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Matelot
ℹ️Practical info — Matelot
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Fill up in Toco; there are no gas stations in Matelot and it's a long, remote drive.
- Check in at the village police station before heading out on any forest hikes.
- Swim in the Matelot River mouth for a safer experience, as the bay can be rough.
- Expect zero cell service; download your maps for offline use before arriving.
- Between March and August, you can witness Leatherback turtles nesting on the beach.
🍽 Food
Sample the famous roast fish cooked in a stone oven by local chef Michael Marshall.
A nutritious local beverage made from sea algae, harvested right on the coast.
Locally grown root vegetables like dasheen and cassava, staples of Matelot meals.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Ask around the village for cocoa, coffee, or honey sold directly by local farmers.
Buy seasonal fish directly from the fishermen at the Matelot Bay landing.
A 45-minute hike through the forest leads to this pristine swimming hole.
A peaceful spot where the cool river meets the ocean, first-rate for a calm dip.
Water temperature…
Matelot is one of the most remote villages on Trinidad's northern coast, serving as the eastern terminus of the coastal road from Blanchisseuse. Its name is derived from the French word for 'sailor,' pointing to the area's maritime history and early French settler influence. The village is almost entirely enclosed by the dense rainforests of the Northern Range and is reached via a winding road that provides spectacular oceanic vistas. Matelot is famous for its untouched beaches and the mouth of the Matelot River, which is prized for its crystal-clear waterfalls and swimming holes further inland. The local population traditionally relies on artisanal fishing and cocoa farming. Because of its seclusion, a resilient, self-sufficient community has developed, dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage and the pristine natural environment.
- Location: Trinidad and Tobago
- Nearby: Toco (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 49 | 39 | 44 | 86 | 157 | 166 | 168 | 132 | 169 | 193 | 145 |
Geography
Facts
- The name 'Matelot' is the French word for 'sailor'.
- Marks the end of the traversable road along the north coast.
- Famous for the Matelot Waterfall located deep in the rainforest.
- Significant nesting site for Leatherback turtles on its shores.
- The community is known for its high-grade cocoa production.
- Its remote location makes it one of the quietest villages in Trinidad.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Matelot (1)
Frequently asked questions
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