Rockley/Accra Beach
Rockley/Accra Beach is located in great proximity to the majority of the island’s hotels. This is a great beach if you fancy a picnic, as there are plenty of food establishments close by. Note that deck chairs and umbrellas are available to rent for the day. No beach day is complete without having ice cream! Across the road, within the complex of Quayside Centre Shopping Plaza is a dessert bar called Chilly Moo’s where you may find yourself acting like a kid in a (chilled) candy shop! Spoilt with flavors and combinations that will tantalize the tastebuds, you can even create your own! For my UK readers, think of Shakeaway but in ice cream form. Back to the topic at hand – if you prefer a more inclusive experience, The Tiki Bar is nestled at the end of the beach, where you can order from their great variety of cocktails, delicious plates, and snacks and grab a deck chair and umbrella too. Walk in the opposite direction, right up to the end of the beach and you will find Richard Hayne’s boardwalk, a lovely place to stroll along as the sunsets.
Harbour Lights
Located along Carlisle Bay, during the day Harbour lights is a beach bar with a range of day packages depending on how active you want to be. The best deal costs $20 giving you access to deck chairs and an umbrella, as well as a boat tour to see and swim with some turtles! As evening falls, the entertainers provide dinner and show. It’s family-friendly too! By night it transforms into a clubber’s paradise. If, like me, you love to experience a culture through its music, dance styles, and food – this is the experience for you! You will be serenaded into the night by local Bajan talent as you feast from a buffet, catered to all with plenty to choose from. Set in an open-air stage, stars shining in the sky, sand under your feet (there is table seating), expect to be dazzled by fire breathers, limbo dancers, stilt walkers, the sounds of steel pans, and much more! If that doesn’t scream Caribbean vibes, I’m not too sure what will?!
The Boatyard
Closer to Bridgetown itself, nestled on Browne’s Beach is The Boatyard, which is similar to Harbour Lights in the sense that they offer more than an inclusive beach space. Whilst it is also the priciest spot I will be mentioning in this post, the entrance fee covers the cost of sun loungers, use of amenities, water activities and is used as a bar tab with which you can order food and drinks. There are sports screens dotted around the bar/dining areas and a range of international music is usually played in the background.
Pirates Cove
Also located a stone’s throw away from the Capital of Barbados, is Pirate’s cove. Here, umbrella and lounger rental are charged separately to the purchasing of food and drink. Surrounding the bar are TV screens showing sports games and playing a range of international music. At times, you may even be serenaded with a live steel pan performance! My favorite part about Pirates Cove is that they also offer sailing packages via the Jolly Roger and snorkel trips to swim the turtles! There is a small built-in play area to keep kids entertained onshore too.
Animal Flower Cave, St. Lucy
So, technically this one is not a beach! But there is a small bay close by where locals often take a dip located at the most northern point of the island. I would recommend entering the cave with a guide if it’s your first time visiting. Walking down the steps and towards the swimming area, our guide pointed out the sea anemones which grow on the surface of the cave floor. He told us that the locals call them ‘animal flowers’ hence the name of the cave itself. In the main part of the cave, you are able to swim, although at peak times it can get crowded or just take in the beauty of mother nature. A great way to dry off after visiting the cave is by strolling around the rugged coastline, watching the waves crash in and out of the blowholes before stepping on down to the bay for a closer perspective. The entire area is a mesmerizing place to be for a piece of tranquillity.
