Barbados has many beautiful beaches along its 100 km (70 miles) of coastline. Unlike the other Caribbean countries in the island chain, Barbados was not created by a volcano. This is why you will find pure white sand along Barbadian beaches as opposed to black sand common on volcanic islands. Barbados is uniquely placed just outside of the Caribbean plate in the Atlantic Ocean creating very different coast lines. The west coast is known for its calm clear waters and borders the Caribbean Sea while the east coast is a surfer’s paradise with rough rolling waves from the Atlantic Ocean. Here are our top ten beaches to visit on all four coasts of Barbados 

South Coast 

Carlisle Bay 

There is so much to love about this beautiful crescent shaped bay near Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados. The calm, clear waters make Carlisle Bay a popular spot for paddle boarding, swimming, sailing and more. The long stretch of sandy beach is perfect for morning walks or beach runs. Dive in and explore the many shipwrecks such as The Berwyn which has been sunk in the bay for over 100 years or sign up for a guided sea turtle tour. Rather stay on land? You can grab lunch or a cool cocktail at one of the many beachfront restaurants like The Boatyard, Lobster Alive, Copacabana, Harbour Lights or the Cruising Club. Within the bay is the popular Pebbles Beach where you can try a world famous Cuz Cutter or see the Bajan ‘Sea Horses’ early in the morning.

Stay near Carlisle Bay at one of our many south coast properties. Want to make the south coast of Barbados your home away from home, check out these fantastic properties for sale. 

Palm Beach 

The picture perfect, white, sandy shores are the one of the reasons we love Palm Beach. But what makes this beach win a spot on our top 10 list is the magical miracle of the Hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings. Palm Beach is one of the top turtle nesting beaches on the island. Depending on the time of the year you may either see turtles nesting or hatching. If you walk the full stretch of the beach you will meet the south coast boardwalk. The boardwalk will connect you will many restaurants, bars and beaches along the way. 

Stay at the Condominiums at Palm Beach. This fabulous beachfront property has many amenities including three large pools and an onsite gym. Click here to see more. 

Dover Beach 

Sail along the Caribbean Sea in a hobbie cat, sign up for surf lessons or enjoy a sunset stroll with a cocktail in your hand. Dover is the beach for adventure, relaxation and everything in between. Located in the lively St. Lawrence Gap, there is plenty to see, do and eat nearby. Dover beach has lifeguard is on duty, shower and toilet facilities, a little shopping village, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent and a playground for the kids.

Dover has fantastic holiday rentals like Saphire Beach making it a top choice for those who love to relax on the beach by day and enjoy the night life and dining out by night.

West Coast

Sandy Lane Beach

Close your eyes and float away at the tranquil Sandy Lane Beach. It is no wonder the rich and famous choose this as their spot to unwind, it truly is paradise! While Sandy Lane Resort and its Beach Club are for guests and members, the beach (like all other beaches in Barbados) is public. Visitors to the beach are able to rent beach chairs and umbrellas from a beach vendor or purchase drinks from the Sandy Lane beach bar.

Interested in the full Sandy Lane experience? Stay at a Sandy Lane Villa and enjoy Beach Club member perks like a private cabana and access to the beach club lounge and changing rooms

Gibbes Beach

The most tranquil beach on the island. Gibbes beach is almost forgotten as it does not have easy road access or a parking lot near by making it one of the more unpopulated, and quiet beaches in Barbados. The beach is partially shaded by large trees so there is no need to rent an umbrella, simply relax with your toes in the sand. Many luxury boats or catamarans anchor at Gibbes as the bay is always calm - almost meditative, bringing peace and stillness to your life. 

One of the best ways to experience Gibbes beach is to rent a holiday home located right on the beachfront. Seascape is one of our favourite holiday homes at Gibbes Beach. 

East Coast

Bathsheba

Untouched, rough and wild beauty that feels a world away from the glitz and glam of the West Coast. Bathsheba is a small surf town and home to the world-famous surf break ‘Soup Bowl.’ Be warned only professional surfer should surf these powerful Atlantic waves. Visitors to the beach can enjoy a cool dip in the rock pools at low tide or a picnic on the shore, swimming in the open ocean is not advised. Bathsheba is a photographer’s paradise with dramatic rock formations, huge waves and quaint Caribbean town charm.

Escape to the natural beauty of the east coast at White Caps, Cattlewash, other spectaular beach next door to Bathsheba.

Crane Beach

Crane Beach is one of Barbados', if not the Caribbean's, most outstanding beaches. Known for its dramatic cliffs, the softest white sand (with hints of pink), azure waters and the perfect body surfing waves. The Crane is one of the few beaches on the east coast where people may swim at their own risk. This is thanks to the outer reef which creates a calmer natural harbour. The Crane gets its name from the large crane that was used for loading and unloading of cargo from ships in the harbour. Today the Crane beach has a beach bar & restaurant and umbrellas and chairs for rent making it the perfect place to spend a beach day!

Purchase a Private Residence at the Crane to enjoy the resort amenities and easy access (by glass elevator) to this internationally top rated beach!

Bottom Bay 

Where the rugged cliffs of the east meet the white sandy shores of the south, you will find the breathtaking Bottom Bay. This remote, picturesque beach is perfect for unplugging under the swaying coconut palms and relaxing while surrounded by natural beauty of the turquoise waters and soaring cliffs. The constant breeze will keep you cool while working on your tan. Swimming is not recommended at Bottom Bay, but coconut water is! Look out for the coconut man who can even add a dash of rum to your freshly cut coconut.

The east coast of Barbados has something for everyone and St. Philip is the fastest growing residential market in Barbados. Have a look at some of our prime real estate options on the east coast of Barbados.

North Coast

River Bay

River Bay is a popular local picnic spot on weekends and bank holidays. It is one of the few places that you can swim on the north coast of the island. The calm bay was formed where a freshwater river meets the sea, hence the name.

For Aerial footage of River Bay click here.

Animal Flower Cave

Not a beach but a must visit! Whale watching, cave exploring and eating fabulous local food at one of the most stunning lookout points in Barbados. Venture into the Animal Flower Cave on a private cave tour. You will learn more on how coastal features like the cave were formed, you can swim in the refreshing cave pool and it’s a fabulous photo opp! The Animal Flower Cave is located in the northern most parish of St. Lucy. One of our favourite beachfront villas, Little Good Harbour House is also in St. Lucy although it is on the calm western side of the parish.

Interested in learning more about the beaches of Barbados, or beachfront property for sale or rent? Contact our team at info@realtorslimited.com. We are always happy to help.