Skeetes Bay, St. Philip
Key facts: St. Philip · Free · Daily · Ages: all
Skeetes Bay is a quaint fishing community on the south-east coast in St. Philip. Being a bay, the water is smoother than the open coast and is safe enough for swimming, though there is no lifeguard. There is a fishing complex, a jetty for fishing, toilets, and showers.
About Skeetes Bay
Skeetes Bay is a small fishing community on the south-east coast in St. Philip, near the south-eastern tip of the island. It is a working bay, busiest in summer and the flying fish season, with day boats and a fishing complex. Almost everyone in the community is connected to fishing in some way.
Why Families Go
Children enjoy watching the boats, fishing from the jetty, and the calmer water that the bay shape provides. It gives families a genuine taste of a Barbadian fishing community well away from the tourist beaches.
What to Know Before You Go
Being a bay, the water is smoother and generally safe for swimming, though there is no lifeguard, so stay where you can stand and supervise. There is a fishing complex, jetty, toilets, and showers, and fresh fish is sold when boats are in. Free to visit. About 40 minutes from Bridgetown.
Family Fit
Suitable for families wanting a quiet, local stop, with supervised swimming in the calmer bay. Keep clear of boat areas and the working jetty. Combine with the rugged St. Philip coast nearby.
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 Skeetes Bay?
Yes. Being a bay, the water is smoother and generally safe for swimming, but there is no lifeguard, so stay where you can stand and supervise children.
Are there facilities at Skeetes Bay?
Yes. There is a fishing complex, a jetty, toilets, and showers, and fresh fish is sold when the boats are in.
What is Skeetes Bay known for?
It is a working fishing community, busiest in summer and the flying fish season, with day boats operating from the bay.
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