Martins Bay, St. John
Key facts: St. John · Free · Daily · Ages: all
Martins Bay is a quiet fishing village on the east coast in St. John, just south of Bathsheba. Fishing boats line the bay and natural rock pools give a more sheltered place to bathe than the open Atlantic. It is a local, off the beaten track spot with rugged scenery.
About Martins Bay
Martins Bay is a small fishing community on the east coast in St. John, a little south of Bathsheba. Brightly painted fishing boats rest along the bay, and natural rock pools form among the reef rock. The setting is rugged, with the Atlantic breaking offshore and green hills behind.
Why Families Go
The rock pools give children a calmer place to paddle while the open sea stays rough, and the working boats give a real sense of east coast village life. It is quiet and local, the kind of stop families take to see a different side of the island.
What to Know Before You Go
The open Atlantic is rough and not for swimming. Use the sheltered rock pools, and check the tide, as they are best around low tide. There are limited facilities and no lifeguard, so bring water and food. Free to visit. About 40 minutes from Bridgetown.
Family Fit
Good for families wanting a quiet, local east coast stop, with paddling limited to the rock pools and supervised at all times. Keep children out of the open sea. Pairs well with Bathsheba and the Soup Bowl just up the coast.
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 Martins Bay?
The open Atlantic is rough, so use the natural rock pools, which are calmer and best around low tide. There is no lifeguard, so supervise children closely.
What is Martins Bay like?
A small, quiet fishing village on the east coast with painted boats, rugged scenery, and natural rock pools. It is a local, off the beaten track spot.
Where is Martins Bay?
On the east coast in St. John, just south of Bathsheba, about 40 minutes from Bridgetown.
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