You decided to book a holiday in Barbados because you know all about its scenic beauty, world-class golf, and simply the best beaches. However, you may not know that there are some hidden gems or lesser-known beaches in Barbados and bays that can provide you with an unforgettable day (or two…or three!) in the white sand and sun. Though this island is famous for its gorgeous beaches, there are a few lesser-known gems we would like to share, and which we hope you keep as your secret favorites, too.
Note, most of the destinations in Barbados remain uncrowded and laid-back, but we suggest the following Barbados beaches because they are especially quiet and without the usual array of vendors and travelers that can make some beach locations a bit more crowded or boisterous than you would prefer. Also, remember that Sundays are popular beach days for islanders, so if you find great beaches in Barbados that seems busier than you expected, and it is a Sunday – make sure to return on a weekday and enjoy the difference that a day makes.
Also, keep in mind that few of these hidden public beaches Barbados has any sort of services like showers, restaurants or facilities. Be prepared to pack in and pack out, but also be sure that any efforts are well worth it!
Walkers’ Beach
This is often described as a windswept beach, and it is located on the northeastern corner of Barbados where the waves crash along the sands and where Long Pond offers you a great place to bird watch and go swimming at one of the most popular beaches in Barbados. The landscape here is full of native plants and cacti, and this is one of the beautiful beaches that offers a perfect place to spend the day or enjoy a brisk walk.
Ginger Bay
A good alternative to the famous beach in Barbados – Crane Beach, it offers an amazingly secluded and private spot where walkers can find all kinds of fossils in the rocks that line the white sands. Tucked behind The Crane Hotel, it is wrapped by limestone cliffs and features an enchanting row of palms that sway in the breeze and offer welcome areas of shade.
Foul Bay
With plenty of shade trees, this beach is better for a great picnic than for swimming. Though the waters are alright for swimming, there are often very large and rough waves, making this a picturesque beach, but not a family-friendly beach for swimming. This beach does have one facility onsite.
Drill Hall
This is often called Brandon’s Beach, but it is not the same Brandon’s Beach as that near Bridgetown. This Barbados beach is situated on the southern coast and is adjacent to the Hilton Hotel. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this ensures crowds – it is often incredibly quiet due to the large rocks that dominate the setting. This creates all kinds of great tranquil pools in which you can relax as you watch the surfers take on the waves just off shore.
North Point
As its name implies, this beach sits at the northern tip of the Barbos island and remains one of the most tranquil and even deserted spots thanks to the abandoned hotel project that sits back from the edge of the beach. Though it was once one of the best beaches in Barbados due to a military base nearby, it is now one of the most peaceful and hidden gems you can find and enjoy.
There are other little secret beaches that include Paradise Beach, Crane Beach, Bottom Bay, and Cattlewash, among others. Be sure to spend some time looking for and exploring these quiet and undisturbed spaces as they can often put the perfect finishing touch to your time spent on the lovely island of Barbados.