Best Beaches in St Michael & Bridgetown

The south end of Brighton Beach merges onto Brandons Beach, forming a fabulous stretch of soft sand. This is a quieter spot than Carlisle Bay, but still within easy reach of the cruise port if you’re arriving on the water. As is order of the day on the west coast, the sea is very calm and perfect for swimming. When it comes to drying off in the sunshine, kick back with a cocktail courtesy of the Bluberry Beach Club on the seafront.

Brandons’ nearness to the harbour makes it a popular stop off for cruise passengers. Wander north and you’ll find yourself on Brighton Beach, which tends to be the quieter end. The sea here is amazingly calm and bluer than blue - super for swimming. Local operators provide activities like horseback rides, and the Mount Gay Distillery is nearby for a taste of island rum and how it’s made. For food and drink, check out Weisers on the Bay which often hosts jazz evenings.

Crescent shaped Carlisle is a sunny natural harbour – once filled with British vessels, now hosting posh yachts, catamarans and one of the biggest beaches on the island. There’s another world to explore under the water, where six shipwrecks sit covered in coral for snorkelers and divers in the Marine Park. Swimmers will find wonderfully still water, while sailing and kayaking are other popular water activities. Our favourite hotel in this area is Radisson Aquatica Resort Barbados. At the north end, the Boatyard Beach Club has an ocean trampoline, inflatable slides and a rope swing – besides bar games, food and drink back on land.

Compared to some of the bigger beaches on this bit of the coastline, Batt’s Rock feels a lot more intimate. Swimmers and snorkelers love the still nature of the sea here, while youngsters will enjoy the nearby playground. Don’t miss the gorgeous pathway that leads up the hill for a good view over the coast. When it comes to mealtimes, the woodland area has picnic benches – keep an eye out for the wild green monkeys!

Paradise Beach had its heyday in the 80’s when the Cunard Paradise Hotel was positioned here. These days it’s far quieter, and long may it last. Find a spot in the sun or shade and watch fishing boats pootle by, or swim and snorkel among the rocks. There’s a nice picnic area shaded by trees, and if you wander through it you’ll find yourself on Batts Rock beach.

Way south where Saint Michael Parish meets Christ Church, Needham’s Point Beach is a small spot where still, swimmable sea and pale, soft sand are the order of the day. One of the nearest hotels is the Hilton Barbados Resort. Wander eastwards and you’ll find yourself on a longer stretch called Drill Hall Beach.

In Carlisle Bay, Pebbles Beach is a place of white sands and gently lapping turquoise sea. Come in the morning and watch the race horses wade into the water, or visit during regatta season when sailboats set off from the Barbados Cruising Club. LRN 2 Sail provide sailing lessons and the shipwrecks of the Marine Park are easy to reach for divers and snorkelers.