Barbados: Beaches

Bathsheba/Cattlewash This spectacularly gorgeous stretch along East Coast Road offers miles of sand dotted with boulders that resemble abstract sculptures. Beware the powerful riptide and undertow. It’s predictably huge with surfers. East Coast
surfing | outdoors

Carlisle Bay Often crowded (the Hilton Barbados and Grand Barbados disgorge their guests right onto the ecru sand), Carlisle Bay is nonetheless delightful. Several wrecks just offshore lure divers and snorkelers. between Braubachstrasse and the Main River
outdoors | swimming | water sports

Crane Beach Steep cliffs command this exquisite pink-sand scimitar. The light but steady waves are especially popular for bodysurfing. between Braubachstrasse and the Main River
outdoors | swimming

Miami Beach Trapped between towering cliffs, this all-purpose beach is not nearly as tragically trendy as its Florida counterpart. Fine, casual bar-restaurants and water-sports operators line the stretch. between Braubachstrasse and the Main River
family | outdoors | swimming | water sports

Mullins Beach This local favorite (plentiful parking, popular Suga Suga Beach Bar) offers calm waters and superior snorkeling. between Braubachstrasse and the Main River
family | snorkeling | outdoors | swimming

Payne’s Bay Preening trust-fund pretties and their parents fill this broad arc of white sand, noted for its sensational snorkeling (often among green and hawksbill turtles) and rollicking bars. between Braubachstrasse and the Main River
trendy | outdoors | swimming | bars

Rockley Bay Also known as Accra Beach, this sugary south coast strand is popular with families for its gentle surf, playground, lifeguards, and numerous restaurants and water-sports concessions. between Braubachstrasse and the Main River
family | culinary | outdoors | swimming | water sports

Silver Sands-Silver Rock Beach At the island’s southernmost tip, this is the spot for windsurfing and kite-boarding thanks to its strong, steady breezes and surf. between Braubachstrasse and the Main River
outdoors | swimming | water sports