There are more than 80 stunning beaches spread around the island. You can always find an idyllic stretch of beach on this small island in the Eastern Caribbean. If you're staying in a five-star resort or a modest apartment, the beaches are open to everyone.
The beaches on the west and southwest coast of Barbados are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and other water based activities.
We have put together a list of the best places in the Caribbean to cool off in the water.
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At Bottom Bay, there is a crescent of high coral cliffs over a clump of palm trees. This quiet slice of Caribbean wilderness is an unexpected find on a busy island.
The turquoise waters are overshadowed by the deep blue sea as the rolling waves cede to them. Even if you aren't a fan of sand between the toes, it's still worth a trip out here. Sea turtles and whales can be seen close to the shore.
There are no lifeguards or currents that are easy to navigate when entering the water at Bottom Bay.
There are a lot of things to do in the country.
A wide open space overlooking the Atlantic, isolated Bath Beach is a favorite escape for Bajans, who come here to enjoy the cooling effect of the shady trees. One of the few safe places to bathe on the island's exposed eastern shoreline is Bath Beach, which is formed by a protective reef.
While away a day, you can sample delicious traditional snacks from the vendors who patrol the grassy lawns, in between long walks, and on a kayak. If you swim at the beach, make sure to check the water for hawksbill turtles, who nest there.
Folkestone Beach is a great place to go for a walk and a swim. The best place to snorkel near Holetown is just a few feet offshore.
The area around the beach is a protected marine area with shallow reefs and calm waters that are suitable for beginners to snorkel. A kaleidoscope of colorful tropical fish can be seen by adults and kids.
It's a good option for less confident snorkelers because boats and jetskis can't go into the snorkeling zone. There is a small museum at the Folkestone Marine Park Visitor Centre.
One of the most buzzing beaches on the island, Accra Beach near Bridgetown is backed by a shady park that brings the best of the island to the shoreline, from bearded oldtimers selling handicrafts to dignified ladies in their Sunday best serving up traditional Bajan snacks.
There's always something going on for people-watchers at the beach and there's plenty of shade. The sand and sea are some of the best on the south coast.
If a beach was made for the backyards of the glitterati, it would look like a shark hole. The tiny inlet is tucked between rocky outcrops and is like a salty swimming pool with calm waters. You will have the place to yourself if you come during the week.
You can relax and enjoy the sand despite the name because sharks are not frequent visitors.
The beach south of Bridgetown is covered in soft white sands and backed by coconut palms. One of the best beaches on the island for travelers with children in tow is the pebbles beach. There are a lot of water sports equipment for rent right on the sand at this location.
There is no reason to stray far from the water's edge at Pebbles Beach; for sustenance, several food vans serve barbecued treats.
A 10-minute walk from downtown Bridgetown, but away from the resort district, this long, broad beach on Carlisle Bay has soft silky sands and shallow, brilliant blue waters. It is a popular choice for local families who bring a picnic.
There are several wrecks in shallow waters just offshore from Brownes Beach that can be explored with a mask and snorkel.
Brandon's Beach is close to the Bridgetown cruise ship terminal. The wide stretch of powdery sand, perfect for sunbathing and fronting by multi- hued turquoise waters, is a perfect welcome to new arrivals, and the floating offshore waterpark is a big hit with younger travelers.
In the evening hours, this is a great place to see and be seen, with locals abandoning their work clothes and descending to the shore to exercise and socialize. Some of the best facilities on the west coast can be found in Brandons.
One of the most secluded beaches on the West Coast has a narrow crescent of sand that is backed by a dense, green wall of trees. It is one of the best beaches on the island for a stroll in the evening with the famous West Coast sunset.
The forest contrasts brilliantly with the white sand and gives the beach a private, secluded feel, which is just as well, as you'll probably be sharing the sand with people from all over the world.
Speightstown is a relaxed village that is becoming a top stop for island food lovers.
On the wild Atlantic Coast, boulder-strewn Bathsheba Beach, with its rugged, barreling waves and lush foliage, is one of the top spots for surfing in the Caribbean.
Unless you plan to surf the Soup Bowl, which rolls in consistently right in front of the cute little town, this is a place for long walks buffeted by sea spray.
One of the best spots on the island for a family day out is Miami Beach, which has tons of soft white sand just begging to be piled into sandcastles and protected by a breakwater. The lifeguards overlook the small fun waves further along the bay for boogie boarding.
There are plenty of picnic tables beneath the trees just a stone's throw from the sea.
There is a warm pink glow to the sands of the Crane Beach which can be seen from the cliffs above.
Down at sea level, the beach has a different character, with towering bluffs and waves joining forces in a perfect show of power and elegance. They are ideal for boogie boarding.
The southern part of the beach is dominated by people from the nearby resort, but the beach is large enough that you won't have to worry about crowding.
If you want to go for a more solitary experience, cross the headland to the less-visited forest-backed northern extension of the beach.
One of the best swims on the island can be found at Paynes Bay, which is formed by a long, tree-fringed expanse of golden sand. It's a great place to see animals.
Hawksbill turtles are attracted to these stunning surroundings and tend to hang out just offshore in large numbers; they're easy to observe with a snorkel and mask, but give them a little space to not cause stress to these air-breathing animals.
Batt's Rock is a peaceful natural haven away from the jet skiers and vendors who crowd the more popular west coast beaches. The sea here is calm, with transparent waters and small rocks that are great for snorkeling. There is a pathway on the north side of the road.
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