Walkers Beach, St. Andrew

Key facts: St. Andrew · Free · Daily · Ages: all

Walkers Beach is a wild east coast beach in St. Andrew, backed by the regenerated dunes of Walkers Reserve. The open Atlantic is rough with strong currents, so it is for walking and scenery, not swimming. Turtles nest on the dunes, which visitors should keep off to protect the nests.

About Walkers Beach

Walkers Beach is on the rugged east coast in St. Andrew, in the Scotland District, backed by the dunes and wetlands of Walkers Reserve. The reserve, once a sand quarry, has been regenerated into dunes, forest, and wetland over many years. The Atlantic rolls in hard along the open shore.

Why Families Go

Families come for the wild scenery, the long walks, and the wildlife of the reserve behind. Children interested in nature enjoy the dunes, the birdlife, and the chance that turtles are nesting, as long as nesting areas are respected.

What to Know Before You Go

The open Atlantic is rough with strong currents and is not for swimming. Use the beach for walking and scenery. Stay off the dunes, which are protected and used by nesting turtles. There are no lifeguards on the beach. Free to visit. About 50 minutes from Bridgetown.

Family Fit

Best for families with children who enjoy walking and nature, treated as a scenery beach only. Keep everyone out of the water and off the dunes. Combine with a visit to Walkers Reserve behind the beach.

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.

More family places in St. Andrew · Open the related family guide · Browse more family places in Barbados