Best Beaches in Barbados

Crane Beach is a dramatic landscape, with high cliffs, abundant greenery, pink-hued sand, and bright blue waters. The beach sits just below the Crane Resort & Residences, which has been a honeymoon favorite for decades. There used to be a flight of 100 steps that allowed access to the beach, but now there is a glass lift that transports hotel guests from the hotel grounds to the beach, all while marveling at the views on the other side of the glass. Non-hotel guests can access the beach through a narrow road at the south end of the beach next to the parking lot. Once on the sand, all deadlines are forgotten and troubles melt away. There are beach loungers for rent, and a fresh ocean breeze to kick off the day.

There are two types of beachgoers that frequent Crane Beach: the relaxers and the adventurers. The relaxers go for a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, a rum punch in the afternoon, or a nice dip in the ocean. The adventurers go for boogie boarding in the powerful Atlantic waves or cliff diving into the ocean below. Although the waves are strong, a large coral reef protects the beach from the Atlantic Ocean's extremely rough waters, so adventurers don't get themselves into a dicey situation. No matter which type of beachgoer you may be, Crane Beach offers each one a wonderful time in beautiful Barbados.

There are also world-class restaurants at Crane Beach, including D'Onofrios, a casual Italian restaurant, Zen, a Japanese and Thai restaurant, and L'Azure, a Mediterranean restaurant. The food is delicious, but the views alone are what give these establishments their reputations. With swaying palms, unique pink sand, and opportunities to explore, Crane Beach is definitely a must-see.

Bathsheba Beach is home to one of the world's finest yet least known surf breaks, named The Soup Bowl. Professional surfers frequent the area, but only professionals or experienced swimmers should go into the water. Strong undertows and choppy waters make the waves unsafe for recreational swimming. Tidal pools nearby, however, provide a much safer alternative for those who want to explore some of the water.

Nestled on the southern coast of the enchanting island of Barbados, Silver Sands Beach is a picturesque destination beloved by travelers and locals alike. This beautiful beach stretches over a significant length, its shores kissed by powdery, white sand that glistens under the Caribbean sun. Visitors to Silver Sands can engage in a variety of activities such as sunbathing, leisurely strolls along the water's edge, picnicking with family and friends, and playing beach volleyball. Despite its many offerings, Silver Sands Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does have bathroom access and allows dogs, providing a pet-friendly environment for those who wish to explore the beauty of Barbados with their furry companions.

One of the most popular beaches on the west coast of Barbados, Mullins Beach ideal for families who hope to relax and allow their children to swim in safe roped off areas. This beach is great for activities such as boat rides, water skiing, ocean trampolines, and even parasailing. Mullins Beach is the perfect destination for a few days of fun and relaxation.

Bottom Bay is a spectacular island of towering sea cliffs, coconut palm trees, and clear, turquoise waters. The picturesque beach is a dramatic scene, perfect for wedding photos. The bay is almost entirely made of coral; the soft sands consist of pounded coral over time, the dramatic coastal cliffs are jagged pieces of coral, and the coral reefs off the coast offer snorkelers and divers the chance to get up close and personal with the exotic marine life.

Adrenaline junkies will love the powerful waves and dicey rock formations throughout the shoreline; the waters make for a thrilling ride while windsurfing and kitesurfing, but may not be the safest, especially for swimming. The best thing to do at Bottom Bay is enjoying a tropical picnic in the middle of this rugged landscape. With no public amenities or buildings in sight, you'll live out your long-standing "desert island" fantasy. Some people get to have this fantasy every day -- a small community of homes are being built on the tops of the coral cliffs overlooking the ocean. The residents can even spot turtles and whales from their bedroom windows! The best hotel in the area is The Crane Resort, a gorgeous, cliffside property by the beach.

If you're looking for a natural venue to say "I do," Bottom Bay is the perfect place. Walking down the aisle, barefoot on powder-white sand and looking out over one of the most beautiful bays in the world, is certainly a magical moment that is unlike any other experience. Even if you don't have a sparkling ring on your finger, Bottom Bay offers shimmering ocean waters and memories to last a lifetime. Whether you're engaged, single, or unsure, Bottom Bay is simply magical.

Accra Beach is a very popular location on the southern shore of Barbados. With an ideally located boardwalk, perfectly cresting waves, and calm tide pools, this Beach has something for everyone. Be sure to try the street side food and vendors if you want to get an authentic taste of Barbados!

Resting on the south coast of Barbados, Miami (Enterprise) Beach offers calm, clear waters and a lifeguard on duty making it the perfect destination for families. Locals and visitors love this serene beach destination where they may relax and enjoy the many restaurants and food trucks. Miami Beach is favored by locals who prefer the natural shade and privacy afforded by the many palm trees. Perhaps the most unique feature of this beach, though, is the local fish cakes that are made fresh every day with the day's catch; be sure to try this delicious treat!

Bayshore Beach is a beautiful beach located on the south coast of Bridgetown, Barbados. It is a long and wide beach that stretches for about 1.5 km, and the sand is soft and white.

Just outside of Speightstown lies Heywoods Beach, a beautiful beach lined with trees for shade. This beach offers calm waters with little undertow and small waves making it ideal for solo visitors and families alike. There is an abundance of water activities as well as restaurants to grab a bight and cool off after soaking up some sun.

Alleynes Bay, located in Mount Standfast, Barbados, is a picturesque beach that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility. This stunning beach stretches along the coast, providing visitors with a serene and relaxing environment.

Gibbes Beach, located in the charming village of Gibbes, Barbados, is a hidden gem nestled along the island's western coast. With its serene and unspoiled atmosphere, this beach offers a tranquil escape for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

This beautiful beach is the perfect destination if you're looking for white sand, blue water, and plenty of watersports. Friendly lifeguards keep watch as jet skiiers enjoy themselves at this popular Barbados destination.

The Sandy Lane Beach is one of the less frequented beaches on the west coast of Barbados. One can find all sorts of watersports in these translucent, turquoise waters. The beach is public, but most amenities are available through the local luxury resort, aptly named the Sandy Lane Hotel.

Brownes Beach is a beautiful beach located in Bridgetown, Barbados. The beach is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and features soft white sand.

Shark Hole is a secluded beach located in Belair, Barbados. The beach is approximately 100 feet long and boasts soft, white sand with clear blue waters.

Brandons Beach, located in Bridgetown, Barbados, is a picturesque coastal gem that offers a wonderful beach experience. Stretching along the pristine shoreline, this beach boasts a length of approximately 1.5 kilometers.

Bath Beach is one of Barbados' best kept secrets. Far removed from the more popular tourist destinations on the island, Bath Beach provides a tranquil experience for all visitors. Feel free to take the kids into the calm waves, snorkel along the reef, or hike by the old train tracks.

One of the most popular beaches on the island, Paynes Bay sits on the western coast of Barbados and offers picturesque white sand and turquoise water. This beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just reading a book in the shade. If you're lucky, you may even spot a sea turtle or two!

Stretching from Bathsheba to Barclays Park, Cattlewash Beach is one of the longest beaches in all of Barbados. Open ocean swimming is particularly dangerous here, however, tide pools on the northern end of the beach provide a safe space for those who want to get their feet wet. Given its size and isolated relatively location, Cattlewash Beach is perfect for long, romantic walks with loved ones.

Folkestone Beach is a comfortable, shaded picnic area adjacent to the Folkestone Marine Park & Museum. This beach and recreation area offers opportunities for snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking. Be sure to visit the Museum as well to see some of the most rare and beautiful marine life in the world!

Batts Rock Beach is located in Harrismith, Barbados and stretches for approximately 0.5 km. The sand at this beach is a mix of golden and light brown.

Pebbles Beach, located in Bridgetown, Barbados, is a picturesque coastal gem that offers a delightful beach experience. Stretching along the shoreline for a length of approximately 1 kilometer, this beach boasts soft golden sand that invites visitors to sink their toes into its warm embrace.

Carlisle Bay, situated at the heart of Bridgetown, Barbados, is a serene stretch of golden sand beach that spans across a picturesque area, offering both locals and tourists an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The bay's calm turquoise waters and its glistening shoreline create a perfect setting for a multitude of activities such as swimming, snorkeling over shipwrecks, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball, alongside leisurely strolls and sunbathing. Carlisle Bay has many amenities including spots for picnicking, wheelchair accessibility for easy beach access, and the assurance of safety with lifeguards on duty. However, it's noteworthy that dogs are not allowed, and the beach lacks restroom facilities, provisions for camping, surfing activities, and doesn’t support nudity.