Although some hotels make it hard to cross their property to reach the sand, there are no private beaches in Barbados. The west coast beaches are very calm, and quite narrow, beach erosion is a serious worry and the Government s Coastal Conservation Unit is trying to sort it out. A swell can wash up lots of broken coral making it unpleasant underfoot. The south coast can be quite choppy. The southeast, between the airport and East Point, has steep limestone cliffs with a series of small sandy coves with coconut trees, and waves which are big enough for surfing.
Bottom Bay is currently the place to go.
Be careful on the east side of the island, currents and undertow are strong in places. Don t swim where there are warning signs, or where there are no other bathers, even on a calm day. Bathsheba , on the east coast, is quite spectacular, with wonderful views. Work on the new Sandals Resort at Paradise Beach has been shelved and the site is for sale. Meanwhile, with no hotel, the beach is beautifully deserted.