Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

East Coast Beaches

Powerful crashing waves and pirates… historical landmarks and haunting ruins… white sandy beaches and world class surfing… magnificent coastal walks and mouth-watering freshly caught fish… turquoise water and tropical forests…

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North Coast Beaches

Spectacular scenery; romantic hideaways; rugged beauty; unspoilt landscapes; peace and solitude; historical landmarks; Bajan culture - the North Coast of Barbados is possibly the most diverse coastline...

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South Coast Beaches

Affectionately nicknamed the 'Fun Coast', the beaches and bays on the South Coast of Barbados are in the parishes of St Michael and Christ Church. While there is something for everyone at the various beaches and bays...

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West Coast Beaches

Welcome to the West Coast of Barbados, otherwise known as the "Gold Coast" and more recently upgraded to the "Platinum Coast" of Barbados. This Barbados coastline primarily comprises the parishes of St. James, St. Peter...

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Unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, the Barbados government has decreed that all beaches have public access, so if you enjoy variety you can visit every beach in Barbados

Although you can swim in most areas, some of the beaches in Barbados have seas with strong currents so swimming is advised against in these areas

There are very few lifeguards in Barbados, so make sure there is someone with you or nearby when you are swimming in the sea

Always wear a high factor suntan cream when you go to the beach - Barbados is in the tropics and the strength of the sun can be deceptive, especially if there are clouds or warm rain showers.  Remember to reapply your sunscreen after you have been swimming

Try to drink plenty of clear fluids, especially water, when spending time on the beach in Barbados

The sun is at its hottest between 11.00 and 2.00, so this might be a good time to go shopping or sightseeing, to sample some Barbados food and drink, or to have a siesta!

Avoid falling asleep on the Barbados' beaches as you can easily become sunburnt, dehydrated or develop sunstroke

Topless or nude sunbathing is forbidden on Barbados' beaches

Familiarize yourself with the Manchineel trees that appear on some Barbados beaches. The apples of this tree are poisonous and other tree parts contain strong toxins secreted in a white milky substance. You are advised not to shelter under these trees if it is raining as blistering of the skin can occur from contact with this liquid. Many Manchineel trees display a warning sign and others are marked with a red "X" on the trunk to indicate danger

Barbados beach traders may try to sell you aloe vera and hand-crafted jewellery, coconut bird boxes, palm leaf hats, pottery, and wire figures. They will rarely pester you, and a smile and polite 'no thanks' is usually reciprocated with 'OK, have a good day'. You might also be asked if you want to buy drugs. If tempted, please remember that the possession of drugs in Barbados is illegal and carries a prison sentence