Best Beaches in Barbados Near the Cruise Port

Beaches Within Walking Distance of the Cruise Port

Batts Rock Beach

Batts Rock Beach isn’t too far up the coast from the cruise port terminal, so it’s actually less than a 10-minute drive! I haven’t been in recent years, but there’s a restaurant, La Cabane, and facilities. However, it’s not a busy area, so your options are limited.

La Cabane prices appear to be on the higher side, and it’s the only food option at this beach so keep that in mind. They’re open weekdays from noon and weekends from 8am, which works well for a cruise day.

Considerations:

• Quieter than beaches closer to the port
• La Cabane is the only food option so plan accordingly
• Basic facilities available
• West coast, so water is generally calm

Approximate driving time from Cruise Port: 10 minutes

Drill Hall Beach

It’s kind of confusing, but Drill Hall Beach is called Brandons by locals (or Brandens, Brandends) but according to Google maps, Brandons Beach is north, not south of the cruise terminal. Regardless, this beach is beautiful and the one to consider if you want to surf.

I came here for beginner surf lessons in Barbados and loved it! Since I was taking a lesson, I didn’t have to worry about renting, but there is an option to rent here. The beach is long, the parking is plentiful and in the shade, so you can easily find your slice of paradise.

There are rocks, so don’t expect a sandy bottom when swimming. It was breezy the day I surfed here, which can be a nice bonus, but there is shade and trees as well if you want a break from the sun. There isn’t much offered in terms of facilities or food, but the Hilton is nearby!

Considerations:

• Surfing beach with rocky bottom
• Not much offered in terms of food or facilities

Approximate driving time from Cruise Port: 15 – 20 minutes

Accra Beach

Accra Beach is about a 15 to 20-minute drive from the terminal, and it’s one of the best beaches in Barbados near the cruise port. On the google maps it will say Rockley Beach, but I’ve only heard my family and other locals call it Accra.

For a relaxed lunch on the beach that offers bathrooms and lounge chairs, check out The Tiki Bar. The last couple times I was in Barbados I enjoyed some time here. The food is decent, but don’t expect to be blown away.

The restaurant offers the lounge chairs and the ocean in this area tends to be more calm, which is nice for swimming. I distinctly remember my younger sister with a rum punch in hand enjoying the calm, clear waters here and she’s not typically a beach person.

If you don’t want to eat The Tiki Bar, there are other restaurants including the Barbados fast food chain, Chefette within walking distance. Order chicken, a roti, or a thick shake (milkshake) then head to the beach!

If you only want views, you can enjoy a casual lunch at The Tiki Bar, then head to Start of Richard Hayne’s Boardwalk and walk along the coast.

Considerations:

• Ocean tends to be calm, which is nice for swimming
• Busier area, but I’ve never experienced it being too crowded

Approximate driving time from Cruise Port: 15 – 20 minutes (listed as Rockley Beach on Google Maps)

Want to beach hop around the island? Check out my suggested self-drive loop for spending 1 Day in Barbados.

Holetown

The west coast of Barbados is usually the calmest ocean on the island. I say usually, because weather can be unpredictable. However, most of the time the water is calm and I’ve personally only ever seen it calm.

Up the coast in Holetown is the Calma Beach Club which offers food and beach beds! Their website says sun loungers and umbrellas are first come, first served and cost $60BBD ($30USD) for two lounge chairs and one umbrella.

However, the great thing about Holetown is there are plenty of restaurants. For more upscale dining, head to The Tides Barbados or enjoy other casual spots along the beach or in Holetown.

If you enjoy snorkeling, this is also a great area! Head to Folkestone Marine Park & Visitors’ Centre for easy access to good snorkeling. One reviewer mentioned they preferred it to Carlisle Bay!

Considerations:

• Ocean is calm
• Not usually windy, so it can be extra hot in the Summer

Approximate distance from Cruise Port: 20 minutes

Beach Club – Restaurant, Bar & Grill

For a little less busy area, head just north of Holetown to Beach Club – Restaurant, Bar & Grill. It’s the beach club of Fairmont Royal Pavilion. I visited with my brother and his family, along with some of my brother’s friends who live on the island.

I don’t recall the food being special, but it’s more tucked away offering a quieter area. After our meal, we enjoyed a swim. The water along the west coast is usually calm and this day was no exception!

Dover Beach

Dover Beach is a beautiful south coast beach in St. Lawrence Gap. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in this area, which is nice if you want more to do than lounging on the beach.

I’ve come here for surf lessons in Barbados with Barry’s Surf School. So this makes a great base if you have some who prefer lounging and some who want to try a new sport!

There are lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. Plenty of restaurants nearby and a shopping area.

Considerations:

• Ocean can be calm, but is usually used for surf lessons
• Plenty to do in the area, so can be busy

Beaches Worth the Drive

If you’re willing to make the drive and don’t need to stick with the closer Bridgetown cruise terminal beaches, the options can be endless! However, I’ll name a couple worth considering.

The Crane Beach | Pink Sand Beach

I’m going to start with my favorite, because I have family memories at this beach! However, it’s also made plenty of lists for one of the top beaches! You can visit The Crane Resort and enjoy lunch at one of their restaurants.

If you want to lounge on the beach, there is an option to rent chairs and an umbrella and as long as you are eating at The Crane Resort you can use their elevator and stairs down to the beach. There is a bar on the beach or locals selling fresh coconuts.

The Crane Resort does have pools and you should be able to use them if you eat in a restaurant (unless something has changed). You can walk down the beach, up the rocks and down the other side at low tide to enjoy a more secluded beach.

The ocean here tends to be more of a rough wave break. I love it, but it’s not for everyone. However, I grew up swimming passed the break with my dad, but if that is not something you are comfortable doing, the ocean won’t feel relaxing. Boogie boarding here could be fun, though I have strong memories of body surfing and getting balled up.

You can visit The Crane Beach without going through The Crane Resort. Overall, I think it’s worth it as a visitor to use the resort. There’s no set parking area along the road and to get onto the beach, you will have to navigate the rocks. They have added concrete steps, which has made it easier, but it’s not as easy as the elevator and stairs the resort offers.

Considerations:

• Beautiful beach and often makes “top ten beaches” lists
• The ocean here is rougher, so don’t expect calm waters
• This part of the island tends to be windy, which helps with heat
• This beach will get sargassum seaweed whenever it decides to arrive and some years are worse than others

Approximate distance from the Barbados Cruise Port: 40 minutes

Mullins Beach

Mullins Beach sits further up the west coast, but offers the same calm, beautiful waters. I know I’ve been to Mullins Beach at some point or many points in my life, but the west coast beaches have a way of blending together. Mainly because they are all beautiful and calm, making them great for water sports.

Skip the Sand, Keep the Views

If lounging on the beach doesn’t interest you, consider Champers Restaurant at Accra (Rockley Beach). You get the beauty of the beach with a more upscale dining experience! Another option, but on the west coast instead of south coast is The Tides Barbados. Be sure to make a reservation if you choose this option!

Another option to consider, but with a bit more of a drive is The Crane Resort. Go for a drink or meal to enjoy the view from there. Or if the rugged east coast of Barbados entices you consider Round House.

Of course, restaurants with a view are plentiful in Barbados! However, these are ones I’ve either been to or had family mention that would offer a decent to excellent dining experience with a beautiful view. The options are truly endless and there’s even a Chefette (local fast chain) that’s on the beach!

• Champers Restaurant approximate distance from Cruise Port: 20 minutes
• The Tides Barbados approximate distance from the Cruise Port: 20 minutes
• The Crane Resort approximate distance from Cruise Port: 40 minutes
• Round House approximate distance from Cruise Port: 35 minutes

Transportation Options for Your Beach Day

The easiest will be to book a taxi. You can wait until arrival, or download the pickUP Barbados app. This will allow you to book a taxi and pay through the app. I haven’t used it as I usually have a car when visiting, but it has good reviews.