Barbados is a distinctive island, both in its natural beauty and fun-loving culture. This West Indies gem is actually a coral island. The sandy beaches are made up of pulverized coral, which makes for fine, soft sands. Just off the coast, there are coral reefs that tempt snorkelers and scuba divers with their exotic underwater life. The island of Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, each with its own collection of beaches, hotels and tourist attractions. Almost all of the beaches lining the island's coast are perfect, with fine stretches of sand and warm aquamarine waters. The beaches along the island's south coast stretch out for miles with little interruption. One of the finest on the island is Bottom Bay, a tiny haven on the southern part of the island.
Bottom Bay has a picture-perfect setting with its wide, bright white beach framed by tall coral cliffs. It's a great place for a long, lazy beach day or a late-day picnic underneath the swaying coconut palm trees. Swimming is not advisable, however, as the
Barbados is a distinctive island, both in its natural beauty and fun-loving culture. This West Indies gem is actually a coral island. The sandy beaches are made up of pulverized coral, which makes for fine, soft sands. Just off the coast, there are coral reefs that tempt snorkelers and scuba divers with their exotic underwater life. The island of Barbados is divided into 11 parishes, each with its own collection of beaches, hotels and tourist attractions. Almost all of the beaches lining the island's coast are perfect, with fine stretches of sand and warm aquamarine waters. The beaches along the island's south coast stretch out for miles with little interruption. One of the finest on the island is Bottom Bay, a tiny haven on the southern part of the island.
Bottom Bay has a picture-perfect setting with its wide, bright white beach framed by tall coral cliffs. It's a great place for a long, lazy beach day or a late-day picnic underneath the swaying coconut palm trees. Swimming is not advisable, however, as the waves create a strong current. The good news is there are plenty of nearby beaches with the perfect blend of waves and currents to please surfers, boogie boarders and even plain old swimmers. Crane Beach is known for its great waves, and the waters are filled with surfers and even some body surfers, though again the rough waters are appropriate only for strong swimmers.
Bottom Bay is in a quiet part of town, but nearby Christ Church and St. Michael parishes provide a little more action. St. Lawrence Gap is packed with restaurants and bars that fill up with a happening night-life scene. The capital Bridgetown is known for its pricey resorts and busy streets -- visiting cruise ships dock here, making the area a little congested. But no worries -- if the crowds get to be too much when you're out exploring, just hightail it back to Bottom Bay for more rest and relaxation.
