A Tour Around Barbados' Best Beaches

Barbados is surrounded by over 70 miles of glorious, palm fringed, white sand beaches, with warm, sparkling waters in just about every shade of blue imaginable.

There are four main regions for beach-goers: the rural North and East coasts meet the Atlantic Ocean where huge waves crash along the shore and coral reefs; the touristy South that keeps humming at all hours and with seas of gentle waves for body and wind surfing and tumbling in the water; the “Platinum” west coast with its tranquil beaches, calm waters with a soft sandy bottom, expensive hotels and villas; and a rugged South-East that somehow combines the elements of them all.

There are no nude or topless beaches in Barbados and all beaches are open to the public.   Barbados has a conservative British tradition and Barbadians are not comfortable undressing or seeing others undress on public beaches.

Selling goods to tourists on the beach is a regulated practice.  Vendors are not permitted to roam the beach and set up shop out of a carrying case – although they do! While some vendors are persistent in an attempt  to sell their wares, a polite but firm No Thank You will send them away. Most of Barbados’ favourite beaches are patrolled by police, but they cannot be everywhere and like the rest of the world,  it is prudent not to leave valuables unattended.

Beware of the poisonous manchineel trees (usually marked with a red ring around the trunk) and its green/yellow “apples” found on many of the West Coast beaches.  Do not eat the apples or shelter from the rain under these trees as the water dripping from the leaves can produce severe blisters to the skin.

Here are some of our favourite beaches:-

North Coast

River Bay – a magnificently beautiful bay that is not well-suited for swimming.  Rough seas, serious undertow and large waves dominate this beach most of the year, but it is certainly very picturesque.

Little Bay - another picturesque bay, popular amongst locals during the weekends.  Safe swimming close to the shore but we advise that you swim only when you see the locals swimming, and stay close to the shore.

East Coast

Cattlewash and Bathsheba  – the magnificent East Coast is full of many unexplored places and wonderful picnic spots, however, you cannot swim here.  Miles of untouched, windswept coastline along the island’s most rugged and stunning coastline, this is the Atlantic in its full glory, with the biggest waves and dangerous undercurrents.  Cattlewash is by far the longest beach on the island and is often deserted.  It is a popular sightseeing and relaxing spot.  This beach was christened “Cattlewash” as it was the bathing spot in the olden days for herds of cattle which were shepherded down from the hills from neighbouring villages.  South of Cattlewash is Bathsheba, where the world renowned surf spot known as “Soup Bowl” is host to many national and international surfing events.

Tent Bay – a “suburb” of Bathsheba, the shore is lined with boats and there is a small fish market.  South of Tent Bay is Martin’s Bay and then Bath. 

Bath – one of the few truly “safe” swimming beaches along the entire Atlantic side.  A lifeguard is usually on duty and there is lots of shade with parking, changing, picnic and eating facilities.  Medium to small waves and a slight undertow close to shore.  Best swimming is off to the left of the beach bar.

South-East Coast

Harrismith – just north of Bottom Bay.  Park by the old ruin at the top of the cliff and go down the long flight of steps to the beach.  At low tide there are areas of shallow pools between the rocks.  Do not go beyond the reef which lies at the shoreline as the currents tend to be very strong.

Bottom Bay – located just north of the famed Sam Lord’s Castle, this is a bay protected by jagged cliffs.  Park on the cliff top and go down the steps.  An isolated, wide sandy beach lined with coconut palms, brisk breezes and sparkling aquamarine sea is everyone’s dream of the perfect island beach.  First class picnic venue and a popular backdrop for film shoots, weddings and ad campaigns.  Medium waves with a slight undertow.

Beachy Head – if it is low tide, you can walk from the Crane beach to Ginger Bay beach and then through to Beach Head.  Otherwise, you will have to drive.  Both beaches are set between limestone coral boulders and a cave.  They are both tantalizingly deserted.

Crane Beach – was originally a harbour and is probably Barbados’ most famous beach.  The name “Crane” was derived from the large crane situated at the top of the cliff which was used for loading and unloading ships.  Its pink sand and the Doric columns at The Crane Resort pool, perched 50 feet above, are a frequent backdrop for ad campaigns.  With its rugged cliffs, rolling dunes, fresh steady breezes and incredible turquoise water it is truly a spectacular sight.  Excellent body surfing and boogie boarding conditions.  Boogie boards, umbrellas and beach chairs are available for rent on the beach.  If you park at the hotel there is a Bds$25 entrance fee redeemable at the bar or restaurant.  Alternatively, you can park in the cul-de-sac at the far end of the beach and walk the rest of the way.

Foul Bay – about half a kilometer from the Crane Hotel, take the turning sign-posted “Public Access to Foul Bay Beach” - home to a small fleet of local fishing boats.  A long, wide, open expanse of beach on a ruggedly attractive stretch of coastline.  Care should be taken when swimming as the waves are big and they break onshore.  There can be a strong undertow at times.  There are some shady areas with picnic tables and benches, and even a shower to rinse off under before heading home.

South Coast

Long Beach – north of Silver Sands is Long Beach, a two-mile long stretch of undisturbed beach and the lengthiest single beach on the island.  The beach and its dunes are fine for a stroll (although something of a debris magnet) but the waves can be daunting for swimmers.  Enter via the Long Beach Club, enjoy a cocktail or cold Banks beer and a flying fish sandwich at the bar, and then take a walk down to the beach.

Silver Sands and Silver Rock – the island’s top windsurfing spot, nestled between South Point, the southernmost tip of the island, and Inch Marlowe Point.  These beautiful beaches are a quarter mile stretch of white sand with a constant stiff breeze--excellent conditions for windsurfing (particularly intermediate and advanced), wave riding and kite surfing.  This is the location where many international windsufing events are held because the wind and wave conditions are so ideal. 

Miami Beach – also known as Enterprise Beach, not far from Oistins.  This is the prettiest beach on the south coast and popular among the locals, especially on weekends.  Away from most hotels, you are almost free from the beach vendors plying their trade. It is a picturesque slice of pure white sand with cliffs on each end of the beach showcasing the crystal clear water. You can find a palm-shaded parking area and snack carts or take your own picnic lunch.  Or we’d suggest you have lunch at Café Luna at Little Arches hotel next door.

Dover Beach – a lovely expanse of beach with good swimming conditions and small to medium sized waves.  Not very large, but the beach does extend west into Maxwell Beach, which is nearly as lovely.  Ideal for body surfing, wind surging and boogie boarding.  Hobie cats, kayaks, lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rental. A popular beach as it is fronted by hotels that cater to families.

Rockley Beach (or Accra) – a long stretch of beach and one of the most popular among locals and visitors.   Good for body surfing and body watching.  Boogie boards and beach chairs are available for rental.  Several vendors ply their wares here, including snack bars, and the beach has public changing facilities.  Waves are moderate, not too much undertow, and it is always a busy, active beach. 

West Coast

Brighton Beach – walk from Paradise Beach to Brighton Beach, home of the Malibu Beach Club where Day Passes are available for tours of the Rum Distillery.  Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. 

Batts Rock-Paradise Beach – take the track on the right shortly after Calabaza restaurant and drive down to the parking area to Batts Rock.  A placid beach with calm waters most of the year.  Lots of shady trees, a small children’s playground, picnic tables, shower and changing facilities.  Popular amongst the locals, so very few beach vendors.  The Four Seasons hotel is being constructed on Paradise Beach.

Paynes Bay – centrally located just south of Sandy Lane, this beach is lined with luxury hotels and villas.  It gets crowded but it is one of the best equipped beaches in Barbados for renting a hobie cat or kayak.  Great for snorkeling and swimming.  Lunch and drinks are available from the Coach House opposite.

Sandy Lane Bay – the beach of Sandy Lane, the island’s most opulent five star hotel.  A long, wide expanse of beach that is in pristine condition and well-maintained.  There is a public access to this beach at the south end of the hotel.  As it sits on something of a bay, the beach is nicely sheltered with little wave movement most of the year and no undertow.

Holetown – in the middle of Holetown, opposite the Super Centre shopping mall and behind the Post Office and Police Station is Surfside Beach Bar which sits on a lovely stretch of beach with lots of shady areas.  There is also a vendors market here with locally made sarongs, shirts and dresses, as well as locally made jewellery.

Gibbs Beach – a beautiful crescent beach, quiet and perfect for snorkeling and swimming, with very few beach vendors and jet skis.  Lots of trees for shade.  On Sundays the bay is a popular spot for the local boats and yachts to anchor for the day.

Mullins Beach – from Gibbs Beach you can walk north over to Mullins beach, one of the most popular beaches for renting watersports equipment. Great for swimming and snorkeling, and there is Mannie’s Suga Suga beach bar for cold beers and lunch.  Good picnic spot but it gets busy on weekends.

Port St Charles - just south of the entrance to Port St Charles, or just north of the entrane, is a public access to the beach.