Barbados
The best beaches in Barbados: west, south and the wild east coast
Every beach in Barbados is open to everyone. That is the law. But the coast changes character around the island, from calm, turquoise water in the west to surf and cliffs in the east. These are the beaches we would choose.
One island, three coasts
It is early afternoon in Paynes Bay and a catamaran has anchored a stone's throw from the shore. People slip into the water with snorkels, and beneath them the turtles glide calmly by. Half an hour's drive east, the Atlantic hits the cliffs with a completely different force. Barbados is small, but its coasts could hardly be more different.
In Barbados every beach is public down to the water's edge, even in front of the most expensive hotels. The whole island is in our Barbados guide.
The west coast: calm water and snorkelling
1. Mullins Beach
A wide, curving beach north of Holetown, with clear, calm water and a beach restaurant. Good for children and for snorkelling along the rocks.
2. Paynes Bay
You can see sea turtles straight from the beach. The catamaran trips stop here, but you can also swim out yourself.
3. Carlisle Bay
The bay by Bridgetown has several wrecks in shallow water, perfect for snorkelling and beginner dives. Brownes Beach in the same bay is one of the longest on the west coast.
4. Heron Bay and Gibbes Beach
Small, quiet beaches between the villas of the St James coast, with fewer people than around Holetown.
The south coast: life, wind and white sand
5. Accra Beach (Rockley)
A lively town beach with restaurants, sunloungers and small waves. Easy to reach from the south coast hotels.
6. Dover Beach
In the middle of St Lawrence Gap, with water sports by day and bars by night.
7. Miami Beach (Enterprise)
Two beaches either side of a headland near Oistins: one with waves, the other calm. Come on a Friday and stroll on to the Oistins fish fry.
8. Silver Sands
The southernmost beach, with a steady wind that has made it the island's kitesurfing beach.
Barbados
Photo: Tom Jur / Unsplash
The south-east: cliffs and palms
9. Crane Beach
Beneath the cliffs on the south-east coast, with a pink tint to the sand and Atlantic waves. Beautiful for a swim on calm days, but watch the current.
10. Bottom Bay
A small cove ringed by coral cliffs, with palm trees and almost no buildings. Many consider it the most beautiful beach on the island. Swimming is only safe in calm weather.
The east coast: look, but do not swim
Bathsheba is Barbados at its wildest, with huge boulders in the surf and the Soup Bowl wave. The currents make swimming dangerous in most places. Come for the view, the lunch and the silence.
Good to know
The west coast has the calmest water from December to April. Sargassum seaweed can wash up on the east and south coasts in summer.
Bring a snorkel. Many of the best moments are just a few metres from the shore.
For when to go, read the best time to visit Barbados.
Frequently asked questions about beaches in Barbados
What is the best beach in Barbados?
For swimming and snorkelling, Mullins Beach and Paynes Bay on the west coast are among the best. For drama and beauty, Crane Beach and Bottom Bay in the south-east are hard to beat.
Are the beaches in Barbados public?
Yes. All beaches in Barbados are public down to the water's edge, even in front of hotels. Hotels may still keep sunloungers for their guests.
Where can you swim with turtles in Barbados?
Paynes Bay and Carlisle Bay on the west coast are the best-known spots. Many catamaran trips stop there, but you can also swim out from the beach.
Can you swim on the east coast of Barbados?
It is not advised in most places. The waves and currents from the Atlantic are strong, especially at Bathsheba.