Things To Do
in Diego Martin
Diego Martin is a coastal town and valley community on the northwestern side of Trinidad, framed by the foothills of the Northern Range and a patchwork of residential neighborhoods. It blends suburban life with easy access to rural trails, creeks and scenic lookouts that give sweeping views toward the Gulf of Paria and Port of Spain. The area is culturally vibrant with a mix of Afro- and Indo-Trinidadian influences, neighborhood shops, colourful festivals and strong community ties.
Diego Martin is a practical base for exploring western Trinidad — close to beaches, the Caroni Bird Sanctuary and the road networks into the Northern Range.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Piarco International Airport and take a scenic drive to Diego Martin, where lush greenery meets the Caribbean coast. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a traditional Trinidadian breakfast, savoring local specialties like bake and shark. Take some time to relax and soak in the tropical ambiance around you.
Explore the local shops and markets, experiencing the vibrant culture on display. Visit the Diego Martin beach for a leisurely stroll, and perhaps indulge in a refreshing swim in the warm waters. Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery where you can taste delicious local fare such as roti or callaloo.
As the sun sets, head to a beachfront restaurant to dine on fresh seafood while enjoying the stunning coastal views. After dinner, visit a local bar to enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps catch some live music. End your evening with a leisurely walk along the beach, taking in the sound of waves crashing against the shore.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Maracas Bay, famous for its stunning beach and delicious 'bake and shark.' The drive offers breathtaking views as you navigate through the lush hills and coastline. Once at the beach, find the perfect spot to relax and soak up the Caribbean sun.
Lunch is a must at the beach shacks where you can sample the iconic bake and shark, seasoned to perfection. Enjoy a swim in the clear blue waters and perhaps try your hand at some water sports like kayaking. Spend your afternoon unwinding on the beach, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere filled with laughter and the sounds of reggae music.
Before sunset, take a walk along the shoreline and capture some beautiful photographs of the scenery. Head back to Diego Martin and enjoy dinner at a popular local restaurant known for its Trinidadian cuisine. Conclude your day with a tranquil evening, perhaps sitting on your balcony with a drink in hand and reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $4-7 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (local) | $3-10 |
| 🥤Bottled water/soft drink | $1-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close access to beaches, mangroves and Northern Range hikes
- Authentic local food and vibrant small-community culture
- Good base for exploring western Trinidad and nearby Port of Spain
- Limited late-night public transport within Diego Martin itself
- Some roads and trails can be steep or muddy in the wet season
- Higher crime incidents in certain neighbourhood pockets — exercise caution
- "Good morning / Good afternoon" - Good morning / Good afternoon (English — commonly used)
- "Wha’ happenin’?" - What's happening? (informal greeting)
- "Tanks" - Thanks (informal, local pronunciation)
- "Lime" - To hang out; 'Let's lime' means 'let's hang out'
- "Yuh good?" - Are you okay?/How are you?
Places to Visit in Diego Martin
Visit one of these nice places.
Roadside viewpoints along Western Main Road and hillside roads offer sweeping views of the valley, the Gulf of Paria and Port of Spain — great for golden-hour landscapes.
An evening boat tour captures the spectacular return-to-roost of the scarlet ibis and many wetland birds; low-light/telephoto opportunities and reflections on mangrove waterways.
The classic beach scene with dramatic northern coastlines, surfers and colourful beach shacks; nearby ridge lookouts provide elevated coastal panoramas.
Forested ridges, waterfalls and summit panoramas (El Tucuche and nearby peaks) offer misty, jungle-framed shots and sweeping views across the island.
Community events, steelpan practice sessions, street vendors and Carnival-related activities in the area create vibrant candid and cultural photography opportunities.
Food in Diego Martin
Diego Martin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fried flatbread sandwich filled with seasoned fried shark, topped with chutneys and slaws; best found at beach shacks like Maracas Bay but also at vendors in Diego Martin.
Must-Try!
A popular street food of curried chickpeas (channa) sandwiched between two fried flatbreads; cheap, quick and available at local stalls throughout the day.
Indian-influenced flatbread (paratha or dhalpuri) filled or served with curried meats, chickpeas or vegetables; local roti shops serve hearty versions ideal for lunch or dinner.
A leafy green stew made from dasheen leaves or spinach, often cooked with crab or salted fish — a comforting, flavourful dish served at home-style restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small roadside vendors and bakeries offering doubles, bake-and-fry, patties and fresh juices; great for quick, authentic bites and affordability.
On the route to the beaches and hills, you'll find cooks selling bake-and-shark, fried fish, coconut water and sweet treats — ideal after hikes or beach visits.
Larger markets in the wider area sell fresh produce, spices, local sweets and ready-to-eat snacks; useful if you want to shop ingredients or try multiple street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, friendly greetings are appreciated — a simple 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon' goes a long way. People are generally warm and conversational.
Dress is casual in most settings; however, wear respectful attire in places of worship and formal events. Keep noise and behaviour considerate in residential areas, especially at night.
Accepting food or drinks when offered is a sign of politeness. Hosts often take pride in sharing local dishes, so reciprocate with thanks and interest.
During Carnival and fetes, be aware of crowd etiquette, respect performers and local customs, and do not take photos of costumed performers without consent when indicated.
Safety
Tipping in Diego Martin
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is customary if service isn’t already included. Taxi drivers do not always expect a formal tip — rounding up fares or adding a small extra is acceptable. For guides, porters and house staff, modest tips are appreciated.
Trinidad and Tobago Dollars (TTD) are the local currency; many hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard most common). Carry cash for roadside vendors, small taxis and markets. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the most pleasant time for travel — lower humidity, less rain and ideal conditions for beaches, hikes and birdwatching. Carnival (usually February/March) brings a surge of cultural events and higher local prices; book ahead.
Expect more frequent showers and higher humidity; mornings can be fine with afternoon thunderstorms. Vegetation is lush and waterfalls fuller, but some trails can become muddy and slippery.
Although Trinidad lies south of the main hurricane belt and direct hits are rare, tropical systems can still bring heavy rain and rough seas — monitor forecasts and have flexible plans during this period.
Carnival time is culturally rich and lively with music, parades and fetes throughout the region; accommodation and transport get busy and costs rise, but the cultural experience is unmatched.
Diego Martin at Night
Hiking in Diego Martin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of Trinidad's prominent peaks in the Northern Range offering challenging hikes, cloud-forest terrain and panoramic island views for prepared hikers.
The highest point in Trinidad, this trail requires fitness and local guidance for safe ascent and rewards hikers with wide vistas and unique flora.
Shorter trails and waterfall walks closer to the north coast that are suitable for day hikes and cooling off after rainforest walks.
Coastal and ridge paths that connect beaches and secluded bays; some sections are remote and best approached with local knowledge or a guide.
Airports
How to reach Diego Martin by plane.
Main international gateway on Trinidad, about 30–50 minutes by car from Diego Martin depending on traffic. Regular flights to North America, the Caribbean and Europe; taxis and airport shuttles available.
Tobago's international airport (Crown Point) — reachable by a short domestic flight from Piarco if you plan to combine Trinidad and Tobago in your trip.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local population with deep cultural contributions to music, food and community life.
Also well represented regionally; contribute strongly to cuisine, festivals and religious life (e.g., Hindu and Muslim communities).
Many residents identify as mixed heritage, reflecting the island’s long history of cultural blending.
There are smaller groups of European, Chinese and Middle Eastern descent active in business and cultural sectors.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A dominant national sport with strong local interest, community clubs and matches played throughout Trinidad.
Widely played and followed at school, club and community levels with neighborhood pitches and organized leagues.
Athletics is popular in schools and local competitions, producing regional-level athletes.
Road cycling and recreational riding are common on scenic coastal and hill roads, though riders should be cautious of traffic.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Diego Martin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available — doubles (channa), vegetable roti and vegetable curries are common. Specify no fish or meat and ask about broths or shrimp pastes used in some dishes.
Vegan choices exist but you may need to ask vendors to omit dairy (ghee) and eggs. Stick to plant-based curries, doubles and fruit stalls; larger restaurants can often adapt dishes.
Gluten-free eating is possible but requires caution — many breads and batters contain wheat. Opt for rice-based dishes, curries and grilled meats or ask chefs about preparation methods.
Peanuts, shellfish and soy are common in local cuisine. Always communicate allergies clearly and consider carrying translation of key ingredients if in doubt.