So you are ready to travel to Barbados, the gem of the Caribbean Sea! The reason for your visit? To enjoy, among other things, the breathtaking beaches in Barbados. With more than 50 brilliant, white sandy jewels – prepare to dip your toes in the waters of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean!
Even though from any point in Barbados a beach is only a few minutes away, it is easy for some to fall in love with the very first beach they visit and never step foot on another seashore. While that’s a lovely way to enjoy your best beach vacation, we recommend quite the opposite! Every beach in Barbados is a tropical paradise and with so many to select from there’s no need to choose just one.
Rent a car and see the island… Your journey begins on the South Coast.
Our Favourite South Coast Beaches
Miami Beach is the best beach in the Caribbean, but truthfully we may be biased. It is ideal for family picnics and bonding time, so bring your blankets, surfboard, camera and a packed lunch for a warm day under the shady Casuarina trees. This picturesque beach, with its long stretch of white sand, waters of lovely blue hues and the eye-catching yellow lifeguard hut, is too tempting not to photograph. The family can enjoy a splash in tranquil waters, bodyboard or purchase colourful snow cones from a vendor – watch as the sugar rush fuels up the children for their day of play. Just around the corner is Oistins, which comes alive on Friday nights with the most delectable fish prepared on the island. It’s a great place to soak in the aroma, the entertainment and the atmosphere.
Accra Beach and its surrounding hangouts personify the Barbadian energy, promising a diverse experience to be had by couples, families and friends alike. Have a sunbath, take the kids for ice cream and to the playpark, swim in the crystal ocean or pick up souvenirs from nearby kiosks.
The highly acclaimed Hastings boardwalk of 1.6 km is perfect for yoga at sunrise, a light jog, an impromptu photoshoot or a romantic sunset stroll. The vibrance of the south coast is embodied through the array of bars, restaurants and bistros guaranteed to satisfy your palate. Have a taste of cuisines including Barbadian, Italian, Mexican and Japanese. Stop by one of the new open-air spots for a moonlight dinner date, family-friendly affair or girl’s night out. Take a trip to St. Lawrence Gap, affectionately called ‘The Gap’, it’s hailed for its nightlife or the new, must-see Worthing Square Garden where 18 street food trucks are parked up to serve you.
Our Favourite West Coast Beaches
As you depart the hustle of the South Coast, the luxury and enchantment of the West Coast await. Fine dining, exclusive after-dark scenes, premier shopping and a more intimate beach experience are trademarks of the west of the island. Barbados is known for its hidden gems, one of which is Gibbes Beach, St. Peter. A perfect place for a peaceful and private beach day with your children or spouse, tranquillity and clear waters for snorkelling in Barbados – just what the doctor ordered.
Just a few kilometres away is the increasingly popular Mullins Beach. Lovers of marine life are welcome to take a trip on a national treasure, the Glass Bottom Boat, to explore the coral reef, shipwrecks and swim with the turtles. Cruise around on a jet ski or banana boat for a thrill, or choose from an array of island water sports before cooling off with a cocktail.
The breath-taking sunsets of the west coast can also be enjoyed on a catamaran cruise sailing towards the horizon, there you can hold a glass of wine and grab on to your loved ones for a selfie at the magical golden hour.
Our Favourite East Coast Beaches
This coast features some of the most unspoilt beaches in Barbados and caters to the sense of adventure, like riding the strong waves at the island’s top surfing spot.
Crane Beach maintains its pristine rating among the top 10 best beaches in the Caribbean boasting the island’s only pink sand beach and the ultimate tropical dream of swaying coconut trees above blue beach umbrellas. Swimming is limited because of the strong Atlantic currents, which means the beach is less populated by locals. However, if you are interested in diving, the far end of the beach is known for cliff jumping providing an adrenaline rush to thrill-seekers.
Bath Beach: On the drive along the countryside, ocean breezes tousle your hair, and the salty sea air gently caresses your face. You have arrived at Bath Beach, usually called Bath, for a picnic day on the shores of the only east coast waters labelled safe enough for a general swim. Here, along this stretch of beach, there are opportunities for kayaking or hiking. For the explorers, a stroll to the north of the beach will lead you to a waterfall and the remains of the historic train line.
Surf’s up at Bathsheba beach, as you approach the end of our beach tour by visiting Barbados’ main surfing village – the home of surfing in Barbados and several international surfing championships. Take a dip in the shallow pools and marvel at the large boulders that lay in the ocean (broken away over time from the rugged coastline). Not interested in a dip? Then enjoy the refreshing view on your visit with an ice-cold Bajan rum punch; plan a picnic day at Bathsheba Park or explore the flora and fauna of the nearby Andromeda Botanical Gardens, one of Barbados’ most exotic natural attractions.
Notably, many travellers also choose to stay on the east coast to escape the noise and rush of the busy city centres. They’ll awake to the smooth sound of crashing waves, fresh crops, island breezes and beautiful sunrises with loved ones.
These are only a drop in the bucket of stunning beaches in Barbados. Get out and enjoy the island and feel the delight bubble within you as your inner beach worshipper is awakened.
