This is the rugged east coast of Barbados.
Probably not your destination if you’re looking for a relaxing time at the beach. On the other hand, the east coast of Barbados does offer some incredible vistas to enjoy. You’ll experience powerful crashing waves, historical landmarks, white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and mouth-watering freshly caught fish. Oh, did I mention the rock formations and it being a beachcombers paradise? You’ll find all this and much more on the east coast of Barbados.
Ragged Point
Ragged Point is a village on the East Coast of Barbados, in the Parish of St. Philip. Located at the most easterly point in Barbados is the East Point Lighthouse, one of four lighthouses on the island. The water here is blustery.
Conset Bay
Just a short distance northwest along the coast from Ragged Point is Conset Bay, a sheltered bay with a picturesque fishing village. The waves here are perhaps a little calmer than at other areas on the East Coast and swimming here is said to be quite safe, but you don’t want to venture out too far.
Martin’s Bay
A little further up the east coast between Conset Bay and Batheheba is the small fishing village at Martin’s Bay. The views at Martins Bay are quite beautiful and it’s well worth a stop. There’s a shallow reef that breaks the waves and creates small pools perfect for soaking in. The rocky nature of the bay also makes it an ideal spot for local lobster fishermen!
At the northern end of the bay are the awe-inspiring rock formations that characterize the east coast of Barbados.
Bath Beach
This is a great east coast beach if you’re ready to get your feet wet or just a relaxing stroll along the beach. The water here is clean and safe. The facilities at Bath include a large car park, picnicking areas, a small snackette, and changing/washrooms.
Bath is popular for picnics and the large Casuarina trees provide shade for picnic-goers to sit, eat and enjoy.
Hackleton’s Cliff
Hackelton’s Cliff offers a great view of the east coast of Barbados. On a crystal clear day, this view can span from Pico Tenerife in the north of the island to Ragged Point in the south-east. The cliff rises almost perpendicularly within a few miles of the coastline and reaches a height of one thousand feet above sea-level. This location is known as a popular spot for hiking and a popular stop on island tours.
Bathsheba Beach
There are some pretty cool rock formations in the water and on the Bathsheba Beach. A notable feature of Bathsheba beach is the large boulder that sits slightly offshore, known by some as Bathsheba Rock.
It is breathtakingly beautiful on this part of the island: wide white sand beaches stretch along a dramatic coastline of striking rock formations against which the Atlantic rollers break in cascades of foam. Legend has it that Bathsheba, wife of King David, bathed in milk to keep her skin beautiful and soft. Legend also says that the surf covered white waters of Bathsheba is rich in minerals and life is said to resemble Bathsheba’s bath in both appearance health giving value.
Bathsheba Beach is known as the Soup Bowl where local and international surfing competitions take place annually. There were no surfers visible when I visited. Do not plan on swimming at Bathsheba. Because of the region’s rough waters and rock formations, it is not safe to swim there.
It’s interesting, though, to explore the beach and discover the many fascinating textures and shapes created by the surging waters.
Spoiling the natural beauty of the beaches here and along the southern coast of Barbados was a seaweed – a type of brown algae called sargassum. This nasty stuff had grown in the ocean and washed ashore in unprecedented quantities.
The beach’s rock formations more than justify a visit, but Bathsheba Beach is also a great spot to fly kites and enjoy a beach picnic as well. A great spot for a picnic, picture-taking and just enjoying this amazing place is Bathsheba Park.
Tent Bay
Just a little south of Bathsheba, Tent Bay is home to a small fish market, and colorful local fishing boats can be seen making their way in and out of the bay in the morning and evening. Similar to other beaches along the East Coast of Barbados, there are strong currents and undertows, and recreational swimming is not recommended.
Be sure to stop by the Atlantis Hotel for a meal and great view of the coast. This elegant Victorian hotel was fully refurbished in 2009 and now classed as a boutique hotel. The restaurant is known for serving one of the best Sunday buffets on the island. A wonderful a la carte menu and delicious rum punches will keep you very happy during your stay.
