Maycocks Bay, St. Lucy

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Maycocks Bay is a remote, secluded beach backed by cliffs and unspoilt vegetation on the north-west coast in St. Lucy. Reached down a cliff path by car, it draws surfers and kitesurfers to its long wave and snorkellers to its reefs. Strong waves and currents mean it is not for casual swimming.

About Maycocks Bay

Maycocks Bay is on the north-west coast in St. Lucy, a remote beach backed by cliffs and natural vegetation with no buildings around. It can be tricky to find, reached only by car and a descent down the cliff. The reward is a quiet, secluded stretch of sand far from any crowds.

Why Families Go

For families with older children, the appeal is the seclusion, the surfing, and the snorkelling. The bay produces a long surfing wave that draws surfers and kitesurfers, and the reefs offshore are good for snorkelling and diving on calm days.

What to Know Before You Go

Swimming is not recommended, with rough waves and strong currents, though the reefs make for good snorkelling when conditions allow. There are no facilities or lifeguards, and the access is steep, so bring everything and wear suitable footwear. Free to visit. About 50 minutes from Bridgetown by car.

Family Fit

Best for families with older, capable children, treated as a surf, snorkel, and scenery stop. Keep clear of strong currents and do not let young children into the surf. Not suitable for pushchairs. Combine with the northern St. Lucy 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.

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