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

day 1
Arrival in Diego Martin
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Exploring Maracas Bay
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Diego Martin Valley Lookouts

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.

Caroni Bird Sanctuary

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.

Maracas Bay and Lookouts

The classic beach scene with dramatic northern coastlines, surfers and colourful beach shacks; nearby ridge lookouts provide elevated coastal panoramas.

Northern Range Trails and Summits

Forested ridges, waterfalls and summit panoramas (El Tucuche and nearby peaks) offer misty, jungle-framed shots and sweeping views across the island.

Local Street Scenes and Festivals

Community events, steelpan practice sessions, street vendors and Carnival-related activities in the area create vibrant candid and cultural photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Diego Martin

Trinidadian cuisine is a vibrant fusion of African, Indian, European and indigenous influences, with bold spices, hearty stews, roti, fried street snacks and fresh seafood on the west coast. Diego Martin offers a mix of roadside vendors, small bakeries and family-run restaurants where you can sample classics alongside local drinks like coconut water and mauby.

Diego Martin Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Bake and Shark

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!

Doubles

A popular street food of curried chickpeas (channa) sandwiched between two fried flatbreads; cheap, quick and available at local stalls throughout the day.

Roti and Curry

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.

Callaloo with Crab or Saltfish

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

Diego Martin Local Stalls

Small roadside vendors and bakeries offering doubles, bake-and-fry, patties and fresh juices; great for quick, authentic bites and affordability.

Maraval and Maracas Roadside Vendors

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.

Caroni/Port of Spain Markets (nearby)

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.

Climate Guide

Weather

Diego Martin has a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round (average highs around 28–32°C / 82–90°F). The island experiences a dry season (January–May) and a wet season (June–December) with high humidity and frequent afternoon showers. Coastal breezes moderate heat in seaside areas, while the Northern Range foothills can be cooler and misty. Temperatures rarely vary widely, but rainfall patterns determine the best times for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite, friendly greetings are appreciated — a simple 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon' goes a long way. People are generally warm and conversational.

Dress and Behaviour

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.

Food Sharing and Hospitality

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.

Carnival and Public Events

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 Guide

Safety

Diego Martin is generally safe for visitors who use common-sense precautions: keep valuables out of sight, avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night, and be cautious of opportunistic petty theft. Road conditions on narrow hill roads require careful driving, especially after rain. Be aware of local weather alerts during the wet/hurricane season and carry emergency contacts. If you plan remote hikes, inform someone of your route and consider hiring a guide.

Tipping in Diego Martin

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Dry Season (January–May)

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.

Wet Season (June–December)

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.

Hurricane Season (June–November)

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.

Festival Season (Carnival 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.

Nightlife Guide

Diego Martin at Night

Nightlife near Diego Martin is more low-key and community-oriented with small bars, live music spots and weekend fetes. For a livelier scene, Port of Spain is a short drive away and offers clubs, concert venues, late-night food courts, steelband performances and a busy Carnival nightlife cycle. Check local listings for live soca, calypso and steelpan events, and be mindful of transport options late at night.

Hiking in Diego Martin

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

El Tucuche

One of Trinidad's prominent peaks in the Northern Range offering challenging hikes, cloud-forest terrain and panoramic island views for prepared hikers.

El Cerro del Aripo

The highest point in Trinidad, this trail requires fitness and local guidance for safe ascent and rewards hikers with wide vistas and unique flora.

Maracas Waterfall / Northern Range Trails

Shorter trails and waterfall walks closer to the north coast that are suitable for day hikes and cooling off after rainforest walks.

Paria Bay and Coastal Trails

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.

Piarco International Airport (POS)

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.

A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (TAB)

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

Diego Martin is moderately walkable within neighbourhood centers for short trips to shops, bakeries and bus stops, but much of the area is spread out and hilly. To explore beaches, trailheads and viewpoints you’ll often need a car or taxi. Sidewalks can be limited in places, so wear comfortable shoes and be cautious around traffic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Afro-Trinidadians

A significant portion of the local population with deep cultural contributions to music, food and community life.

Indo-Trinidadians

Also well represented regionally; contribute strongly to cuisine, festivals and religious life (e.g., Hindu and Muslim communities).

Mixed and Multiracial Communities

Many residents identify as mixed heritage, reflecting the island’s long history of cultural blending.

Small Expat and Other Communities

There are smaller groups of European, Chinese and Middle Eastern descent active in business and cultural sectors.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cricket

A dominant national sport with strong local interest, community clubs and matches played throughout Trinidad.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played and followed at school, club and community levels with neighborhood pitches and organized leagues.

Track & Field / Athletics

Athletics is popular in schools and local competitions, producing regional-level athletes.

Cycling

Road cycling and recreational riding are common on scenic coastal and hill roads, though riders should be cautious of traffic.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours on main arteries like the Western Main Road and approaches to Port of Spain. Public transport consists of PTSC buses and privately operated maxi-taxis, which are affordable but can be crowded and run on informal schedules. Taxis and app-based services may be available but expect variable coverage; having a car is useful for flexible travel, especially to beaches and hill trails.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Diego Martin.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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

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.

Allergies

Peanuts, shellfish and soy are common in local cuisine. Always communicate allergies clearly and consider carrying translation of key ingredients if in doubt.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic clinics and private practitioners serve Diego Martin and surrounding suburbs for minor issues and general care. For emergencies or specialized treatment, major hospitals and medical centres are in Port of Spain and at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (Mount Hope) — reachable by car in around 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended for visitors.

Discover Trinidad and Tobago

Read more in our Trinidad and Tobago 2025 Travel Guide.

Trinidad and Tobago Travel Guide