market deh?" - Where is the market?
  • "Tank yuh" - Thank you
  • "Please" - Please
  • "How much it cost?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Claxton Bay

Visit one of these nice places.

Gulf of Paria coastline at Claxton Bay

Long sandy shore with fishing boats and dramatic sunsets; a good spot for wide seascapes and silhouettes.

San Fernando waterfront

Harbor views, colorful market activity, and reflections along the water’s edge—great for candid street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Claxton Bay

Trinidadian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of African, Indian, Creole, and Caribbean influences, with bold flavors, curries, and seafood readily available from markets and casual eateries.

Claxton Bay Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Doubles

A staple street food: two fluffy bara breads filled with curried chickpeas, chutney, and pepper sauce.

Must-Try!

Pelau

One-pot rice dish cooked with meat (often chicken) and pigeon peas, caramelized sugar, and coconut flavors.

Roti

Flatbread stuffed with curried fillings such as potato, chickpea, or meat; a versatile staple across meals.

Bake and Shark

A popular seaside sandwich with fried shark tucked into a soft bake bread; great for a beachside lunch.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

San Fernando Market

A lively market offering fresh produce, seafood, ready-to-eat snacks, and local flavors.

La Brea Market

Coastal market with seafood stalls, produce, and neighborhood snacks near the Pitch Lake region.

Climate Guide

Weather

Trinidad enjoys a tropical, humid climate year-round. Expect warm to hot days (roughly 22–32°C / 72–90°F) with a distinct dry season (January–May) and a wet season (May–December) featuring higher rainfall and humidity.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful greetings

Smile and greet with standard English; a friendly exchange is appreciated and builds goodwill.

Punctuality and personal space

Be polite and patient; public displays of anger are frowned upon and conversations are typically warm and sociable.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travel with standard safety precautions: stay aware of your surroundings in crowded markets, use licensed taxis, and keep valuables secure by the coast and at night. Don’t leave belongings unattended on beaches, and be mindful of water safety in open areas.

Tipping in Claxton Bay

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants and for good service; 10-15% is common if a service charge isn’t included.

Payments

Cash is widely accepted; many places also accept credit/debit cards, especially in larger shops and hotels. Some small vendors may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Dry and hot with plenty of sunshine; water-based activities are popular. Pack sun protection and stay hydrated.

Wet season (roughly May–December)

Higher humidity and frequent afternoon showers; plan for rain gear and flexible outdoor plans.

Nightlife Guide

Claxton Bay at Night

Claxton Bay itself has limited nightlife, but nearby towns offer bars, live music venues, and beachside eateries with a relaxed Caribbean vibe. Expect casual spots rather than high-energy clubs, with late-evening options more common along the coast or in San Fernando and Port of Spain.

Hiking in Claxton Bay

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

El Cerro del Aripo trail

Challenging hike to the highest peak in Trinidad with rainforest scenery.

Caroni Swamp nature walk

Wetland boardwalk with opportunities to spot birds and wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Claxton Bay by plane.

Piarco International Airport (POS)

Main international gateway to Trinidad, located near Port of Spain; from POS you can drive or take a taxi to Claxton Bay.

Getting Around

Walkability

Claxton Bay is primarily car-focused with limited pedestrian infrastructure; you may need to drive to reach beaches, markets, or town centers. Some sidewalks exist but conditions vary.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Afro-Trinidadian

A significant portion of residents with rich cultural traditions.

Indo-Trinidadian

Another major community contributing to culture and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

Cricket is a beloved sport in Trinidad with local clubs and matches; you may catch a regional game.

Football (Soccer)

Street and organized football are popular; local clubs host matches in nearby towns.

Transportation

Traffic

Car travel is common; peak hours in the morning and late afternoon can bring congestion on routes between San Fernando, Point Fortin, and Port of Spain. Public transport exists via maxi-taxi and buses but schedules can be inconsistent.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Claxton Bay.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most eateries offer vegetarian curries, dhal, chickpeas, and roti fillings; ask for dhal or chana-based options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via San Fernando General Hospital and smaller clinics; for emergencies, major hospitals in Port of Spain or San Fernando provide care. Consider travel insurance and bring any required medications.

Discover Trinidad and Tobago

Read more in our Trinidad and Tobago 2025 Travel Guide.

Trinidad and Tobago Travel Guide