If you’re cruising to Barbados, you might be wondering “What are the closest beaches to the Barbados cruise port?” When visiting Barbados by cruise ship, you might only have a limited time to explore the incredible beaches and attractions of the island.
Finding a beach that’s near the cruise terminal saves valuable transportation time and allows you to dip your toes in that perfect Caribbean water as soon as possible!
Let’s take a look at the best beaches near the Barbados cruise port!
In this article:
Planning your trip to Barbados?
These are some of my favorite resources for booking Barbados travel.
✈️ Flights: I’ve had the best luck finding Barbados flight deals on Skyscanner. (Use airport code BGI for Bridgetown.)
🚗 Rental Cars: DiscoverCars has easy car hire pickup from the airport or town.
🏨 Hotels: Booking has good hotel and resort deals around the island.
🏠 Vacation Rentals: Check out VRBO for rentals and beach houses.
🌴 Guided Tours & Activities: Get Your Guide and Viator are my go-to’s
📱 eSIM data in Barbados: Get international phone data in a few clicks with Saily. (I used this on a recent trip to Indonesia and it was SO easy to set up!)
Where do Cruise Ships Dock in Barbados?
In Barbados, cruise ships dock at the Bridgetown Harbour Cruise Pier. This Pier is located in the capital city of Bridgetown. Bridgetown is on the southwestern side of the island right between the famous Platinum West Coast and the lively Barbados South Coast.
The Bridgetown cruise terminal has convenient amenities like a rental car stand, taxis, and tourist information. While the area immediately around the terminal is more industrial, it’s just a short distance to Pelican Village craft center and you can get to downtown Bridgetown in about 25 minutes walking.
That being said, while it’s technically possible to walk to some of the beaches in this post, most people opt for taxis since the heat and sun can make long walks difficult.
Related Post: Best Barbados Cruise Excursions
Closest Beaches To The Barbados Cruise Port
Here’s a quick look at the best beaches near the Barbados cruise port. Below, we’ll look at what to do at each beach and how to get there.
- Carlisle Bay
- Brownes Beach
- Pebbles Beach
- Brandons Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Paradise Beach
#1 Carlisle Bay and Brownes Beach Barbados
Carlisle Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Barbados and a breathtaking spot to spend the day in the sun. The Bay is made up of several beaches that are all connected to each other, so you can easily stroll from one to the next. The main beach on Carlisle Bay is Brownes Beach.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas and there are plenty of snack stalls and restaurants to grab a bite to eat. Carlisle Bay is known for being a snorkeler’s paradise as there are several shipwrecks just a short distance off the coast and the water is usually crystal clear.
How Far is Carlisle Bay from the Cruise Ship Port?
Carlisle Bay is about 1.5 miles south of the Barbados cruise ship port. If you choose to walk, the journey will take you through downtown Bridgetown and takes about 30 minutes. It’s also easy to take a taxi to save time. Depending on traffic, the taxi ride usually takes around 10 minutes.
When taking a taxi in Barbados, remember to negotiate the price before beginning the ride as the cabs are not metered. The journey should cost around $10 BBD ($5 USD) one way.
Carlisle Bay Beach Clubs
If you’re short on time, consider spending the day at one of the Beach clubs that dot the shoreline. Boatyard Barbados was my go-to because you pay a flat rate to enter and get access to a full day of seaside amenities.
Your ticket includes a beach chair and umbrella, water toys, and a complimentary snorkeling trip to nearby wrecks. You can also take a complimentary shuttle back to the cruise terminal at the end of your day.
Harbour Lights is another popular beach club with a similar program where you can pay a day rate to get a beach lounger, umbrella, and snorkeling excursion.
Cruise ship excursions to Carlisle Bay
Because Carlisle Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Barbados and is located close to the cruise terminal, there are plenty of shore excursions and organized activities that can take you here. These tours and activities have great reviews:
- Snorkel Cruise and Beach Day on Carlisle Bay: This shore excursion takes you to Savvy on the Beach and includes a sun lounger, umbrella, welcome drink, snorkel cruise, and round-trip transportation from the port.
- Turtle Snorkel Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar: Hop on a catamaran to see Carlisle Bay from another perspective. This excursion takes you to Carlisle Bay for snorkeling with sea turtles and shipwrecks, then goes up the west coast for swimming and lunch. Drinks and transportation included.
- Carlisle Bay Clear Kayak Shipwreck Tour: Head out into the bay in a “glass-bottom” kayak so you can see the shipwrecks from above. This tour leaves from Harbour Lights Beach Club and includes a rum punch on the beach afterward.
Related Post: Best Hotels Near Carlisle Bay Barbados
#2 Pebbles Beach Barbados
Next to Carlisle Bay you’ll find a calm cove called Pebbles Beach. It’s right on the other side of the Radisson Resort and it’s a great place to swim, kayak, paddleboard, and try delicious fish cutters. At Pebbles Beach, you can rent an umbrella and beach lounger from a beach vendor and you can also rent watersports equipment and snorkeling gear.
How Far is Pebbles Beach from the Barbados Cruise Ship Terminal?
Pebbles Beach is just over two miles from the Barbados cruise ship terminal. If you were to walk, it would probably take you around 45 – 60 minutes but keep in mind that the walking route doesn’t have much shade and could get very hot during peak sun.
Luckily, taxis will know exactly where you want to go if you request Pebbles Beach. Driving it should take you about 10 minutes.
#3 Brandons Beach Barbados
If you head north from the cruise terminal, you’ll come to another beautiful beach called Brandons Beach.
Brandons Beach is great for swimming and there are tons of restaurants and bars around. They sometimes even put up an inflatable water park for kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy. Here, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Make sure to stop by Rascals Beach Bar to try tasty Caribbean food and drinks!
How far is Brandons Beach from the Bridgetown Cruise Port?
Brandons is about a 1.3-mile walk from the Barbados cruise terminal and it should take you just under half an hour to get here on foot. If you take a taxi, it should take you just over 5 minutes.
Along the way, you’ll pass the Mount Gay Visitors Center where you can sample the famous Bajan rum. If you decide to go to this beach, definitely make sure to stop by Mount Gay too.
#4 Brighton Beach Barbados
Continue north from Brandons and you’ll find peaceful Brighton Beach. Brighton has a laid-back atmosphere and it’s usually less crowded than Brandons or Carlisle Bay. Walking to Brighton Beach takes about 40 minutes and if you take a taxi it should take you about ten minutes.
#5 Paradise Beach Barbados
A bit further up the west coast of Barbados is Paradise Beach, a totally secluded stretch of white sand with clear, calm water. The first time I went here, I felt like I was in a screensaver and I couldn’t believe how I could see straight down to the bottom of the sea as if I were in a swimming pool. There’s also an outdoor sculpture area where people have built rock towers.
There aren’t any amenities here, which is perfect if you’re looking for a secluded spot to soak up the sun. No beach chair rentals, no restrooms, no restaurants, but that’s part of the charm. (Just remember to bring your own towel and sunscreen!) Of all the beaches near the Barbados cruise port, this one will be the most quiet and off the grid.
How far is Paradise Beach from the cruise port?
Paradise Beach is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from the Barbados cruise terminal. It’s a bit too far to walk, so your best bet is to talk to one of the cab drivers when you get off the ship.
Final Thoughts: Beaches Near The Cruise Port in Barbados
As you can tell, you’ll have no problem finding an amazing beach near the Barbados cruise port. With lively beach clubs and serene tropical escapes all within a short drive, you might never want to leave!
Related Post: The Ultimate Barbados Travel Guide
