With greater than 80 gorgeous seashores unfold round its tropical shoreline, Barbados has sand to spare. On this small however completely shaped tropical island within the Jap Caribbean, you’re by no means removed from an idyllic stretch of seashore. Better of all, below native legal guidelines, Barbados’ seashores are open to all, whether or not you are staying in a five-star resort or a modest rental residence.
Generally, seashores on the west and southwest coasts of Barbados have the calmest waters and softest sands, and are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and different water-based actions. The seashores within the north and on the Atlantic facet of the island are extra suited to sitting again and admiring the view, as a result of robust currents and highly effective waves, although the east coast can be the place you may discover the island’s greatest surf breaks.
Right here’s our listing of the easiest locations to take in the Caribbean solar and funky off in crystal-clear waters in Barbados.
1. Backside Bay
A crescent of excessive coral cliffs towers over an oasis-like clump of palm timber on the fluffy white sands at blissfully undeveloped Backside Bay. Tucked away on the southeast coast, this quiet slice of Caribbean wilderness is an surprising discover on a busy trip island like Barbados.
The white swash of the rolling waves cedes steadily to good turquoise waters, which in flip are eclipsed by the deep blue sea past. It is a postcard-perfect panorama that justifies a visit out right here even for many who aren’t followers of sand between the toes. Maintain an eye fixed out for sea turtles near the shore and whales additional out.
Planning tip: Getting into the water at Backside Bay is barely beneficial for skilled swimmers: there are not any lifeguards and currents may be difficult.
Unmissable issues to do in Barbados past the seashore
2. Bathtub Seaside
A large open area overlooking the Atlantic, remoted Bathtub Seaside is a favourite escape for Bajans, who come right here to benefit from the cooling impact of the shady timber and contemporary sea breeze. A protecting reef kinds a sequence of swimming pools alongside the shore, making Bathtub Seaside one of many few protected locations to wash on the island’s uncovered japanese shoreline, however solely when the ocean circumstances play ball.
It’s a straightforward place to whereas away a day sampling scrumptious conventional snacks from the distributors who patrol the grassy lawns, in between lengthy walks and exploring the sparsely-populated shoreline on a kayak. The seashore can be an vital nesting floor for hawksbill turtles, so scan the water for these aquatic guests in case you swim.
3. Folkestone Seaside
With a stunning shady park operating right down to golden sands, Folkestone Seaside is a splendidly relaxed place for a stroll and a swim. However one of the best cause to come back to this gorgeous spot close to Holetown is the first-class snorkeling just some ft offshore.
The world across the seashore is a protected marine space with shallow reefs and calm, heat waters which might be appropriate for even novice snorkelers. Adults and children can marvel at a kaleidoscope of colourful tropical fish and encounters with roaming sea turtles.
Planning tip: Boats and jetskis are barred from the snorkeling zone, so it is a protected choice for much less assured snorkelers. You may hire snorkeling gear on the Folkestone Marine Park Customer Centre, which additionally has a small museum.
4. Accra Seaside (Rockley)
One of the vital buzzing seashores on the island, Accra Seaside close to Bridgetown is backed by a shady park that brings one of the best of Barbados to the shoreline, from bearded oldtimers promoting handicrafts to dignified dames of their Sunday greatest serving up conventional Bajan snacks.
It’s a seashore that even sand-scorners will take pleasure in — there’s loads of shade, distributors promote chilly drinks and there is at all times one thing occurring for people-watchers. However that does not imply the sand and sea are sub-par; the sweeping, snow-white sands and good shallow waters are among the many greatest on the south coast.
5. Shark Gap
If a seashore could possibly be tailored for the backyards of the glitterati, it will most likely look identical to Shark Gap. Hidden beneath a manicured housing improvement on Barbados’ south coast, this tiny inlet is sort of a fun-size salty swimming pool with calm waters that lightly lap at a bit of slice of sentimental sand, tucked between rocky outcrops. Come in the course of the week and in case you’re fortunate, you’ll have the place to your self.
Planning tip: Regardless of the identify, sharks usually are not frequent guests to this beautiful sliver of sand, so you possibly can loosen up and benefit from the sand!
6. Pebbles Seaside
Don’t be fooled by the identify; this attractive seashore simply south of Bridgetown is roofed in smooth white sands and backed by shady coconut palms. With nearly no currents, beachside loos, loads of picnic tables and lifeguards on obligation, Pebbles is without doubt one of the greatest seashores on the island for vacationers with youngsters in tow. It’s additionally a great place for water sports activities lovers, with loads of gear accessible for hire proper on the sand.
Planning tip: There’s no cause to stray removed from the water’s edge at Pebbles Seaside; for sustenance, a number of meals vans serve barbecued treats and large fish “cutters” (a Barbadian fish sandwich).
7. Brownes Seaside
A ten-minute stroll from downtown Bridgetown, however effectively faraway from the resort district, this lengthy, broad seashore on Carlisle Bay has smooth silky sands and shallow, good blue waters, and it hardly ever will get crowded, regardless of the proximity of the island capital. With calm water and lifeguards on obligation, it’s a well-liked selection for native households who typically deliver a picnic.
Planning tip: As an added bonus, a number of shipwrecks in shallow waters lie simply offshore from Brownes Seaside, and may simply be explored with a masks and snorkel.
8. Brandons Seaside
In style with younger Barbadians, Brandons Seaside is only a brief stroll from the Bridgetown cruise ship terminal. Its huge stretch of powdery sand, excellent for sunbathing and fronted by multi-hued turquoise waters, presents an ideal welcome to new arrivals, and the floating offshore waterpark is a giant hit with youthful vacationers.
Within the night hours, that is one in all Barbados’ locations to see and be seen, with locals ditching their work garments for mild apparel and descending to the shore to train and socialize. Brandons has a number of the greatest amenities on the west coast, with lifeguards, loungers, altering rooms and kayaks and small sailboats accessible to hire.
9. Gibbs Seaside
One of many shadiest seashores on the West Coast, the slim crescent of sand at Gibbs Seaside is backed by a dense, inexperienced wall of timber that separates the general public sands from the luxurious villas that dominate the shoreline. Gibbs is without doubt one of the greatest seashores on the island for a stroll, notably within the night accompanied by the legendary West Coast sundown.
The luxurious forest contrasts brilliantly with the glowing white sand and offers the seashore a non-public, secluded really feel – which is simply as effectively, as you may most likely be sharing the sands with movers and shakers from across the globe.
Planning tip: From Gibbes Seaside, it is a brief hop to Speightstown, a relaxed village that is changing into a high cease for island foodies.
10. Bathsheba Seaside
On the wild Atlantic Coast, boulder-strewn Bathsheba Seaside, with its rugged, barreling waves and plush foliage, feels a world away from the mild turquoise waters of the resort strip, and it is one of many high spots for browsing within the Caribbean.
It is a place for lengthy walks buffeted by sea spray, considerate contemplation and taking images moderately than diving in, until after all, you propose to surf the Soup Bowl, Barbados’ most well-known wave, which rolls in constantly proper in entrance of the lovable little city.
11. Miami Seaside (Enterprise)
Among the finest spots on the island for a household day trip, Miami Seaside (also referred to as Enterprise), has tons of sentimental white sand simply begging to be piled into sandcastles, and a crystal clear swimming space protected by a breakwater. There are small enjoyable waves additional alongside the bay for boogie boarding, all ignored by a lifeguard station.
Planning tip: Once you’ve had sufficient solar, there are many picnic tables beneath fairly Casuarina timber only a stone’s throw from the ocean.
12. Crane Seaside
Seen from the cliffs above, the sands of the magnificent Crane Seaside give off a heat pink glow which, along with the layered turquoise waves, lends this upmarket south coast seashore a gently psychedelic aura.
However down at sea stage, the seashore takes on a unique character, with towering bluffs and churning waves becoming a member of forces in a wonderfully balanced present of energy and magnificence. The breakers right here are perfect for boogie boarding.
The southern portion of the seashore is dominated by loungers from the close by resort however the seashore is large enough that you simply will not have to fret about crowding.
Planning tip: For a extra solitary expertise, cross the headland to the less-visited forest-backed northern extension of the seashore, however watch out swimming right here as there are not any lifeguards.
13. Paynes Bay
One of many west coast’s most iconic seashores, Paynes Bay is shaped by an extended, tree-fringed arc of golden sand that slopes right down to tranquil, deep waters, providing the most effective swims on the island. It is also a high spot to see wildlife.
Hawksbill turtles are attracted to those gorgeous environment and have a tendency to hang around simply offshore in giant numbers; they’re simple to look at with a snorkel and masks, however give them a bit of area to keep away from inflicting stress to those air-breathing animals.
14. Batts Rock
A peaceable pure haven away from the jet skiers and distributors who crowd the extra widespread west coast seashores, Batt’s Rock has a stunning golden sand seashore backed by an inviting park that pulls wild inexperienced monkeys. The ocean right here is completely calm, with clear waters and small rocky outcrops which might be nice for snorkeling. Stroll up the pathway on the north facet of the entry street for incredible sundown views.
