With more than 80 sensational beaches spread out around its tropical coastline, Barbados has sand to spare. You're never far from an idyllic stretch of beach and local laws suggest every single one of them is open to all.
In general, beaches on the west and southwest coasts have calm waters and soft sands, and are ideal for swimming, while those in the north and on the Atlantic side of the island are generally more fit for taking in the views, with strong currents and rocky shores.
Here's our list of the best places to soak up the Caribbean sun and cool off in the nation's famous crystal-clear waters.
Bottom Bay
Flanked by a crescent of high coral cliffs, towering over an oasis-like clump of palm trees on the fluffy white sands below, blissfully undeveloped Bottom Bay is a quiet slice of Caribbean wilderness. It's an unexpected delight on a busy holiday island like Barbados.
The white swash of the rolling waves cedes gradually to fantastic blue-green waters, which in turn are eclipsed by the deep blue sea beyond. It's a postcard-perfect panorama that validates a journey out here even for those who aren't fans of sand in between the toes.
Keep an eye out for sea turtles near the shore and whales further out. Going into the water here is only recommended for experienced swimmers: there are no lifeguards and currents can be tricky.
Folkestone Beach
Finest beach for snorkeling
With a beautiful shady park running down to golden sands, Folkestone Beach is an incredibly unwinded place for a walk and a swim. But the very best reason to come here is the superior snorkeling just a few feet offshore.
The location around the beach is a safeguarded marine area with shallow reefs and calm, warm waters suitable for even amateur snorkelers. Grownups and kids can admire a kaleidoscope of colorful exotic fish and encounters with wandering sea turtles. Rent snorkeling gear at the small museum on website.
Bath Beach
Best beach for natural swimming pools
Boasting broad open spaces overlooking the Atlantic, isolated Bath Beach is a preferred place for Bajans to escape the heat and enjoy the cooling impact of its dubious trees and fresh sea breeze. A protective reef forms a series of swimming pools along the shore, making Bath one of the couple of safe locations to bathe on the island's eastern coastline, however only when the sea conditions work together.
It's an easy place to while away a day sampling tasty conventional snacks from the suppliers that patrol the grassy yards, in between long walks and exploring the sparsely-populated shoreline on a kayak. The beach is also a crucial nesting ground for hawksbill turtles, so scan the water for these water visitors.
Accra Beach (Rockley).
Finest beach for individuals watching.
One of the most buzzing best beaches barbados beaches on the island, Accra Beach is backed by a shady park that brings the very best of Barbados to the coast, with bearded oldtimers offering handicrafts and dignified dames in their Sunday finest providing traditional Bajan treats.
It's a beach that even sand-scorners will take pleasure in-- there's plenty of shade, cold drinks and always something going on for people-watchers. That does not indicate the sand and sea are crappy. The sweeping, snow-white sands and brilliant shallow waters are among the best on the south coast.
Pebbles Beach.
Finest beach for water sports.
Do not be tricked by the name; this beautiful beach just south of Bridgetown is covered in soft white sands backed by dubious coconut palms. With essentially no currents, beachside restrooms, a lot of picnic tables and lifeguards on duty, Pebbles is among the best beaches on the island for tourists with children in tow.
It's likewise a great area for water sports enthusiasts, with a lot of equipment readily available for rent right on the sand. There are likewise a number of food vans serving barbecued deals with and remarkable fish cutters (a Barbadian fish sandwich) so there's little factor to stray far from the water's edge.
Shark Hole.
Best beach for swimming.
If a beach could be tailor-made for the backyards of the glitterati, it would probably look much like Shark Hole. Hidden below a manicured housing advancement on Barbados' south coast, this tiny inlet is like a fun-size salty pool with calm waters that gently lap at a little piece of soft sand, tucked between rocky outcrops.
Come throughout the week and if you're fortunate, you'll have the place to yourself. Despite the name, sharks are not frequent visitors to this lovely sliver of sand.
Brownes Beach.
Best beach for households.
A 10-minute walk from downtown Bridgetown, however well eliminated from the resort district, this long, broad beach on Carlisle Bay has soft smooth sands and shallow, dazzling blue waters, and it seldom gets crowded.
With calm water and lifeguards on task, it's a popular choice for local households who frequently bring a picnic. An included bonus: shipwrecks in shallow waters simply offshore can easily be explored with a mask and snorkel.
Brandons Beach.
Finest beach for the cruise ship set.
Popular with young Barbadians, Brandons Beach is just a brief walk from the Bridgetown cruise ship terminal. Its wide stretch of grainy sands, ideal for sunbathing and fronted by multi-hued blue-green waters, uses a best welcome to brand-new arrivals.
At night hours, this is one of Barbados' locations to see and be seen, with locals ditching their.
work clothing for light clothes, Clark Kent-style, and coming down to the coast to exercise and interact socially.
Brandons has a few of the very best facilities on the west coast, with lifeguards, loungers, altering rooms and kayaks and small sailboats offered to lease. The drifting overseas waterpark will be a proven hit with younger tourists.
Gibbs Beach.
Finest beach for enjoying nature.
One of the shadiest beaches on the West Coast, the narrow crescent of sand at Gibbs Beach is backed by a dense, green wall of trees that separates the public sands from the luxurious rental properties that control the area. One for nature lovers, Gibbs is one of the very best beaches on the island for a walk, particularly in the evening accompanied by the legendary West Coast sunset.
The forest contrasts brilliantly with the glowing white sand and provides the beach a personal, secluded feel-- which is just as well, as you'll probably be sharing the sands with movers and shakers from around the globe.
Bathsheba Beach.
Best beach for surfing.
On the wild Atlantic Coast, boulder-strewn Bathsheba Beach, with its rugged, barreling waves and lush foliage, feels a world away from the gentle blue-green waters of the resort strip.
It's a place for long strolls buffeted by sea spray, thoughtful contemplation and taking pictures instead of diving in, unless of course, you prepare to browse the Soup Bowl, Barbados' most well-known wave, which rolls in regularly best in front of the adorable little town.
Miami Beach (Business).
Best beach for a picnic.
One of the very best areas on the island for a household day out, Miami Beach (likewise known as Business), has lots of soft white sand just pleading to be dug, and a crystal clear swimming area secured by a breakwater.
There are small enjoyable waves further along the bay for boogie boarding, all neglected by a lifeguard station. When you've had enough sun, there are a lot of picnic tables below quite Casuarina trees just a stone's throw from the sea.
Crane Beach.
Best beach for pink sand.
Seen from the cliffs above, the sands of the splendid Crane Beach produce a warm pink glow which, together with the layered turquoise waves, provides this upmarket south coast beach a carefully psychedelic aura.
But down at sea level, the beach takes on a different character, with towering bluffs and churning sea signing up with forces in a perfectly balanced program of power and sophistication. The breakers here are ideal for boogie boarding.
The southern portion of the beach is controlled by loungers from the neighboring resort but the beach is big enough that you won't have to fret about crowding. For a more singular experience, cross the headland to the less-visited forest-backed northern extension of the beach however beware swimming here as there are no lifeguards.
Paynes Bay.
Best beach to see Hawksbill turtles.
Among the west coast's most renowned beaches, Paynes Bay is formed by a long, tree-fringed arc of golden sand that slopes down to peaceful, deep waters, providing one of the very best swims on the island.
Hawksbill turtles are brought in to these spectacular environments and tend to hang out just offshore in great deals; they're easy to observe with a snorkel and mask, however provide a little space to prevent causing stress to these air-breathing animals.