With more than 80 beaches to choose from, Barbados provides shoreside diversions ranging from the relaxing to the inspiring and even the exhilarating. A trip around the coast of this island nation reveals everything from tranquil, powder-white strands and pink-sand shores to surf-washed coastlines caressed by trade winds and flanked by dramatic cliffs. These are some of the best.
Accra
Also known as Rockley Beach, this popular spot on the island’s south coast invites long walks on powder-fine sands. People-watching is a favorite activity, while more active pursuits include sailing, snorkeling, boogie boarding, and at times surfing. Soft white sand is backed by sea grape trees and casuarina where beach lovers arrange loungers and umbrellas and make a day of it. Kiosks dot the sands where vendors sell locally made jewelry and crafts along with snacks. For a full meal, there are a number of nearby eateries offering sustenance and refreshments, and the beach is an easy walk from several resort properties.
Bathsheba
For a look at the wilder side of Barbados, head east to the surf-washed shoreline of Bathsheba. Here giant boulders sit in shallow water and are exposed for exploration at low tide. Breathtakingly gorgeous, the beach is wide with golden sand covered in white foam when the waves crash onshore. Named Bathsheba, after the wife of King David, it seems the rich minerals of the water hitting the shores resemble the milk baths she was fond of. Open to the Atlantic Ocean, the biggest waves to hit the island crash over this rocky coastline, and the place is world-renowned to surfers who come to test their skills at the popular Soup Bowl break, the site of an annual surfing competition.
Bottom Bay
One of the most photographed beaches on Barbados is rarely used as a swimming spot, due to rough waters and dangerous currents. But nonetheless, its dizzying dramatic scenery attracts its share of visitors. Bottom Bay is located on the southeast corner of the island near Crane Beach, another popular strand. Photographers come to shoot catalogs and travel brochures while everyone with a cell phone is working on their own snapshots. Access is via a sandy path heading past palms and seascape to the beach. Ringed by cliffs, and adorned with tall palms, it offers sand as white as sugar.
Crane Beach
The island’s most popular swatch of pink sand is found at Crane Beach. A high cliff leads down to a beach cast against electric blue waters. During the winter, when the waves are up surfers take on the breaks, but boogie boarders claim the spot for themselves year-round and are often playing in the shore break. The site was the original harbor on the island and was named after the large crane that sat on top of the cliffs used for loading and unloading cargo. Today the scene is clear with visions of green-carpeted cliffs and palms. The Crane Beach Hotel also perches cliffside, with a restaurant offering lunch served with a sea view.
Foul Bay
An island fisherman’s day begins early, and their small boats are a familiar sight as they bob along the coastline of Foul Bay. These diminutive, single-engine launches are painted bright colors, so they are visible on the sea. Foul Bay’s white sands are backed by rugged cliffs, and the wide and long strand makes it a popular spot for local picnics on weekends. The sandy shores are also popular with hawksbill turtles who come to nest from July to October. Some like to say it was named for the number of migrating birds that nested in the swamp nearby, the original name of Fowl Bay was later adapted to Foul Bay.
Harrismith
Isolated enough to keep crowds away; this beach is a perfect stop on an island road trip along the southern coast. Similar in scenery to adjacent Bottom Bay, Harrismith is less trafficked and is overlooked by the cliffside ruins of an old plantation. From the cliff, a series of stone steps leads down to the beach. An outlying reef protects the narrow beach where shallow lagoons fill with fresh sea water making it an ideal spot for a refreshing dip. Out-of-the-way and idyllic make this magnificent wonder on Barbados a must-see. Pack a picnic and you might have the place to yourself.
Miami Beach
Also known as Enterprise Beach, this south coast spot is close to Bridgetown, so visitors arriving by cruise ship can easily get some beach time in while on shore leave. Locals also love the spot for early morning beach walks before the crowds move in. There’s food nearby, a lifeguard during peak hours, and plenty of white sand and blue water. The spot can be a tranquil quiet hideaway at times or an exciting day at the beach during the weekend. An added plus is the fishing town of Oistins right around the corner. Friday night’s fish fry makes a perfect ending to a day at the beach.
Paynes Bay
Not far from Bridgetown is another favored spot on Barbados. Located on the “Platinum Coast”, this charming west coast bay is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Calm crystal-clear turquoise water and a sandy bottom attract local swimmers who often encounter turtles passing by. While strolling along the long sweeps of golden sand that wrap around the bay, you’ll pass the island’s most exclusive resorts. For those active types, there are watersports rental stands and refreshment kiosks near the coconut palms and tropical foliage. To be avoided are the poisonous manchineel apple trees scattered about. Also nearby is Holetown, and a stop at this small hub of activity, with its restaurants and nightlife, is in order after a long day in the sun.
