Best time to visit Barbados

Surfing in Barbados

Choose from a variety of surfing breaks along the island's scenic coastline

Best time: October–March

Surfing in Barbados

Barbados has everything to satisfy every type of surfer, including beginners and experts. The island is assuredly a surfer's dream destination with warm water temperatures, breathtaking sceneries, and year-round waves breaking onto sandy beaches and flat coral reefs.

Barbados surf season

Thanks to a year-round swell produced by the northeast trade winds, you can try and learn surfing in any season on Barbados' south and southeast coasts. Count on some rideable waves of 2–6 ft (1–2 m) most days around the island. Still, the best season lasts from October to March, when the north and west coasts face solid swells, and the east coast also gets bigger onshore waves. Early morning hours present the best conditions for surfing, as then the water is extra clean.

During the hurricane season, April through September, the wave scene is unpredictable and largely depends on wind direction. The chances are equal that Atlantic storms would result in some massive swells as well as total calm.

Barbados surf map

The coastline of Barbados boasts decent surfing breaks on each side. Should you stay in the south, explore South Point, Freights Bay, and Dover Beach, with options for every experience level. Sandy Lane Bay on the west coast and Maycocks Bay in the north are excellent for more advanced surfers. Lastly, the iconic Bathsheba Beach or Soup Bowl is the top surf destination in Barbados, home to international competitions in surfing.

As long as you decide on a surfing spot, find it on the map and book a stay nearby for your convenience. After all, the island is not that big, so you'll be able to travel from one coast to the other to compare different locations and get a fuller experience of surfing in Barbados.

Practical info

When is the best time of year to surf in Barbados?

The peak time for surfing in Barbados is from October to March when the north and west coasts face solid swells, and the east coast gets bigger onshore waves. Barbados benefits from year-round swell courtesy of the northeast trade winds. Between April and September, the hurricane season engenders unpredictable wave formations dependent on wind direction. Show more

Where are the best surf locations in Barbados?

Barbados features surfing beach breaks on all sides: the south, west, north, and east coasts. Surfing destinations that are ideal for novices include South Point, Freights Bay, and Dover Beach. While surf sites such as Sandy Lane Bay and Maycocks Bay are a bit more advanced. Bathsheba Beach is one of the most famous surfing locations in Barbados and the Caribbean where international surfing competitions are hosted. Show more

What is the water temperature like in Barbados for surfing?

The sea temperature in Barbados fluctuates depending on the season. The water is cooler during the winter, from December to April, with an average of 78°F (26°C). It warms up to an average of 84°F (29°C) during the summer, from June to November. The warm oceanic climate of Barbados guarantees consistent and warm sea temperatures, perfect for year-round surfing. Show more

What level of experience do I need for the surf breaks in Barbados?

Barbados caters to all levels of expertise, ranging from neophytes to mavens. The south coast bestows some of the more beginner-friendly surf breaks such as Freights Bay, Dover Beach, and South Point. Advanced breaks can be found on the west side of the island at Sandy Lane Bay & Maycocks Bay. Expert surfers consider the famous Soup Bowl at Bathsheba Beach to be one of the finest surf breaks in the Caribbean. Show more

Are there any annual surfing events or competitions held in Barbados?

Undoubtedly, Barbados is home to annual surfing events and competitions. The most notable event is the international competition Barbados Surf Pro, which is held at Soup Bowl. World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series event draws surfers from all across the globe who compete. Barbados hosts numerous national and international surfing events throughout the year besides this. Show more

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Last updated: by Olha Savych