Bathsheba Beach, St Joseph

Key facts: St. Joseph · Free · Sunday 12AM-close · Ages: all

Bathsheba Beach in St Joseph is the most visually distinctive beach in Barbados, defined by giant coral boulders carved by Atlantic wave action. The Soup Bowl surf break is at the southern end. The currents are strong and the beach is not for swimming. The visit is about the scenery, the boulders, and the tidal pools at the northern end.

About Bathsheba Beach

Bathsheba Beach is on the east coast of St Joseph, below the village of Bathsheba. The beach is defined by the giant coral limestone boulders standing in and above the water, formed over centuries as wave action undercut the reef rock and left the harder upper sections standing. The Soup Bowl surf break at the southern end of the bay is one of the best reef waves in the Caribbean. The currents along this stretch of coast are strong enough that even experienced swimmers should be cautious in the open water. This is an Atlantic-facing east coast beach, and the sea behaves accordingly.

Why Families Go

The scenery. Bathsheba delivers a visual experience entirely unlike the calm resort beaches of the south and west coasts. The boulders are extraordinary up close, and older children who enjoy climbing and rock exploration can spend hours on them. The Roundhouse restaurant and Cinderella's restaurant above the beach handle lunch with a view. The Soup Bowl is worth watching even for non-surfers, and the wave quality on a good swell day is something to observe from the beach.

What to Know Before You Go

Do not swim in the open sea at Bathsheba. The current and wave power are deceptive, the water looks swimmable and is not. The tidal pools at the northern end of the beach are a different matter and are safe for children at low tide. Parking beside the beach. About 40 minutes from Bridgetown through the interior.

Family Fit

Excellent for families with children of all ages, but the visit is about scenery and exploration rather than swimming. The tidal pools at the northern end are a specific draw for young children. Combine with Cinderella's or the Roundhouse for lunch.

Beach Safety

Check conditions before leaving home. Conditions can change quickly, especially on the east and south coasts. Choose a beach with a lifeguard on duty when possible, and obey warning flags: a red flag means the water is not safe to enter.

Never leave young children unsupervised at the water's edge or in the sea. Children should not be left in the care of other children near the water.

Watch for watersports activity in the water. Jet skis, banana boats, and paddlers use designated zones that are not always clearly visible from shore. Stay aware of what is moving in the water around you.

Use sunblock and reapply after swimming. The Barbados sun is strong even on overcast days.

Manchineel trees grow along the edges of many Barbados beaches. They have small green apple-like fruit and broad leaves. Do not shelter under a manchineel tree in the rain. Water dripping from the leaves causes skin irritation. Do not touch or eat the fruit.

Leave the beach as you found it. Take all plastic and rubbish with you when you go.

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