Barbados is well known for its beaches, and after vacationing on the island with my husband, we found that each beach has its own personality.
Crane Beach
This is our favorite beach in Barbados. Located on the southeast coast in the parish of St. Philip, Crane Beach has postcard-perfect scenery with its pink sand beaches, turquoise water, and huge cliffs overlooking the ocean. We spent hours walking the beach and taking pictures because we couldn’t get enough of this view!
The waves were a bit bigger than on the west coast beaches, but it only added to the beauty of the place. If we ever go back to Barbados, this will be our first stop.
Bathsheba Beach
Bathsheba was completely different than the beaches we explored on the west coast of Barbados. Huge rocks protrude from the ocean, creating an exotic landscape.
You can’t really swim here because the waves are so strong, but we had a lot of fun walking along the beach. There are some spots to sit and watch the surfers catch the Atlantic waves. It became one of our favorite photography spots.
Carlisle Bay
This beach is on the south-west coast, near Bridgetown. It was every bit what we imagine when we think of the Caribbean. We even saw tropical fish only feet away from the shore. We both could’ve spent all afternoon here. It was one of those beaches that make time stand still.
Accra Beach (Rockley Beach)
One of our favorite things about Accra Beach was the mixture of locals and visitors. We felt really welcomed spending the day wandering around this beach.
We loved walking along the expansive sand before cooling off in the Caribbean Sea. There were lots of places nearby to grab lunch or an ice cream, so it was a breeze spending the day here. It had a lot of energy without being too crowded.
Bottom Bay
Located in Saint Philip, Bottom Bay Beach reminded us of a little slice of paradise. Enclosed by lush palm trees and limestone cliffs, we found this to be one of the most tranquil beaches on Barbados. We spent some time lying under the palm trees listening to waves crash on the shore. The surf was really strong here, so it’s not great for swimming, but we didn’t care because the view made it worth it.
Paynes Bay
When we think of the perfect beach, it’s calm, quiet, and relaxing. Paynes Bay definitely fit that description. The water was so clear, and the waves were gentle, making swimming delightful.
We were told sea turtles could commonly be seen. But it wasn’t our lucky day! This was one of our favorite beaches due to its peacefulness.
Dover Beach
Dover Beach was lively and playful, and we really enjoyed it. It was calm enough to swim but had several options for water sports if you’re looking for more thrills.
We spent the afternoon playing between sand and sea, before walking over to St. Lawrence Gap for dinner.
Mullins Beach
We really enjoyed Mullins Beach because it was the perfect combination of lively and relaxing. We spent some time swimming in the peaceful water and then lay under an umbrella watching boats float by.
There were beach bars/restaurants around us so we could have hung out for hours without feeling like we had to go anywhere. We felt super welcome at Mullins Beach.
Silver Sands Beach
Silver Sands Beach was different from all the other beaches we visited. There’s typically more wind, which creates a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
We spent a good hour people watching and watching the colorful kites dot the sky. Swimming is tough here due to the waves but it was still worth checking out for the view and the vibe.
Enterprise Beach (Miami Beach)
Miami Beach was much quieter and felt more local than some of Barbados’ popular tourist traps. Families set up picnics together while kids played in the water. Everyone seemed so laid back. Clean sand and clear water combined with local food stands selling island treats. It was a great place to soak in day-to-day life on the island.
Folkestone Beach
Folkestone Beach on the west coast, just off Holetown, is a great spot to snorkel and visit coral reefs. We hired a pair of gear and went out, looking at the wildlife just beneath the surface. The clear water and serene setting make it a hidden treasure.
Brownes Beach
You wouldn’t expect it to be that nice considering it is so close to Bridgetown, but Brownes Beach surprised us. The water was calm enough to swim in, and we enjoyed mixing up a morning in the capital followed by spending the afternoon relaxing by the sea. It was busy but not busier than some other beaches we went to, and we never felt cramped.
