Dover Beach lies at the southern end of the St. Lawrence Gap 'strip'. A popular beach among south coast visitors. Medium waves and a number of facilities right close by add to its appeal. One of my personal favourites as while walking from the Bougainvillea to the Gap I found a Ramier pigeon nesting in a small bush by the shore.

This is another fine stretch of beach, very popular among locals. Somewhat sheltered, the waters are crystal clear with medium to small waves most of the year.

Folkstone beach, St. James Parish, lies one mile north of Holetown, and is the home of the government-run Folkestone Marine Park. Folkestone has a good beach, many water-related activities, along with fresh water showers and shops. There is an interpretive centre and museum with marine and coastal environment displays, exhibits of the island’s fishing industry and a salt water aquarium. The underwater park zone extends from Sandy Lane to Colony Club and you can rent gear for snorkeling around the fringe reef, or hire a boat for diving. A glass bottom boat also plies the area.

Cattlewash is by far the longest beach on the island and, due to its rough and rugged splendor, a popular sightseeing and relaxing spot. The beach is several miles long, and very often deserted, so take care when swimming, as the waves and undertow currents are very strong. There is a lifeguard station on the beach, so ask advice. A perfect location for nature lovers. Pack up your cooler and head for Cattlewash. Interestingly so, this beach was christened "Cattlewash" as it was the bathing spot in the olden days for herds of cattle which were shepherded down the hills from neighbouring villages. Cattle are still seen in the hilly area.

Paynes Bay -This busy little beach has water sports, eating and parking facilities.  Set in a small bay, this beach is always calm, with no undertow, and is quite popular with the west coast crowd.

Sandy Lane Bay
The beach of Sandy Lane, the island's most opulent five star hotel. This is a long, wide expanse of beach which is in pristine condition and well-maintained.  There is a public access to this beach at the south end of the hotel. Since it sits in something of a bay, the beach is nicely sheltered with little wave movement most of the year and no undertow.

Silver Rock / Round Rock
The island’s top windsurfing spot, this long, luxuriously wide stretch of beach has medium waves, a lot of undertow and good ambience. A windsurfing equipment shop sits at the apex of Silver Rock and the reef a little ways out provides a nice break for good windsurfing during the season.

The area contains several reefs and with clear blue waters its good for snorkeling. Occasionally you may even spot a turtle surfacing for a breath of air. There are also areas along this coast that are excellent for swimming. This is typically a quiet beach, and is the ideal spot to relax with a good book under the shade, or enjoying the sea and sun.

Brandons Beach is located just on the outskirts of Bridgetown, on the west coast of Barbados. The waters here are very calm and this is a great place to swim, but there is much more to do at this beach! Weisers on the Bay is a great spot to hang out. Enjoy beach games and water-sports or just relax in the shade of a sun-brella.

East and North Coasts: The East and North coasts of Barbados meet the Atlantic Ocean where huge waves crash along the shore and coral reefs. This coast is not recommended for swimming except for a few of the very protected bays. There are strong currents and fierce waves beating on the rugged coral to create a spectacle of power of a wild and rugged sea. 

Bathsheba has always been a popular beach with both Bajans and tourists alike, riding the waves at a spot known as "Soup Bowl" in Bathsheba. This picturesque little fishing village becomes a hive of activity several times a year when the surf contests come to town. Known for its big and powerful waves blown in by our ever-present trade winds, Bathsheba offers something to everyone, even if you don't surf, as there are pools in the reefs which make for enjoyable investigating. There are several restaurants and hotels are in the area, and Smokey's shop will serve you an ice cold Banks when you get thirsty.

Bottom Bay
Located just north of the famed Sam Lord's Castle, this is a bay protected by jagged cliffs.   An isolated, wide sandy beach lined with coconut palms, bottom Bay has a true Robinson Crusoe kind of feel to it. Crystalline waters, medium waves, slight undertow, and a good picnicking spot.