Ins & Outs of Barbados 2020

INS ISLAND ADVENTURES  163 Shady Characters To catch the shade on the west coast beaches, it’s best to get there early, before the sun starts shifting towards the horizon. The following beaches offer good shade and excellent swimming conditions. Gibbes Beach is a sweeping, sandy stretch of beach with lots of large shady trees and some of the most desirable villas on the island. Heron Bay is usually a quiet beach with good shade and snorkeling at the northern end - access is next to Colony Club Hotel, with limited but convenient parking. Reeds Bay is a lovely, long, wide arc of golden sand that’s usually quiet except for visiting catamarans. Halfway along is Coconut Palms West, a local beach bar serving cold drinks and food with chairs for rent. The lovely Batts Rock beach has good snorkeling conditions and facilities. The trendy new beach bar and seaside restaurant, La Cabane, serves superb food and a good selection of cocktails and wine. For Glass Bottom Boat Tours call Max or Michael at Team Baywatch at 249-5115 or 232-8157. Eastern Delights The wild and rugged Atlantic side, with fresh ocean breezes and pounding surf, is best for sightseeing and beachcombing. Due to very strong undercurrents, swimming along the east coast is not recommended. You can however take a dip in the shallow rock pools at low tide. At ‘Soup Bowl’ in Bathsheba you can watch surfers brave the waves at this world famous surf break. Eco Lodge, Round House and Atlantis Hotel are superb choices for lunch. Home Sweet Home The best things in life are free... and Bajans love a “freeness”! The sea, in shimmering hues of Barbados Blue, is definitely one of our greatest gifts and a defining part of our culture! Bajans love to “take a sea bath”, especially on Sundays before lunch, as it is said to awaken the appetite! But we fear it too, and as the old timers would often tell you, “de sea ain’t got no back door!” A Hidden Gem If you can find it, Fryers Well Bay on the north west coast is well worth the ramble! Quiet, secluded and often deserted with glorious swimming conditions and some snorkeling opportunities around the bay. There are no beach facilities, so pack a picnic or pick up some snacks and drinks in Speightstown. Gibbes Reeds Bay Batts Rock Cattlewash Heron Bay Lively Vibe Speightstown has a beautiful beach with good conditions for swimming, snorkeling and paddle boarding. There are some very good restaurants and great little eateries in and around Speightstown, some notable ones to look out for: Hugo’s, Island Plates, The Orange Street Grocer, Juma’s and Little Bristol. And for a real local experience, head to The Fisherman’s Pub and sample their all Bajan buffet!