Culpepper Island, St. Philip
Key facts: St. Philip · Free · Daily · Ages: all
Culpepper Island is a small uninhabited islet about 30 metres off the south-east coast in St. Philip. At low tide it is possible to wade across, but the Atlantic currents here are strong and the footing is rocky, so most families view it safely from the shore. It is a scenery stop, not a swimming beach.
About Culpepper Island
Culpepper Island is a tiny rocky islet, about 220 feet long, lying roughly 30 metres off the south-east coast in St. Philip. It rises only a little above the Atlantic and is covered in low vegetation. The mainland shore opposite is rugged and exposed to open ocean.
Why Families Go
The novelty of a small island just offshore appeals to older children, and the views along the wild south-east coast are striking. It is a place to look, photograph, and explore the rocks above the waterline rather than to swim.
What to Know Before You Go
Wading out is only possible at low tide and even then the currents are strong and the rocks are slippery and sharp, so great care is needed. Many visitors stay on the shore or clifftop, which is the safer choice. There are no facilities or lifeguards. Free to visit. About 40 minutes from Bridgetown by car.
Family Fit
Best for families with older children who can be trusted to keep clear of the water. Treat the crossing as risky and, with young children, view the island from the shore only. Pairs well with other rugged south-east coast stops in St. Philip.
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.
Questions parents ask
Can you walk to Culpepper Island?
At low tide it is possible to wade the roughly 30 metres across, but the Atlantic currents are strong and the rocks are slippery and sharp. Most families view it safely from the shore instead.
Is Culpepper Island good for young children?
As a scenery stop, yes, but the water and rocks are not safe for young children. View it from the shore or clifftop and keep them well clear of the sea.
Are there facilities at Culpepper Island?
No. There are no toilets, shops, or lifeguards. It is an undeveloped stretch of coast in St. Philip.
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