Find Real Estate In:
All beaches in Barbados are Crown property and are governed by the laws of Barbados. This means that all beaches are open to the public and cannot be made private by a property owner on the coastline; and that access to the public from the water or from the land must be easy and permissible. Barbados comprises of over 70 miles of white sand beaches due to the islands coral stone origins, and surrounding most of the island are shallow coral reefs making the habitat ideal for tropical fish and sea life. The South and West coasts are the best areas for swimming and snorkelling while care should be taken on the East and North coasts as the large waves and strong tides are dangerous - swimming is not recommended.
The South Coast Beaches in Barbados provide good dive sites and superb wind and kite surfing conditions due the small to medium waves. This side of the island boasts some of the most popular stretches beach in white sand bays – Accra Beach, Carlisile Bay, Sandy Beach in Worthing, Dover and Welches just west of Oistins are some of the most ideal locations for swimming. Shallow reefs and calm water provide perfect conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. A couple of the best windsurfing spots in Silver Sands and Silver Rock are home to international windsurfing events held throughout the year. Voted one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world, The Crane Beach is situated to the east along the south side of the island and is a must see. It is however still advisable that caution be exercised when swimming on the south coast as it can also experience some unexpected undercurrents.
The West Coast Beaches in Barbados are on the sheltered side of the island with calm, clear water, excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Due to the tranquillity of its coastline this is the most popular area for sailing and pleasure craft activities as well. Water sports, from cruising on a catamaran to scuba diving and jet skiing are readily available on any west coast beach with some of the more famous bays being Sandy Lane, Paynes Bay, Gibbs Bay and Mullins. At certain times of the year when a north swell is running this side of the island can experience large waves ideal for surfing, and at these times swimmers should be more careful not to venture too far off shore.
The East Coast Beaches in Barbados offer some of the most dramatic and breathtaking locations with the Atlantic Ocean providing a rugged coastline. Large waves and dangerous currents are prevalent along this side of the island so swimming is not recommended. Home to some of the best year round surf spots the east coast is where you will find the world famous Bathsheba or "Soup Bowl". Cattlewash beach is undoubtedly the longest stretch of beach on the island and it is stunningly beautiful. Crashing waves and the cooling trade winds make this part of the island extremely relaxing and a favourite for many locals that choose to vacation in the sea-side homes along the coastline. This part of the island is also well known for its fishing villages – Tent Bay, Conset Bay and Martin’s Bay all have small fish markets where fresh fish is the order of the day.
Northern Barbados has fewer beaches but the spectacular weathered cliffs and pounding Atlantic swells give away to numerous cove-like bays. The majority of this coast is more rugged than the rest of islands with stunning cliffs and caves with magnificent views of the raw Atlantic Ocean. Going for a dip is quite safe within the sheltered bays like River Bay, but due to the strong on shore currents it is extremely inadvisable to swim at Maycocks Bay, Cove Bay and Morgan Lewis Beaches.
Points to Note on our Beaches:Flags on Beach denote dangerous currents.
It is always advisable to stay within your depth when swimming. There is quite a bit of activity along the coast lines with boats and other water crafts so when snorkelling or diving please display a brightly coloured buoy or float to indicate your location.
Manchineel trees
More dominant on the West Coast, but also found in small quantities elsewhere, these poisonous trees are to be handled with care. They bear small yellow-green “apples” (usually marked with a red ring around the trunk) and any contact with the leaves, branches or fruits will cause severe blistering. The fruit should NOT be eaten at anytime and take care not to shelter under these trees when it’s raining as the water dripping from the leaves will produce the same unpleasant effect.
Sea Urchins/Cobblers
Barbados is surrounded by extensive of coral reefs and sea urchins (commonly referred to as cobblers) are abundant in the rocks and crevices close to shore. The long black spines will break easily and if stepped are very painful. It is advised that if you are snorkelling or walking on any of the shallow reefs you wear reef shoes for protection against these animals and other small fish.