Best time to visit Barbados

Barbados Beaches

Who can resist these soft white sands and brilliant turquoise waters?

Best time: December–May

Barbados Beaches
Barbados Beaches
Barbados Beaches

Barbados is a beautiful beach destination that meets the needs of sun-bathers, swimmers, snorkelers, and surfers alike. An average holidaymaker spends every day on one of the island's stunning beaches, no matter what season they visit. Still, the best time to enjoy the seaside here is the dry months from December to May. The official hurricane season lasts between June and November.

Best beaches in Barbados

The best Barbados beaches are scattered all along the island's shore. Most of them are public, so you can simply wander around and choose the most eye-catching spot to unwind by the sea. Anyway, we've selected our top seven places to ease your decision-making a bit.

Dover Beach

Several great locations are nestled on the southern shore of Barbados. Dover Beach, west of Oistins, is a popular choice praised for reasonably-sized waves, vibrant underwater life, and windsurfing. And the nearby town of St. Lawrence Gap is a perfect place to end the day with some nightlife fun.

Rockley Beach

Further westwards, you'll find another lively beach known by two names—Rockley and Accra. Besides swimming and bathing, it offers dozens of watersports, such as body-surfing, sunfish sailing, windsurfing, and snorkeling. Also, when you visit Rockley Beach, make sure to stroll its mile-long scenic South Coast Boardwalk and go shopping at the Hastings Farmers Market.

Brownes Beach

Some of the finest beaches with white sands and calm waters lie within Carlisle Bay near Bridgetown. Check out the famous Brownes Beach, listed among the most expansive beaches in Barbados. You can enjoy its captivating views from a kayak or SUP.

Crane Beach

If you shift to the eastern shore, stop by Crane Beach to capture its pink-hued sands, rugged cliffs, and powerful waves. Surfers will fall in love with this place, but swimming isn't always safe here. Anyways, these picture-perfect landscapes and invigorating vibes are worth seeing.

Bottom Bay Beach

Breathtaking Bottom Bay Beach, sitting among the cliffs, is not the best option for swimming. Yet, this beach is one of the most secluded locations on the Barbados shoreline. So, if you wish to escape crowds and enjoy a romantic day in the shade of swaying palms, Bottom Bay is the best place!

Bath Beach

Bath Beach is an oddity on the east coast, as instead of powerful waves, the waters here are calm. The beach is equipped with change rooms, showers, and picnic areas shaded by grand casuarina trees. Not surprisingly, Bath Beach is the locals' favorite. Additionally, at the north end of the beach, you can find a small waterfall. And if you explore the area further, you might discover the remains of the old railway.

Bathsheba Beach

We finish our list of top beaches with the rugged and scenic Bathsheba Beach, a prime surfing destination in Barbados. Again, swimming is not recommended in these waters, but even if you're not a keen surfer, you can always snap a pair of great shots and indulge in sun-bathing.

Map of Barbados beaches

Have a look at the map featuring Barbados beaches and accommodations nearby. Generally, the west coast is more suitable for families with kids, while the east coast, blessed with rough waves of the Atlantic, is better for extreme watersports. After all, you could always stay on one side of the island and easily travel to the other side, thanks to Barbados' small size.

Practical info

When should travelers go to Barbados for a beach vacation?

To enjoy the beaches in Barbados, visit from mid-December to mid-April, which is the dry season and has low humidity, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Additionally, this is outside the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Show more

What water sports can be enjoyed at Rockley Beach?

Located on Rockley Beach, also known as Accra Beach, visitors can participate in a range of water sports, including windsurfing, surfing, kite-surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and sea turtle watching. Most of these activities have availability for rentals and lessons on the beach. Show more

Which beach in Barbados is preferred by surfers?

Surfing enthusiasts should check out Crane Beach on the southeastern coast of Barbados. The beach's location on the Atlantic side of the island and its rough water, strong currents, and large swells make it an ideal spot to catch a good wave. Another option includes Bathsheba, which has a rugged coastline and challenging terrain suited for surfing. Show more

Are there any secluded beaches in Barbados where visitors can avoid large crowds?

Visitors seeking privacy can head to several secluded beaches in Barbados, including Bottom Bay Beach, Gibbs Beach, Foul Bay, and River Bay. Since these beaches are isolated, visitors need to either rent a car or take a taxi to reach them. However, the effort to reach them is well worth experiencing the romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Show more

What sets Bath Beach apart, and what activities other than swimming can visitors find there?

Bath Beach, located on the eastern coast of Barbados, has calm tidal pools instead of strong waves, which isn't typical for Barbados' beaches. Besides swimming, visitors to Bath Beach can explore rock formations, picnic on the beach, search for beachcombing, trek to the northern waterfall, or relax and take a dip in the natural pools. Bath Beach is unique among Barbados' beaches and provides an enjoyable destination for those looking for more activities beyond swimming. Show more

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Last updated: by Olha Savych