Beaches of Barbados

Written by Julie Greiner

The west coast has calm, clear waters that are just right for swimming and snorkeling. Speightstown has numerous beaches with excellent swimming conditions. Mullins Bay and Gibbs Beach have all sorts of watersports available. The smooth waters are perfect for good safe snorkeling. There is also a a good picnic area. Folkstone Underwater Park at Church Point has a marine reserve and is also perfect for snorkeling. Paynes Bay has a nice white sanded beach and good swimming and snorkeling conditions. Fitts Village has a shallow reef which is perfect for snorkeling. Batts Rock has a childrens play ground area, lots of shady trees, picnic area and a lovely beach for swimming and snorkeling. The Malibu Beach Club is located on Brighton Beach. This is a busy area with lots of water sports and a distillery tour.

South Coast

This is a good dive site, excellent windsurfing conditions with small to medium waves. However, the south coast sometimes may have some unexpected undercurrents - take heed. Carlisle Bay is a crescent shaped bay with yachts at anchor. There are umbrellas and deck chairs available from the Boatyard and even a water trampoline. Accra Beach South Coast Windsurfing

has lots of activity and is perfect for body surfing. There are boogie boards and beach chairs available for rent. There are restaurants, hotels and several bars. Sandy Beach is ideal for families with young children. The water is shallow and calm in a lagoon. There is food, drink, towels and beach chairs available. Casuarine Beach is long, wide, breezy and has big waves. Miami Beach has lovely white sand, clear blue water and is popular with Bajans. There are good windsurfing conditions here. Silver Rock Beach has the right conditions for intermediate and advanced windsurfing.

Southeast Coast

Be sure to stay within your depth. These waters are known for big waves and strong currents. Fould Bay is home to a small fishing fleet. This is rugged coastline. Foul Bay

Crane Beach is known for excellent body surfing. There are cliffs and sand dunes and a fantastic beach. Bottom Bay is a tropical beach with coconut palms, a cave and white sand.

East Coast

This east coast has the biggest waves and the most dangers with undercurrents. Bath Beach is not far from the historic Codrington College. This beach is protected by a large off shore reef so swimming is safe and this is the perfect picnic area. Martin's Bay has the perfect reef for exploring at low tide and there are also rock pools. Bathsheba Beach is along the island's most rugged coastline. This makes for excellent surfing, but make sure you ask advise on where to enter the water.