Top 5 best beaches in Barbados
From sheltered bays to rugged surf spots, Barbados is home to over 100 world class beaches. Some are internationally famous, attracting tourists and locals alike in their thousands, while others remain unknown to all but the most intrepid of travellers. Whether youÂ’re seeking calm and relaxing bays or amazing reefs of endless beautiful coral, these five beaches offer the quintessential Barbados experience:
1. Bottom Bay
Hidden on the southeast coast of the island, Bottom Bay is one of BarbadosÂ’s hardest beaches to find. Because of this, itÂ’s largely avoided the large-scale development that has occurred on the islandÂ’s other beaches. Beautiful white sand and smooth, rolling waves make Bottom Bay one of BarbadosÂ’s most aesthetically pleasing beaches. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers a postcard perfect environment thatÂ’s hard to find elsewhere in Barbados.
While its stunning natural beauty makes it the ideal beach for a relaxing picnic, the strong currents make Bottom Bay far from ideal for swimmers. Instead, walk up to the top of the coral cliffs to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the coastline.
2. Crane Beach
Crane Beach is neither unknown nor isolated. In fact, itÂ’s arguably the most famous beach in Barbados. Despite the crowds, this beach offers incredible scenery and the best bodysurfing on the islandÂ’s south-eastern coast. Surrounded by luxurious resorts, Crane Beach is easy to access and ideal for visitors to Barbados seeking a combination of natural beauty and luxury dining. After a day at the beach, drop in to one of the beachÂ’s many fantastic restaurants and bars for a refreshing sunset cocktail.
Although perfect for bodysurfers, the water at Crane Beach can get a little rough for swimmers. Experienced swimmers can easily handle the waves, but young children may find the beachÂ’s surf a little bit too intimidating.
3. Sandy Lane Beach
Perfect turquoise water and stunning tropical reefs make Sandy Lane a picturesque tropical paradise. Although its known for its eponymous hotel, you donÂ’t need to be a guest to enjoy Sandy Land BeachÂ’s stunningly beautiful pearl blue water. Popular with vacationing A-listers, Sandy Lane is one of BarbadosÂ’s most prestigious beaches. ItÂ’s also one of the clearest, boasting excellent visibility and little in the way of surf to disturb swimmers.
Sandy Lane BeachÂ’s accessible location and popularity with tourists can make it very crowded during the high season. Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the beach at its best, without any large crowds to bother you.
4. Carlisle Bay
Located alongside Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay is one of the most impressive beaches on the island. While far from sheltered or remote, this beautiful bay is home to the best snorkelling in Barbados, particularly in the Carlisle Bay Marine Park. From cannonballs to rusting ship anchors, a wide variety of artefacts litter the ocean floor in Carlisle Bay, making this lovely beach a great destination for snorkelers in search of a unique experience.
Surrounded by luxurious hotels, Carlisle Bay is one of BarbadosÂ’s best destinations for late afternoon swimming followed by a tasty dinner. Watch the sunset with your favourite tropical cocktail or explore the historical NeedhamÂ’s Point Lighthouse.
5. Mullins Bay
Perfect powdery sand and crystal clear tropical water makes Mullins Bay one of the islandÂ’s most desirable destinations and is widely regarded as one of BarbadosÂ’s top snorkelling beaches. Teeming with tropical fish, the clear waters of Mullins Bay are the perfect place for snorkelers to see the islandÂ’s marine life up close. From time to time, sea turtles are even spotted swimming close to the beachÂ’s stunningly pretty rock formations.
Effortlessly beautiful and perfectly tranquil, Mullins Bay is one of the islandÂ’s best beaches for rest and relaxation. Visit in the early afternoon and make sure you’ve got a mask and snorkel – the beachÂ’s perfect clear water is not to be missed.
Kim Goddard is Director of Sales at Royal Westmoreland.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
While its stunning natural beauty makes it the ideal beach for a relaxing picnic, the strong currents make Bottom Bay far from ideal for swimmers. Instead, walk up to the top of the coral cliffs to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the coastline.
2. Crane Beach
Crane Beach is neither unknown nor isolated. In fact, itÂ’s arguably the most famous beach in Barbados. Despite the crowds, this beach offers incredible scenery and the best bodysurfing on the islandÂ’s south-eastern coast. Surrounded by luxurious resorts, Crane Beach is easy to access and ideal for visitors to Barbados seeking a combination of natural beauty and luxury dining. After a day at the beach, drop in to one of the beachÂ’s many fantastic restaurants and bars for a refreshing sunset cocktail.
Although perfect for bodysurfers, the water at Crane Beach can get a little rough for swimmers. Experienced swimmers can easily handle the waves, but young children may find the beachÂ’s surf a little bit too intimidating.
3. Sandy Lane Beach
Perfect turquoise water and stunning tropical reefs make Sandy Lane a picturesque tropical paradise. Although its known for its eponymous hotel, you donÂ’t need to be a guest to enjoy Sandy Land BeachÂ’s stunningly beautiful pearl blue water. Popular with vacationing A-listers, Sandy Lane is one of BarbadosÂ’s most prestigious beaches. ItÂ’s also one of the clearest, boasting excellent visibility and little in the way of surf to disturb swimmers.
Sandy Lane BeachÂ’s accessible location and popularity with tourists can make it very crowded during the high season. Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the beach at its best, without any large crowds to bother you.
4. Carlisle Bay
Located alongside Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay is one of the most impressive beaches on the island. While far from sheltered or remote, this beautiful bay is home to the best snorkelling in Barbados, particularly in the Carlisle Bay Marine Park. From cannonballs to rusting ship anchors, a wide variety of artefacts litter the ocean floor in Carlisle Bay, making this lovely beach a great destination for snorkelers in search of a unique experience.
Surrounded by luxurious hotels, Carlisle Bay is one of BarbadosÂ’s best destinations for late afternoon swimming followed by a tasty dinner. Watch the sunset with your favourite tropical cocktail or explore the historical NeedhamÂ’s Point Lighthouse.
5. Mullins Bay
Perfect powdery sand and crystal clear tropical water makes Mullins Bay one of the islandÂ’s most desirable destinations and is widely regarded as one of BarbadosÂ’s top snorkelling beaches. Teeming with tropical fish, the clear waters of Mullins Bay are the perfect place for snorkelers to see the islandÂ’s marine life up close. From time to time, sea turtles are even spotted swimming close to the beachÂ’s stunningly pretty rock formations.
Effortlessly beautiful and perfectly tranquil, Mullins Bay is one of the islandÂ’s best beaches for rest and relaxation. Visit in the early afternoon and make sure you’ve got a mask and snorkel – the beachÂ’s perfect clear water is not to be missed.
Kim Goddard is Director of Sales at Royal Westmoreland.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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Barbados is the best holiday spot.As it is the home for top class beaches.We never see such nice beaches any where else.We have to visit at least once in our life time.
Sandy Lane is great for spotting celebs … hope to get down there next winter. On the other hand, Mullins Bay is a great place for anyone who wants the quintessential tropical island experience…!
Have to say I have never been in Barbados, but I love all this sandy beaches. Last year I was In Culebra, Puerto Rico. That was the closest to Barbados. But now that I see those pics will have to visit barbados :)
My family and I love Bottoms Bay. It is a beautiful beach with spectacular views hidden away below gorgeous cliffs like a little jewel no one knows about. We never miss a chance to go to this beach when we are there. We also always stay at The Crane and have a special place in our hearts for Crane Beach. We have lots of great family memories and photos from both beaches.
Have to say all the beaches are gorgeous but from the pics I would say the most beautiful is Bottom Bay. It looks like it is far from the crawd and like you said hardest beaches to find. I would definitely try to find it :)
Beach destinations are always the first choice for people and for me too. :)
This is amazing list you have mentioned… As I am an elite traveler and look for luxury things so for me interesting and useful post :)
Have to say this is a great line-up of beaches and very difficult to top. There are some other great choices depending on if you want to meet others or just want a romantic get-away. Great work – it’s almost like you’re a local!!!
@Katie
Interesting to hear, because i always thought i had spotted Gwyneth Paltrow there, but my boyfriend at that time thought i was crazy! It seems i have the same taste in beaches – good infrastructure but then, also a bit too crowded. I value infrastructure more. Also, you can’t beat how clear the water is!
I have always gone to Florida. After reading this I will make Barbados my destination. For some reason I used to think that it wasn’t that safe to travel to Barbados. Boy was I wrong. Just out of curiosity do you know if there are many grocery stores in the tourist areas? I would like to be able to prepare my own food from time to time. Thanks!
My favorite one is the Mullins Bay followed by Sandy Lane Beach cause of the colors and clear water you can see there. If any of you was not yet on Barbados then definitely you should visit it some day – great vacation experience.
The most calm and peaceful beach among all is Carlisle Bay. The sunset at this location so blissful it looks next to heaven.
We are thinking of Barbados and want to know if there are any remote type beaches and alsowant to know if the water is blue green ?
Thank you