Leafy trees line the stretch of golden sand along Paynes Bay, a quiet beach in Saint James Parish. Unlike many of the more popular beaches in Barbados, where tides can be strong, the water at Paynes Bay is typically calm, making it one of the best beaches on the island for swimming and snorkeling.
This lively west coast beach is popular for its warm, calm, and clear waters with very little undertow. Patient snorkelers might spot a passing sea turtle in the bay, and adventurous types can go kayaking, sailing, or jet skiing. For a unique cultural experience, visit the Paynes Bay Fishing Complex, where local fishers go to process and sell their catch (and where visitors can purchase freshly caught seafood). Some party cruises by schooner sail to Paynes Bay for a snorkeling stop between glasses of rum punch.
- Beach amenities include parking, showers, restrooms, lifeguards, beach chairs for rent, and a few shops and restaurants.
- The beach tends to be more picturesque the further north you walk.
- Don’t forget to pack reef-safe sunscreen for your visit.
Paynes Bay is located on the west coast of Barbados, between Holders Hill and Molyneux Road, near the Sandy Lane Old Nine Golf Course. It’s easily accessible using the Layne’s Road entrance. Three public access points lead to the sand. It’s also possible to walk to the beach from Sandy Lane.
The best time to enjoy the beaches of Barbados is from December to early April, when rain is rare and warm temperatures make swimming a welcome relief. Plan to arrive in the morning to stake out your spot in the sand before the popular beach begins to fill up.
The Caribbean’s easternmost island has no shortage of beaches for travelers seeking a bit of sun, sea, and sand. Consistent winds at Silver Sands attract kite and windsurfers, while Bathsheba is famous among the surfer crowd. For swimming, Bath Beach ranks among the best, along with Crane Beach and Accra Beach. A series of shipwrecks in Carlisle Bay makes the area popular with scuba divers. Miami Beach is one of the liveliest along the southern coast.
