Well, here is the lowdown on beaches
BARBADOS BEACH INFORMATION
West Coast
Beaches are calm and relaxing, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sailing, with water sports available. The numerous hotels in the area provide visitors with plenty of options for lunch and drinks.
Mullins Beach: This is a very popular beach with moderately calm waters. It is easily accessed and parking is available right across the road. There are also food and drinks available from Mullins Beach Bar right on the beach, who also provides decent lighting at night for those who may like nighttime swimming. It makes a nice picnic spot during the day and is definitely worth a visit.
Payne’s Bay: This is also a moderately calm beach and is located opposite the Coach House restaurant & bar. It is easily accessible and has parking. A great beach for snorkeling and water sports. Bombas Beach Bar & The Coach House Restaurant is close by. Fitts Village: Parking and shade are available and lunch can be had at it Tiempo.
Holetown: Lovely crystal clear water and calm seas. Occasionally the swimmer may catch a glimpse of a sea turtle and perhaps even swim with one. This beach is easily accessible and water sports are available at reasonable rates. Baku, Chefette and Kokomos provide great food.
Speightstown: In this town, known as "Little Bristol" there are many beaches, which allow for good swimming and other activities like snorkeling. There are also long stretches that make for good walks
East Coast:
Known for its very large waves, the biggest in the island, the East Coast is a surfer’s paradise and the popular international Soup Bowl is held here annually along with many other competitions. Swimming in the area is not recommended.
Bath: This beach is located at Bath in St. John. There is a public picnic area and changing facilities by the National Conservation Commission. The public play-park makes this beach ideal for a family outing.
Bathsheba/Cattlewash: Because it is a long stretch of beach it is ideal for a relaxing walk or even a picnic, which can be had at the nearby Barclays Park. The towering hills also provide a beautiful backdrop or souvenir picture. The only down side to this beach is that the swimming is somewhat dangerous, have no fear though, the lush scenery more than makes up for it.
South Coast:
This side of the island has many lovely beaches. The reef-protected waters of the south coast are great for swimming and snorkeling. Some popular beaches in the area include Needham's Point, Rockley Beach and Casuarina Cove
Sandy Beach/Carib: Located in the Worthing area in Christ Church, this beach is calm, clear and shallow. Ideal for young children. If you go at low tide, the reef may be out and you can walk on it and explore the creatures that inhabit it. If you go at high tide it is just as much fun to explore while snorkeling. There is easy access to this beach and parking is available at a nearby parking lot or on the beach itself. Food and drinks are available at Carib Beach Bar or Sandy Beach Hotel terrace bar as well as Kolors. Jet-ski rides and windsurfing are sometimes available as well as chair and umbrella rentals.
Accra Beach: Very popular with locals and tourists alike. Busy with activities such as body boarding. There are also local vendors set up along the beach where one can buy anything from a hand crafted leather good or bead and shell chain, to a tie-dye wrap skirt. There is a car park on the beach and right opposite the road is a popular fast food restaurant. Umbrellas and chairs as well as body boards can be rented.
Miami/Enterprise Beach: Beautiful crystal clear water. Moderately calm. Very popular with locals who are often there in large numbers, especially during public holidays. A definite gathering spot for the school children on summer holiday. There is adequate parking and plenty of shade and food is also available nearby. There are also chairs for rent.
Casuarina Beach: Access from Maxwell coast road. Water sports are available and food and drink can be obtained from the nearby Casuarina Beach Hotel.
Carlisle Bay/Boatyard: This beach is located on the outskirts of Bridgetown. Parking is available at the Boatyard complex. Food and drinks are also available from within the Boatyard bar & restaurant.
Silver Sands: An excellent beach for windsurfing and hosts an annual competition of that sport. It is located right opposite the Silver Rock Hotel.
Dover Beach: Located in the popular St.Lawrence Gap in Worthing, Christ Church. Slightly stronger current than most of the other beaches. There is a cool refreshing breeze on this beach and windsurfing is done regularly. Kayak rentals are also available. Food can be obtained from many nearby
Restaurants. There are many souvenir and gift shops close by
South-East Coast:
Closer to the Atlantic Ocean, Crane Beach is a favorite spot for bodysurfing because of the rolling waves. You will find many high-rise hotels in this more developed area.
Foul Bay: A rugged expanse awaits you at this beach. There is a car park. Although there are no water sports or food and drink, it is still ideal for exploring or having a picnic. This beach is home to many fishing boats.
Crane Beach:
Crane Beach, originally a harbour, is considered by many to be one of the island's most beautiful beaches. In fact, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous rated it as "one of the ten best beaches in the world"!
The name "Crane" was derived from the large crane situated at the top of the cliff, which was used for loading and unloading ships.
The Crane Beach Hotel, standing on the cliff above the beach, has been a favorite with honeymooners since it opened in 1867. The view in the photo shows why! In the gardens of the Hotel you will find the magnificent Grand Jete Statue.
There is parking available at the nearby Crane Beach Hotel as well as food and drinks. This beach has large waves for body boarders.
Bottom Bay: This beach is near Sam Lords Castle, an exclusive hotel which is somewhat hidden away. You can access the beach before Sam Lords by going down steps, or you can access through Sam Lords Castle itself. Food and drinks are available at the hotel as well as rentals of various equipment
Consett Bay
This sheltered bay is one of many located in the parish of St. John.
Several fishermen land their catch in this lovely bay and their activities may be observed from the long jetty, which stretches into the Atlantic.
