Carlisle Bay, beautifully shaped like a crescent, is a favourite and gets quite busy during the weekend. There are snack counters and facilities.
Crane Beach is absolutely picturesque with its pink sand and sheltering high cliffs. Bodysurfing conditions are ideal. There is a lifeguard, snack counters and facilities.
Sandy Beach is quite shallow and a calm surf. Families with small kids favour this beach. There are snack counters and facilities.
Silver Sands Beach is constantly breezy, therefore an ideal spot for windsurfing.
Brighton Beach has practically still waters. Locals frequent this beach.
Mullins Beach has everything a beach should have, even snorkelling spots. There are snack counters and facilities.
Paynes Bay is lined with hotels it can get crowded at times but it is ideal for waters sports, especially snorkelling. There are snack counters and facilities.
The east present a much more spectacular and rugged coastline. The strong Atlantic constantly crashes onto the long stretches sand which are wildly framed by rocky cliffs. Two prime examples are Barclays Park and the Bathsheba/Cattlewash area with its gigantic boulders. Due to the strong and dangerous surf it is highly advised not to swim on the east coats. Expert surfers from all over the world come to surf here.
Bridgetown truly offers an impressive collection of historic buildings and landmarks to explore. Broad Street, the city's main artery, is famous for the many restaurants promising culinary delights, wonderful shopping finds and great evenings spent in its bars or nightclubs. The capital has incredible energy and is gearing up for the Cricket World Cup it will be hosting in 2007.
Avg. °C | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
High | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 |
Low | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 23 |
Rain (mm) | --- | 10 | 60 | 110 | 190 | 190 | 180 | 220 | 240 | 200 | 130 | 20 |
With so many beaches on the island, water sports abound everywhere. If your lodging does not include the necessary equipment, many beaches have rental facilities. Also, owners of private boats will offer their service for a small fee. You can go waterskiing, parasailing, surfing, windsurfing, yachting and kayaking. Barbados has several diving and snorkelling sites, such as the shore at Mount Standfast where you may spot a few green turtles.
There are several golf courses on the island, including the 18-hole Barbados Golf Club, Sandy Lane (3 courses: Sandy Lane Old Nine, the 18-hole Country Club and the 18-hole Green Monkey), the Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club offering an 18-hole championship golf course, and Club Rockley and Almond Beach Village both featuring 9-hole courses.
Popular land sports include hiking and walking on the many nature and park trails, horseback riding and mountain biking. Many hotels offer wonderful tennis courts, some are lit for evening play.
Dining & Nightlife
Most resorts have themed nights where you can party to the sounds of steel bands. The cabaret dinner shows are also very popular in Barbados, like the The Bajan Roots & Rhythms Show or the Plantation Tropical Spectacular.
Nightclubs abound, each with its own specialty. Here are a few suggestions: for jazz, soca and calypso music try the Coach House, Waterfront Cafe or After Dark; for reggae, ringbang and soca music you should enjoy Harbour Lights; for a pub atmosphere go to Ship Inn or The Boatyard; fans of karaoke should head to Carib Beach Bar.
After the clubs, if you still have the strength to party try Baxters Road or The street that never sleeps, where the street is transformed nightly by the rhythms of calypso and street performers, as street vendors bring out coal pots and roast fish and chicken, sell spirited refreshments.
Here are a few recommendations: The Coach House, The Atlantis,Captain's Carvery, The Fish Pot, Mango's by the Sea, Cliffside Restaurant and Bar, Bonito Beach Bar and Restaurant, The Balcony Restaurant, Lantern's by the Sea and Mullin's Beach Bar, to name but a few.
Shopping
Crafts include pottery, baskets, leather work, batiks, jewellery, shell craft, beachwear and mahogany pieces. Edible souvenirs are great to bring home, like rum, spicy Bajan hot sauce, condiments and chutney, Barbadian made sugar and rum cake.
Accra Beach Hotel And Spa
- What a great location! Accra Beach Hotel and Spa is conveniently located on sandy, white Accra Beach within walking distance to shops and restaurants on the south coast. The action of St. Lawrence Gap is a short five-minute drive away.… more
All Seasons Resort Europa
- This unique complex is spread over 4 acres in one of the most popular and sought after "hotel areas" in the Caribbean. Location: Across from the beach at Sandy Lane Bay more
Barbados Beach Club
- Maxwell Coast road oceanfront hotel located 8 km from the airport. Shops, restaurants and entertainment are a 5 minute drive away. Location: Christ Church more
Blue Horizon
- Quiet and relaxed. Apartment-style studios and rooms designed for independent travel living. Popular for its location, Blue Horizon is adjacent to restaurants and exciting nightlife, and across the street from a beautiful beach. Location: South Coast, 10 minutes from Bridgetown, 20-minute… more
Bougainvillea Barbados
- Beachfront Resort situated on Dover Beach, within walking distance of restaurants & entertainment. Well-equipped and finely appointed self-catering accommodation located on a very nice beach. Location: 20 minutes from Bridgetown, 15-minute drive from Grantley Adams International Airport, golf course nearby… more
Butterfly Beach Hotel
- Butterfly Beach Hotel is located on the South Coast of Barbados in a beach and ocean front setting, with access to two white-sand beaches and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Location: Beachfront. Golf course nearby. more
Coconut Court Beach Hotel
- Beachfront and budget-savvy, the Coconut Court Beach Resort features self-catering units adjacent to local restaurants and hot spots. A snorkeling safari and Marine education program are available on site, as well, the Barbados Golf Club is located nearby. Location: South Coast,… more
Colony Club
- Restored from a former private Colonial Club, Colony Club is an elegant retreat situated on the finest stretch of Barbados' stunning West Coast. Location: On Paynes Bay in St James; 40 minutes from Barbados Airport; 20 minutes from Bridgetown. more
Crystal Cove
- Luxurious couples-oriented boutique resort with 24 hour personal ambassadors. Tranquil guest suites blend chic design and grace. Location: Situated on a Beachfront cliff located on the West Coast, 30 minutes from Barbados Airport more
Hilton Barbados Resort
- Where azure waters glisten and palm trees sway, the Hilton Barbados Resort is what you would picture in your mind when you envision a lavish Caribbean resort. For recreation, bask in the warm sun on our beach, cool off at… more
Island Inn Hotel
- This quaint, newly renovated, twenty-four room, all inclusive property is situated less than a mile from the centre of Historic Bridgetown, footsteps away from the beach at the beautiful Carlisle Bay and within the Garrison area - a UNESCO World… more
Ocean Two Resort & Residence
- Modern beachfront hotel with panoramic views and landscaped gardens - Spacious guestrooms in tropical decor with balcony or patio. Location: South Coast of Barbados. 15 minutes from the Airport; 20 minutes to Bridgetown; 5 minutes to St Lawrence. more
Sandals Barbados
- Set on 10 acres of tropical gardens, resplendent with majestic trees, lush tropical foliage and flowering plants bordering the white sands of Dover Beach. Sandals Barbados is paradise found, combining elegant natural settings with sophistication and Sandals first class service… more
Sandals Royal Barbados
- Featuring a number of Sandals firsts, including the first rooftop pool and bar, the first 4-lane bowling alley, the first men’s only barbershop, and two new restaurant concepts – American Tavern and Chi Asian. This all-suite resort also features Sandals signature accommodations… more
Sea Breeze Beach House
- A longtime favourite, the Sea Breeze is renowned for its personalized service, family-run hospitality, and secluded setting on a lush hectare of land fronting 300 metres of beachfront on the south shore. Location: Beachfront, 15 minutes from Grantley Adams International Airport,… more
South Beach Hotel
- This trendy resort offers 49 self-catering studios and suites. Located across the road from Rockley Beach on the south coast. Location: Approximately 11 km from the Barbados airport. more
Southern Palms Beach Club
- Serene and laid-back, a great place for couples and families looking for a relaxing vacation right on the beach. Aesthetic is a unique blend of classic and modern. Location: at St. Lawrence Gap directly on the beach, 20-minute drive from Bridgetown,… more
Starfish Discovery Bay Resort
- Situated on St James Beach, Discovery Bay consists of charming plantation-style houses set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Located on the fashionable West coast of the island, Discovery Bay provides an authentic experience that's affordable and has one of the best… more
Tamarind by Elegant Hotels
- Tamarind blends Mediterranean influences with casual, contemporary Caribbean style, making this 750 foot crescent of white sand beach on the island's luminous West Coast the ideal setting for couples, families, reunions and retreats. Discover this oasis of privacy while relaxing… more
The Club Barbados Resort & Spa
- This intimate hotel is ideal for couples, honeymooners and singles seeking luxurious surroundings. Dining is a pleasure here, from the lavish breakfast buffets and four-course lunches to the afternoon teas and sumptuous dinners. There's even room service available for lunch… more
The Crane Resort
- Set on the world-famous Crane Beach, the Crane Resort is the Caribbean's first resort hotel. Built in 1887 and fully restored and expanded in the 20th century, this truly unique property combines elegance, old-world charm and incredible natural beauty with a romantic… more
The House by Elegant Hotels
- Chic and contemporary, this adults-only, boutique-style property is located in a very intimate and private setting. Relax in understated elegance. Location: at Paynes Bay directly on the beach, 20-minute drive from Bridgetown, 35-minute drive from Grantley Adams International Airport. Sandy Lanes golf club… more
Turtle Beach Resort By Elegant Hotels
- Turtle Beach Resort By Elegant Hotels delivers a touch of class. The beach is nothing short of spectacular, and there is an ocean view from every luxurious suite. The hotel is named for the sea turtles that nest on the beach,… more
Waves Hotel & Spa
- Perfectly located in the Parish of St. James on the prestigious West Coast of Barbados sits Waves Beach Resort. This newly renovated boutique hotel offers all the luxury and pampering services you deserve in a vacation. All 70 guest rooms… more