Crane Beach, St Philip

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Crane Beach in St Philip has pink-tinged sand caused by crushed coral and shell mixed into the white sand, below the clifftop Crane Resort which has been here since 1887. The Atlantic faces in and the surf is stronger than the west coast. Public access is via a path beside the resort grounds.

About Crane Beach

Crane Beach is below the clifftop Crane Resort in St Philip on the south-east coast, accessed by cliff-cut steps from the resort level or by the public coastal path. The resort has been on this cliff since 1887, making it the oldest hotel in Barbados, and the original Victorian-era building still stands. The sand has a distinctive pink tinge, a pale rose colour caused by crushed pink coral and shell mixed into the white sand. The beach faces south-east and receives Atlantic swell directly, producing longer, more active waves than the sheltered west coast.

Why Families Go

The pink sand and the dramatic clifftop setting produce a visual experience entirely different from the south or west coast resorts. Older children and teenagers who want to swim in surf rather than flat water find the Atlantic conditions here more engaging. On most days the water in the middle of the bay is swimmable for confident swimmers. The history of the resort adds context. The cliff has been visited for beach purposes for well over a century.

What to Know Before You Go

Public beach access is via the path to the right of the Crane Resort grounds, not through the hotel. The elevator inside the resort is for hotel guests only. Parking near the resort access road. Atlantic conditions mean more power than the west coast. Observe conditions before swimming and stay in the middle of the bay. About 40 minutes from Bridgetown.

Family Fit

Best for families with children aged six and up. The pink sand, the cliff setting, and the history make it memorable. Non-swimmers and toddlers should stay out of the open water. The resort pools above (for guests) provide a calm alternative.

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, as 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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