Barbados is naturally blessed with over 70 miles of sun-drenched, palm-fringed beaches with crystal clear turquoise water and a year-round climate that is as close to perfection as you can get. In secluded west coast coves lapped by the tranquil waters of the warm Caribbean Sea or by the pounding surf of the island’s rugged Atlantic coastline, you can spend your days as leisurely or as action-packed as you choose. Pack a picnic lunch or stop at one of the countless bars and restaurants scattered all along the coastline. And don't miss bringing your favorite someone to Crane Beach, which has been heralded for its magical powers with couples!

Southeast Coast—A rugged and enchanting coastline with big waves, strong currents. Foul Bay: An attractively rough and expansive stretch of beach with big waves Crane Beach: Breezy, pink beach with rugged cliffs, rolling dunes and turquoise waters has been dubbed one of the sexiest beaches in the world. Read more on Concierge.com Harrismith Beach: At the foot of a long flight of steps with strong currents Bottom Bay: The perfect tropical beach with cliffs, coconut palms, a cave and soft sand West Coast—Home to exclusive resorts, soft white sand and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling and water sports. Speightstown: Splendid beaches with excellent swimming and snorkeling Mullins Beach: Glassy, turquoise water; good area for snorkeling and watersports Folkstone Underwater Park: A 2km stretch of marine reserve with good snorkeling Holetown Beaches: Lovely expanses of beach along the waterfront, lots of lunch stops Paynes Bay: Beautiful white sandy beach for swimming and snorkeling Fitts Village: A quiet stretch of beach with good snorkeling on a shallow reef Batts Rock: Lovely beach with shady trees, small children's playground and picnic tables Brighton Beach: Home to Malibu Beach Club, the Rum Distillery and Weisers beach bar Caution: Beware of the poisonous manchineel trees (usually marked with a red ring around the trunk) and the yellow-green “apples” found along many of the west coast beaches. Contact with the leaves, branches or fruit will cause severe blistering. Take care not to shelter under these trees when it’s raining as the water dripping from the leaves will produce the same unpleasant effect.  When snorkeling, remember to take a brightly colored buoy/float – there is a lot of water traffic along this coast.

South Coast—A special hybrid between the Caribbean and Atlantic shores with small to medium waves, this coast is a favorite among windsurfers, divers and kitesurfers. Carlisle Bay: Pretty, crescent-shaped beach with food, drinks, parking and umbrellas Accra Beach: Very popular, good for people watching and body surfing Sandy (Carib) Beach: Picturesque, calm lagoon popular with young families Dover Beach: Lovely expanse of beach with good swimming conditions and fun waves Casuarina Beach: A sweeping stretch of breezy beach with bigger waves and shade Miami (Enterprise) Beach: Lovely, white sandy beach with crystal-clear water Silver Sands and Silver Rock: Excellent windsurfing, wave-riding and kitesurfing The Action Shop: Offers windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment and lessons Caution: The south coast can have some unexpected undercurrents, so do not go beyond your depth. East Coast—With fine beaches and spectacular rock formations, the Atlantic coastline’s rugged waves and unexplored gems are most popular among surfers and sunbathers. Bath: Reef-protected beach with shaded areas, a small playground and snack bar Martin's Bay: A small, friendly fishing village and wonderful place to explore at low tide Bathsheba and Cattlewash: Stunningly beautiful and rugged windswept coastline; the world-renowned surf spot known as “Soup Bowl” is host to many national and international events throughout the year Caution: Bajans often say, "The sea ain't got no back door"!  Although the Atlantic coastline is stunningly beautiful and the sea appears to be quite inviting, swimming is not recommended along this coast as there are dangerously strong under currents and no life guards on duty. Be sure to ask the locals from the area where the safe swimming areas are.