With greater than 80 gorgeous seashores unfold round its tropical shoreline, Barbados has sand to spare.
On this small however completely fashioned tropical island within the Japanese Caribbean, you’re by no means removed from an idyllic stretch of seashore. Better of all, underneath native legal guidelines, Barbados’ seashores are open to all, whether or not you are staying in a five-star resort or a modest rental condo.
Usually, 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 aspect of the island are extra fitted 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 will discover the island’s greatest surf breaks.
Right here’s our record of the perfect locations to absorb 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 bushes 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 sensible 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 individuals who aren’t followers of sand between the toes. Hold an eye fixed out for sea turtles near the shore and whales additional out.
Planning tip: Getting into the water at Backside Bay is just really useful for knowledgeable swimmers: there aren’t any lifeguards and currents might be difficult.
2. Bathtub Seashore
A large open house overlooking the Atlantic, remoted Bathtub Seashore is a favourite escape for Bajans, who come right here to benefit from the cooling impact of the shady bushes and contemporary sea breeze. A protecting reef kinds a collection of swimming pools alongside the shore, making Bathtub Seashore one of many few protected locations to wash on the island’s uncovered japanese shoreline, however solely when the ocean situations play ball.
It’s a simple 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 necessary nesting floor for hawksbill turtles, so scan the water for these aquatic guests for those who swim.
3. Folkestone Seashore
With a beautiful shady park working right down to golden sands, Folkestone Seashore is a splendidly relaxed place for a stroll and a swim. However the perfect purpose to return to this gorgeous spot close to Holetown is the first-class snorkeling only a few toes offshore.
The realm across the seashore is a protected marine space with shallow reefs and calm, heat waters which can be appropriate for even novice snorkelers. Marvel at a kaleidoscope of colourful tropical fish and hold your eyes out for roaming sea turtles.
Planning tip: Boats and jetskis are barred from the snorkeling zone, so it is a protected choice for kids and fewer assured snorkelers. You’ll be able to hire snorkeling gear on the Folkestone Marine Park Customer Centre, which additionally has a small museum.
4. Accra Seashore (Rockley)
One of the vital buzzing seashores on the island, Accra Seashore close to Bridgetown is backed by a shady park that brings the perfect 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 all the time one thing occurring for people-watchers. However that does not imply the sand and sea are sub-par; the sweeping, snow-white sands and sensible shallow waters are among the many greatest on the south coast.
5. Shark Gap
If a seashore may very well be tailored for the backyards of the glitterati, it will in all probability look similar 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.
Planning tip: Come throughout the week and for those who’re fortunate, you’ll have the place to your self. And don’t fret – regardless of the title, sharks should not frequent guests to this pretty sliver of sand, so you’ll be able to calm down and benefit from the sea.
6. Pebbles Seashore
Don’t be fooled by the title; this beautiful seashore simply south of Bridgetown is roofed in tender white sands and backed by shady coconut palms. With nearly no currents, beachside bogs, loads of picnic tables and lifeguards on obligation, Pebbles is without doubt one of the greatest seashores on the island for vacationers with youngsters. It’s additionally a great spot for water sports activities fanatics, with loads of gear accessible for hire proper on the sand.
Planning tip: There’s no purpose to stray removed from the water’s edge at Pebbles Seashore; for sustenance, a number of meals vans serve barbecued treats and super fish “cutters” (a Barbadian fish sandwich).
7. Brownes Seashore
A ten-minute stroll from downtown Bridgetown, however nicely faraway from the resort district, this lengthy, broad seashore on Carlisle Bay has tender silky sands and shallow, sensible 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 alternative for native households who usually deliver a picnic.
Planning tip: As an added bonus, a number of shipwrecks in shallow waters lie simply offshore from Brownes Seashore, and might simply be explored with a masks and snorkel.
8. Brandons Seashore
In style with younger Barbadians, Brandons Seashore is only a quick stroll from the Bridgetown cruise ship terminal. Its huge stretch of powdery sand, excellent for sunbathing and fronted by multi-hued turquoise waters, provides an ideal welcome to new arrivals, and the floating offshore waterpark is an enormous hit with youthful vacationers.
Within the night hours, that is considered one of Barbados’ locations to see and be seen, with locals ditching their work garments for gentle apparel and descending to the shore to train and socialize. Brandons has among the greatest services on the west coast, with lifeguards, loungers, altering rooms and kayaks and small sailboats accessible to hire.
9. Gibbes Seashore
One of many shadiest seashores on the West Coast, the slim crescent of sand at Gibbes Seashore is backed by a dense, inexperienced wall of bushes that separates the general public sands from the luxurious villas that dominate the shoreline. Gibbes is without doubt one of the greatest seashores on the island for a stroll, significantly within the night accompanied by the legendary West Coast sundown.
The plush forest contrasts brilliantly with the glowing white sand and offers the seashore a personal, secluded really feel – which is simply as nicely, as you will in all probability be sharing the sands with movers and shakers from across the globe.
Planning tip: From Gibbes Seashore, it is a quick hop to Speightstown, a relaxed village that is turning into a high cease for island foodies.
10. Bathsheba Seashore
On the wild Atlantic Coast, boulder-strewn Bathsheba Seashore, with its rugged, barreling waves and plush foliage, feels a world away from the light turquoise waters of the resort strip, and it is among the best locations for browsing within the Caribbean.
This can be a spot for lengthy walks buffeted by sea spray, considerate contemplation and taking pictures reasonably than diving in, until in fact, you propose to surf the Soup Bowl, Barbados’ most well-known wave, which rolls in persistently proper in entrance of the lovable little city.
11. Miami Seashore (Enterprise)
Probably the greatest spots on the island for a household day trip, Miami Seashore (often known 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 missed by a lifeguard station.
Planning tip: If you’ve had sufficient solar, there are many picnic tables beneath fairly Casuarina bushes only a stone’s throw from the ocean.
12. Crane Seashore
Considered from the cliffs above, the sands of the magnificent Crane Seashore 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 distinct character, with towering bluffs and churning waves becoming a member of forces in a wonderfully balanced present of energy and class. 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 sufficiently big 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 aren’t any lifeguards.
13. Paynes Bay
One of many west coast’s most iconic seashores, Paynes Bay is fashioned by an extended, tree-fringed arc of golden sand that slopes right down to tranquil, deep waters, providing among the best 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 massive numbers; they’re simple to watch with a snorkel and masks, however give them a bit of house 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 common west coast seashores, Batts Rock has a beautiful golden sand seashore backed by an inviting park that draws wild inexperienced monkeys. The ocean right here is completely calm, with clear waters and small rocky outcrops which can be nice for snorkeling. Stroll up the pathway on the north aspect of the entry highway for incredible sundown views.
