Where to Stay in Barbados for Surfing
Are you planning a trip and wondering where to stay in Barbados for surfing?
Barbados has some of the best waves in the world! It also has some great beginner breaks, which I’ve had the pleasure of surfing. So regardless of your level, there’s a break for you! And what better place to surf than in paradise!
I’ll outline the various places to stay in Barbados based on surf levels. However, these are just generalizations and some beginner surf spots can become more advanced depending on the conditions.
In This Article:
Soup Bowl
Freights Bay
Brandens | Drill Hall Beach
South Point
Additional Information
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Where to Stay in Barbados for the Advanced Surfer
East Coast | Soup Bowl
The East Coast is rugged, rocky and the more untouched side of the island. Even if you aren’t advanced enough for this break, the beauty on this side of the island is worth appreciating. It’s not great for swimming, but you can find a little pool in the rocks for a dip.
Bathsheba (pronounced Bah-sheh-buh, not bath-shee-buh) is the place to be if you are an advanced surfer! Soup Bowl is a well known break and Kelly Slater has named it a favorite! This is a reef break. It’s rocky, there’s urchins, currents, winds and plenty of things to consider. Ask for advice from a local because this is a tricky area and a little help will go a long way. If you are an experienced surfer though, you have probably been dreaming of this trip for a while, so let’s get to where to stay in Barbados for surfing Soup Bowl!
Where to Stay in Barbados for All Surfing Levels
South Coast
The South Coast has a lot of good breaks! It’s also where you’ll find plenty of surf schools for anyone looking to book some lessons. Conditions can vary down here so you might need to relocate depending on the conditions and your surf level.
However, I’ll outline a few good spots to consider. Depending on the time of year and the experience of the surfers in your group, you may still need to hop in a car for the best breaks.
Freights Bay
Freight’s Bay is a great spot and can get very busy in the winter with various surf schools! However, that can really help if you have both beginners and intermediate surfers in your group! There’s surf schools in this area and they also rent boards. You could easily take a lesson or two and rent boards the rest of your stay!
Brandens | Drill Hall Beach
Brandens is Drill Hall Beach on google so just keep that in mind when trying to locate it! You can also find Brandends Surf Break on google, and I’ve seen it spelled as Brandons, so apparently there’s no set spelling. Either way, this is a popular spot, with plenty of parking! This is one of the South Coast locations I’ve surfed while taking lessons. It’s a large beach which is great considering it can get crowded in the winter when the waves are best. Or in the Summer when surf schools use it for beginner surfers.
There’s a surf school here that also rents boards, so it’s a great surf spot to stay nearby if you want to surf often and you’re not bringing your own boards.
South Point
South Point is another spot I’ve surfed while taking lessons! It’s beautiful and tucked away. If Soup Bowl doesn’t have the best conditions, surfers check here next, so this wouldn’t be beginner friendly on those days.
Good news though, is this is not far from Freights Bay. So if some in your group need beginner lessons but others are more advanced, you could stay in the area and be close to both of these Barbados surf spots.
West Coast
The West Coast has breaks, but they are not consistent. I have never seen surfable waves on the West coast. In fact, I’ve always known the West Coast to be flat. However, from what I’ve heard when there are waves on this side of the island, they are magic!
I wouldn’t recommend staying on this side of the island for surfing as you will most likely have to drive to other surf spots. However, keep Maycocks, Tropicana, and Batts Rock on your radar. If you are an experienced surfer, you’ll want to enjoy these breaks if you’re lucky enough to have the conditions line up during your surf trip to Barbados!
Quick Reference Drop Downs:
Where to Stay in Barbados for Surfing If..
Your Group Has Multiple Surf Levels
Consider staying close to Freights Bay and South Point if you have beginner to advanced surfers in your group. The beginners can take lessons at Freights Bay and everyone else can surf Freights Bay or South Point. Of course, if you rent a car you will have the ultimate freedom to find the best spots.
You Want to Stay In a Nice Hotel
Brandens/Drill Hall Beach has nice hotels within walking distance. There’s a surf school in this area and they also rent boards. If you want to stay in a nicer hotel, this is a great area! Rent a car and you will be able to get to the best spots for each day with ease.
Your An Advanced Surfer and Want a Quiet Retreat
Bathsheba is the quiet side of the island. Rugged and more untouched beauty! If you stay over here, you should rent a car, which would make it easy to drive to other surf spots if the wave here isn’t ideal on any given day.
How to Get Around in Barbados
The best way as a surfer is to rent a car. This way you are not waiting on public transport or taxis and it gives you the ultimate freedom. If you are more of a beginner and plan on doing lessons, you can probably get away with not renting a car. If you book a lesson, check to ensure the school will transport you to the best location for the day. This means you can stay near that school and they would transport you to the best spot for your surf level.
Fun Things To Do In Barbados When You Are Not Surfing
Where to Stay in Barbados for Surfing
I hope this breakdown was helpful! Barbados is paradise with so much to offer for every surf level! Enjoy your time in beautiful Barbados and enjoy the waves, the food and the people!