South
South Coast waters are not as calm on the south coast as it is on the west coast and hence it is great for water sports as there are always waves. Generally south coast is fine for swimming with the water only getting more dangerous if you move further east. There are red flags to warn you on the days when currents are strong and swimming in not allowed. There are also lots of bars and nightclubs on the south coast, so there is plenty of activity to keep you busy after dark.
One of the longest and widest stretches of beach on the south coast; this is also one of the island’s liveliest beaches. Quite a few vendors can be found here and the beach has public changing facilities. Waves are moderate, not too much undertow, and it is always a busy, active beach.
An isolated, wide sandy beach with coconut palms, Bottom Bay offers privacy and tranquillity. Even though this beach offers crystal clear waters and great picnic spot, swimming here should be approached with great caution, as the waves can be very strong.
Very popular local beach near Bridgetown, Brighton is an amazingly long stretch of beach with only minor breaks of rock or reef. The water is fairly calm during most of the year, although sometimes populated with sea urchins near the reefs, so watch out.
Paradise and Brighton beach are separated by a small stand of woods. This is another lovely, placid beach with virtually no undertow and calm waters most of the year. A wonderful place for swimming, the area also has some shallow rock formations which may be of interest to the snorkeler. It was the beachfront to the old Paradise Hotel, which has been closed for several years. There are public access entries to this beach.
Crane Beach originally a harbour, is considered by many to be one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, by the way Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous rated it as “one of the ten best beaches in the world”! The name “Crane” was derived from the large crane situated at the top of the cliff which was used for loading and unloading ships. If nothing else, this is a gorgeous beach. Remember to take a walk on the short path to the end of the cliff, where some unbelievable views are available.
Long Beach truly is a distance away from civilization, so a cab or rented vehicle will be needed to reach it and return. The beach stretches for more than a mile, a great find since it is little visited. There are few facilities nearby; otherwise, this is a fairly private setting. It is tranquilly fenced by some jagged bluffs. The bluffs are, in turn, dotted in scrub and grasses, and would provide a fun distraction if one were inclined to clamber over them.
Dover Beach lies at the southern end of the St. Lawrence Gap ‘strip’. A popular beach among south coast visitors. Although there are no strong currents in the area, the sea is quite active, but there are lifeguards on duty at the beach to ensure your safety. On the beach are several stalls where you can purchase drinks, ice-cream, snacks, T-shirts, snorkelling gear, sunscreen, sunglasses and much more. Of course St. Lawrence Gap is nearby for all your food and drinks, as well as shopping.
Enterprise/Miami is another fine stretch of beach, very popular among locals. Can get quite crowded during weekends. The waters are crystal clear and sea in this area is usually calm but occasional swells add a little excitement to swimming here. For your safety there is also a lifeguard on duty. Few vendors have stalls with snacks and drinks here. Beach chairs and umbrellas are also available.
The island’s top windsurfing spot on a south east, this long, luxuriously wide stretch of beach has medium waves, a lot of undertow and good ambience. The combination of consistent surf and steady winds make for great day on the waves. Never desolate yet never too crowded, the beach sees most its traffic from nearby resorts. You can also try your hand at a game of volleyball or beach cricket here.
West
On the west coast you can enjoy an eight-mile stretch of golden sand and calm sea, where the waves just gently lap in. Swimming on the west coast is more like taking a bath, as the water is quite warm and so gentle that you can just float and enjoy basking in the warm sunshine.
Folkstone beach, St. James Parish, lies one mile north of Holetown, and is the home of the government-run Folkestone Marine Park. Folkestone has a good beach, calm waters and many water-related activities. Vendors here are selling food, drinks, souvenirs etc., beach snorkelling equipment rental is also available. The underwater park zone extends from Sandy Lane to Colony Club and you can rent gear for snorkelling around the fringe reef, or hire a boat for diving.A glass bottom boat also operate in the area.
Mulins Beach is another popular beach located in St. Peters Parish a picturesque bay with a nice, placid beach and calm waters almost all year round. Here you will find plenty of facilities, beach equipment rental, parking and eating. Mullins also offers very good snorkelling area.
Located along the west coast, in the parish of St. James. This busy little beach has water sports, eating and parking facilities. Set in a small bay, this beach is always calm, with no undertow, and is quite popular with the west coast crowd. There is a public entrance to the beach and another entrance a little further to the north. Beach chairs are available for rental and there are several shaded areas on the beach to which you can retreat when the sun gets a bit too hot.
The beach of Sandy Lane, is just south of Holetown area. This is a long, wide expanse of beach which is in pristine condition and well-maintained. The Caribbean waters here are very calm, making this a great spot for swimming. Jet skis and catamarans pass by There is a public access to this beach at the south end of the 5 star hotel located here.
East
East Coast has stunning views and beautiful beaches, but is not recommended for swimming due to strong currents and waves, perfect place for surfing though. Nevertheless, there are few beaches that are considered safe on the east.
Most popular and safe for swimming beach along the entire Atlantic side. There is usually a lifeguard and there are parking, changing, picnic and eating facilities. Medium to small waves here.
Bathsheba is very popular beach among both locals and vacationing surfers alike, riding the waves at a spot known as “Soup Bowl” in Bathsheba, where surf contests take place several times a year. Known for its big and powerful waves, Bathsheba beach is not for swimming, although there are pools in the reefs which make for enjoyable investigating. There are few restaurants and hotels in the area too.
Cattlewash is by far the longest beach on the island and, due to its rough and rugged terrain, a popular sightseeing and relaxing spot. Although it is a very scenic and relaxing area, there are strong currents in the area and swimming in open water is not recommended. There are however many pools, surrounded by rocks where one can relax safely. There is a lifeguard station on the beach, so ask advice. A perfect location for nature lovers. This beach was named “Cattlewash” as it was the bathing spot in the olden days for herds of cattle which were shepherded down the hills from neighbouring villages.
North
North coast is where huge waves crash along the shore and coral reefs. This coast is not recommended for swimming either except for a few of the much protected bays. There are strong currents and fierce waves beating on the rugged cliffs to create magnificent views of Atlantic Ocean.
North Point Cove is a magnificently beautiful bay that is not well-suited for swimming. Rough seas, serious undertow and large waves dominate this beach most of the year, and make it unsuitable for swimming. However, it does offer some unique views over cliffs.
