Barbados
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
17
Coastline
97 KM
Cost of living
Capital
Bridgetown
Current Time
Security
Health
Positives
- Consistent swells
- Fun, punchy waves
- Variety of spots
- Perfect climate
- Chilled-out atmosphere
Negatives
- Constant trade winds
- Rarity of big swells
- Crowded
- Relatively expensive
Where to surf in Barbados
Barbados belongs to the Windward Islands, sitting east of the main Caribbean chain in solitary isolation. Famous for its holiday resorts, clear blue water and white sand beaches, it also has the eastern Caribbean's most consistent surf. Strong, constant trade winds whip up year-round swell on the windward coast, while in winter, regular N-NE groundswells will bring challenging waves to the iconic east coast break Soup Bowls as well as lighting up the north and west coasts. The south coast also has a cluster of breaks working on multi-directional swells, as they sweep around the tear-drop shaped island. Barbados offers some heavy waves and fun waves in equal measure, catering for all abilities on this friendly, laid-back rock.
Surf spots in Barbados
Research the 17 surf breaks in Barbados and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 17 breaks in Barbados.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Barbados
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Barbados.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 680,000
- Population
- 287,375
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- BBD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.99 BBD BBD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +1 246
- Dialing out
- 011
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- ab
Visas
Most nationalities can visit visa free for stays of up to 90 or 180 days.
Getting There
From Barbados airport (BGI) to Bathsheba. Bus takes 2h ($3). Driving or taxi ($45-60) takes 25 mins.
Getting Around
The bus service is very good and a much cheaper alternative to car rental. The big blue buses can carry boards but the smaller vans can't. Rental cars start at $33 per day, try the new Mokes. Drive on the left after getting a local driving license for $5.
Accommodation
Peak tourist season is Dec to March, when prices shoot up. Pay around $50/dble in a local guest-house. On the south coast try Zed's Surfer's Point Guesthouse at $100-180/n per studio. Near Soup Bowl, stay at Sea-U Guesthouse (fr $95) or Atlantis do a surf package fr $320/dbl. Surfholidays have multiple options across the island. Great spicy food with plenty of fish. A meal usually costs around $15 including beer or rum.
Activities
Stopping at small rum shops and village stores is the best way to meet the warm, friendly local people. There is good diving and snorkelling on the west coast and wind/kite surfing on the SE tip of the island. Organised tourist excursions include the Jolly Roger pirate ship or Sam Lord's coral castle. Try Harbour Lights or The Boatyard for a good night out. In some night spots a $15 cover charge includes free drinks.
Hazards & hassles
The onshore winds on the E coast are the biggest nightmare and there can be intense rips north of Bathsheba. Take precautions against the strong sun, mosquitoes and reef cuts. The popular surf spots get busy, but usually the atmosphere is cool as long as you're respectful. Drugs are frowned upon by the general community despite extensive use. Police will not hesitate to lock up tourists. Crack problems contradict the generally safe, easy-going reputation of the island, leading to robberies and occasionally violence.
Handy Hints
It's very easy to rent gear at Zed's (Inch Marlowe) or Dead or Dread Surf Shop in Bridgetown. Many surf schools and tours available like surfbarbados.com. Barbados line-ups are full of U.K. and East Coast American surfers. Take a semi-gun for the bigger days in winter. Immigration will be particularly slow unless you have the name of a guest house or hotel where you are intending to stay.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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