Ginger Bay, St. Philip
Key facts: St. Philip · Free · Daily · Ages: all
Ginger Bay is a secluded cove cut into the cliffs of the south-east coast in St. Philip. Caves dot the cliff face and the setting is dramatic, but the only access is down deteriorating steps, and strong waves and currents mean swimming is not recommended. It is best enjoyed as a scenery stop.
About Ginger Bay
Ginger Bay is a small cove enclosed by tall cliffs on the south-east coast in St. Philip, facing the open Atlantic. Caves are cut into the cliff face, and the bay was once served by a clifftop hotel with a staircase down to the sand. Today it is quiet and largely undeveloped.
Why Families Go
The drama of the cliffs, caves, and turquoise water is the draw. For families it works as a viewpoint and a place for older children to take in a wild stretch of coast, rather than a beach day in the usual sense.
What to Know Before You Go
Access is down a set of cliff steps that have been deteriorating, so the descent may be difficult or unsafe, and the climb back up is steep. There is no lifeguard, and the large waves and strong currents mean swimming is not recommended. No facilities. Free to visit. About 40 minutes from Bridgetown.
Family Fit
Best for families with older, sure-footed children, treated strictly as a scenery and exploring stop. Do not swim, and keep well back from the water. Not suitable for pushchairs or very young children. Check the state of the access steps before attempting the descent.
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 swim at Ginger Bay?
No. Large waves and strong currents make swimming unsafe, and there is no lifeguard. Treat it as a scenery and exploring stop only.
How do you get down to Ginger Bay?
By a set of cliff steps that have been deteriorating, so the descent can be difficult or unsafe and is steep on the way back. It is not suitable for pushchairs or very young children.
Are there caves at Ginger Bay?
Yes. Small caves are cut into the cliff face around the cove, part of what makes the setting dramatic.
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