Top Public Beach Spots in Barbados’ 17 Best Beaches
The easternmost island in the Caribbean, Barbados, is awash in breathtaking, top-notch beaches.
This little island nation is guaranteed to give you a strong dose of Vitamin Sea thanks to its more than 70 kilometers of gorgeous shoreline.
From calm blue waters to enormous surges,
Barbados also offers a variety of beaches to suit visitors of all tastes.
Check out our list of Barbados’ top beaches to get started on your travel preparations.
- Beaches in Carlisle Bay
These beautiful beaches, which are tucked away on the southwest coast, draw people in with their clear blue water and white sand.
Justifications for Including This Beach
The island’s capital is only a few minutes away from Carlisle Bay, which is home to some of the most breathtaking Barbados beaches.
In reality, you can travel to this idyllic bay with white sand and pristine waters by bus from downtown Bridgetown.
Three enticing public beaches may be found at Carlisle Bay: Pebble, Bayshore, and Brownies.
Carlisle Bay is also the safest beach for kids in Barbados because the water is shallow, and there is almost no surf.
Did we also mention that there are lifeguards on duty at these beaches?
A Pro Tip
Almost two miles separate from Carlisle Bay from the center of Bridgetown.
There are many taxis available that will take you to these beaches.
However, given that it is less expensive, we advise taking a bus to the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal.
- Crane Beach
This picture-perfect beach, which is located on the southeast coast of the island, is well known for its fine sands and towering cliffs.
Justifications for Including This Beach
The beach is great for surfing and boogie boarding because it has great waves and a beautiful setting.
Additionally, there are coastal coves close to the harbor that provide guests with safe swimming.
A Pro Tip
When the tide is low, when Crane is wider and more picturesque, try to visit.
Additionally, you might want to get up early to witness the magnificent dawn.
- Beach at Bottom Bay
This cove is in Saint Philip Parish, near Crane Beach, and is famous for its beautiful tropical views.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean is Bottom Bay, which features towering cliffs and swaying palm trees.
Additionally, it is not as busy as other well-known beaches in Barbados.
Due to its expansive shore, you can still locate a great area on the sand even when there aren’t many beachgoers around.
A Pro Tip
When you’ve had your fill of sand and sun, visit the enormous cave that extends into the rock wall at the northern end of Bottom Bay.
- Accra Beach
One of the nicest things to do in Barbados is to visit this south coast beach with its turquoise waters and silky sands.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Accra Beach is your best bet if you’re looking for family-friendly beach locations in Barbados.
It’s also Barbados’ best swimming beach thanks to its clear, shallow waters and protected swimming sections.
I should add that the beach boasts great waves that are perfect for windsurfing and bodyboarding.
A Pro Tip
Remember to take a stroll along the popular Barbados Boardwalk.
It’s a great place to eat after spending a long time at the beach because there are both fast food places and fancy seaside restaurants.
Furthermore, at night, it is stunning and captivating.
- Dover Beach
Dover Beach, which is located in Oistins, is a paradise for daring vacationers.
Justifications for Including This Beach
While body surfing and surfing is great in Dover’s seas, the waves aren’t great for kayaking and paddleboarding.
The beach also provides plenty of options for other water sports like windsurfing, jet skiing, and Hobie cat sailing, which is even better.
A Pro Tip
Catch a thrilling live cricket match by going to the closest sports field.
Similar to this, you can visit St. Lawrence Gap and check out any of its numerous bars for some dancing and beverages.
- Bathsheba Bay Beach
Bathsheba, which is located on Barbados’ east coast, is a surfing and photography lover’s dream.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Photographing the picturesque rock formations of Bathsheba will bring photographers much joy.
In the meantime, surfers will enjoy riding the legendary Soup Bowl’s world-class waves.
The beach is also a great location for picnics and kite flying.
A Pro Tip
There aren’t many public transit options in the neighborhood.
So, think about renting a car if you intend to visit this beach.
Additionally, swimming is not advised due to the area’s rocky terrain and harsh waves.
- Bath Beach
Bath, which is located on the Atlantic coast, is one of Barbados’ best bathing beaches.
Justifications for Including This Beach
On the east coast of the island, Bath is a bit unusual. Bath’s beaches don’t have big waves like other beaches around the east coast do; instead, they have lifeguard towers and calm waters.
At this beach, there are also picnic tables and a concession stand.
A Pro Tip
Visit the ruins of the former railway that ran from Bridgetown to Bellapaine for an added splash of fun.
A creek and a waterfall can be found near the northernmost portion of the beach.
- Miami Beach
This waterfront marvel, also known as Enterprise Beach, is located on the south coast and is well-liked by both tourists and locals.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Don’t be fooled by its name!
Despite having the same name as the beach party capital of Florida, this lovely cove is surprisingly low-key and laid-back.
It embodies a tropical paradise in Barbados with its turquoise waters and sugar-white sand.
A Pro Tip
Are you going to the beach on Friday?
As a favor to yourself, visit the nearby town of Oistins, where every week the renowned Friday Fish Fry takes place.
- The beach at Silver Sands
This beach, which is located on the southern tip of the island, draws intrepid visitors looking for an adrenaline rush.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Thrill seekers’ delight!
Silver Sands is a great place for kitesurfing and windsurfing because it has strong, consistent winds and reefs that keep the water safe.
Since 1989, the Waterman Festival, a well-known windsurfing competition, has been held every year on the beach.
A Pro Tip
Visit South Point Lighthouse to liven up your beach vacation.
Built-in the 1800s, this lighthouse is a popular place to visit, especially for history buffs and photographers.
- Mullins Beach
This beach on the west coast is calm and beautiful, making it a great place to go on vacation.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Mullins Beach is a great place for people who want to relax and unwind because it is quiet and has beautiful natural scenery.
Most likely, you’ll spend the entire day here doing nothing but sunbathing and taking in the scenery.
A Pro Tip
The adventurous and active crowd shouldn’t read Mullins.
However, you can snorkel a little on this beach and see a lot of vibrant fish.
There is a roped-off covered area to keep all swimmers secure from sailboats and other vessels, and the water is typically calm there.
- Gibbs Beach
Even though this beach on the west coast is only 300 meters long, it is a beautiful place to hide out by the water.
Justifications for Including This Beach
A little piece of beauty on earth is Gibbs Beach.
It’s not only calm and leisurely, but its picture-postcard beauty will wow you.
It’s a wonderful spot to unwind and experience the tropical ambiance because there hasn’t been any commercial or industrial development.
A Pro Tip
Before visiting this beach, bring some snacks or lunch.
As an alternative, you can reach pubs and restaurants by traveling to the communities of Speightstown and Holetown.
- Beaches at Needham’s Point
Needham’s Point, which is close to Carlisle Bay, has three beautiful beaches that face different directions.
Justifications for Including This Beach
The opulent Hilton Barbados Resort may be the dominant feature of Needham’s Point.
Guess what, though?
There are free public beaches there that are open to anyone.
In addition to the clear water and decent waves, these beaches have other things to see, like beautiful lighthouses.
A Pro Tip
Be sure to stop by Drill Hall Beach if you like to relax in a secluded nook.
The beach is ideal for photography due to its tall palm trees and a lengthy stretch of sand.
- Brandon’s Beach
Brandon’s Beach, which is outside of Bridgetown, is only a short walk from the harbor.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Everything you need for a relaxing tropical getaway is here at Brandon’s Beach.
The beach is known for its soft sand, calm waves, beautiful sunsets, and clean water, all of which are sure to make you feel better.
Affordably priced rentals are available for seats, loungers, and umbrellas.
A Pro Tip
Make your way to the back of the beach after a day of relaxing and sunbathing to dine lavishly at Rascal’s restaurant.
This restaurant offers a wide variety of delectable foods that are sure to please your appetite.
- Folkestone Beach and Marine Park
This park on the west coast is more than just a lovely expanse of golden sand.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Folkestone is the best place to go swimming because the water is warm, calm, and clear.
Not to mention that its nearshore reefs, which are home to tropical fish and other marine life like sponges, make it a snorkeler’s paradise.
A children’s play area, picnic tables, tennis courts, and a boardwalk along the waterfront are also present.
A Pro Tip
Don’t want to swim, dive, or snorkel but still want to observe the abundant marine life in the area?
Then, go on a glass-boat trip to admire Barbados’ stunning underwater environment without getting wet.
- Archers Bay
One of the island’s best-kept secrets is Archers, a little restaurant hidden along the north coast.
Justifications for Including This Beach
On this beach, there is not a single modern structure, lifeguard, or signpost.
However, it features exquisite vistas that will astound and leave you dumbfounded.
You can also appreciate catching a glimpse of the pristine little cove beach while the tide is low.
A Pro Tip
Don’t forget to bring your camera with you when you visit this beach.
We assure you that the views from this beach are unmatched.
- Cattlewash Beach
This beach on the east coast is between Bathsheba Village and Barclays Park. Its beautiful surroundings make it a popular place to visit.
Justifications for Including This Beach
Locals love to retreat to Cattlewash, especially in the summer.
Swimming in the open water on this beach isn’t the best idea due to the strong currents.
However, you may still have a great time here by swimming in the naturally occurring pools that are completely bordered by rocks.
Additionally, it’s a lovely and tranquil location to wander or have a picnic.
A Pro Tip
On your trip to Cattlewash, bring beach necessities, a packed lunch, and snacks.
Cattlewash Beach lacks amenities, unlike some of the island’s other beaches.
- Paynes Bay Beach
This magnificent beach, also known as the Platinum Shore, is located in St. James along the western coast of the island.
Justifications for Including This Beach
One of the top beaches in Barbados is, without a doubt, the Platinum Coast.
You’ll find mild and tranquil seas here at the beach that is suitable for swimming.
Even better, a lot of adorable sea turtles call it home.
Additionally, this beach offers a range of activities, including kayaking.
A Pro Tip
At the Paynes Bay Fishing Complex, you can get some fresh seafood to satisfy your rumbling stomach.
The bay is also a great place to watch the Barbados sunset.