Pink Sand Beaches of Barbados

Are you interested in seeing Pink Sand Beaches?  If yes, then we recommend the Pink Sand Beaches of Barbados, as the place to go.

Barbados

Barbados is a small island nation in the Caribbean northeast of Venezuela. It is a beautiful island, located in the Lesser Antilles which is the southeastern half of the Caribbean. Cruise ships love to visit the island.  However, unless you take a tour around the island you will miss a lot of the beauty. The island is only 34 kilometers long and 23 kilometers wide, but it boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

Surprisingly, Barbados is the eastern most island in the Caribbean. Hence, the eastern or windward side of the island facing the Atlantic in Barbados is really very wild. While the western side facing the Caribbean is quite calm.  The rich and famous, who have homes on the Island, live on the western side, more information later.

What is Barbados Known For: Pink Sand Beaches+

One of the unique features of Barbados beaches is the pink sand that is found on some of them. The most famous is the Crane Beach on the southern end of the island. Another great place to visit on the northern end of the island is the Animal Flower Cave.

Our Visits to Barbados

 On our second visit to Barbados in November of 2023, we stayed at the Crane Resort, overlooking Crane Beach. Clearing immigration in the Grantly Adams International Airport in Barbados proved to be relatively easy.  It would have been even easier had we known that there was a questionnaire needing completion upon arrival.  With a quick taxi ride over bumpy roads, we arrived at The Crane, a 125 year old hotel now operated by Hilton. Comprised of a series of buildings in a large property, our driver brought us to our room via golf cart.  

What a lovely surprise!  Our suite was large with a kitchen area, a combined dining area and living room.  In addition we had a large master suite and a second bath.  Outside, our large deck had a dining table and lounge chairs plus a plunge pool located in a turret.  And, of course, the view was breathtaking.

There were several pools near us but we found the adult pool near the main dining area to be our favorite.  There is also access to a pink beach, complete with blue umbrellas and lounge chairs which you can see while having breakfast. If you would like to stay at the Crane Resort, please go here: check prices and availability for The Crane Resort.

Our Favorite Restaurant

In fact, we celebrated Thanksgiving there but there was no turkey. Fortunately, for the first night, we went to a local restaurant, Le Shack.  What a find!  The décor was charming with draped ceiling, cushy pillows and mahogany wood everywhere.

Then there was the food!  Oh my goodness, the best pan fried sea bass ever!  It was such a great experience, we came back the next day as well.  You know a restaurant is good when both locals and visitors repeat their visits as we did.

Trip Around the Island

The first full day, we booked a day long tour, circling the entire island, through Get Your Guide.  It was called Barbados Island Tour with Animal Flower Cave with lunch.  And, at only $100 a person, it was a great value.

On the morning of our tour, we retraced our steps back to the airport where our guide pointed out the building with the word  Concorde on its roof.  He proudly shared that this is where they were renovating the actual hypersonic Concorde.

Dexter, our guide from Williams Tours Barbados, picked up various small groups as we went along and shared a lot of local information, stopping at key spots while moving along.  It’s a pretty big island!  We went through Bridgetown and then up the West Coast where we saw some great street art. If you wish to see more street art please see our “Love Graffiti Art” post.

All together we had five major stops starting with Speightstown where we saw the street art and Rihanna’s humble abode as well as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s home, (see pictures: click this link to go to where the Rich and Famous Live), a beautiful view at the top of a hill, with vendors and rum punch, Animal Flower Cave where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic Ocean, Bathsheba’s Beach (which is home to major surfing competition, click the link for details) and, of course, our lunch with more rum punch.  

We also visited St. John’s Parish Church, the second oldest church on the island. It is a beautiful, old, well-preserved church.

We feel that we have had a really good overview of Barbados and know where we would like to visit again.

First Visit to Barbados

Our first visit was just a year earlier when we were on a cruise.  During the first visit we got to know Bridgetown a little and we visited the Mount Gay Distillery.  However, if you stay on an island, rather than just visiting by cruise ship, you really get to understand and enjoy the island.  That is how we learned about the pink sand beaches.

While there are other pink sand beaches in the Caribbean, Barbados is known for having some of the pinkest and most beautiful ones. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the pink sand beaches in Barbados are sure to impress. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the beauty of Barbados beaches.

Barbados’ Pink Sand Beaches

While on Barbados, we visited two of the Pink Sand Beaches: Crane Beach and Bathsheba Beach.  These are the best pink sand beaches,  Both were beautiful, but clearly Crane Beach is the most famous.  We were blessed to be able to stay at the Crane Resort and have a perfect view of the beach. 

Barbados Most Famous Pink Sand Beach: Crane Beach

The most famous pink sands beach in Barbados is Crane Beach, located in the parish of St. Philip on the southern coast of the island. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and crystal clear waters, making it a picturesque spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Crane Beach is also home to the historic Crane Resort, which was built in 1887 and is a popular spot for luxury travelers. The Crane Resort is a historic hotel with giant lagoon pools, spacious rooms, and lush tropical gardens. 

Crane Beach has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was used as a harbor for trading ships. The beach is named after the crane that was used to lift cargo on and off the ships. Today, Crane Beach is a popular tourist destination and has been named one of the top 10 beaches in the world by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

What makes Crane Beach so unique is its pink sand. The sand gets its pink color from the tiny red shells of microscopic marine animals called foraminifera. The beach is also known for its crystal clear turquoise waters, which are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. Visitors can also enjoy the stunning views of the cliffs surrounding the beach, which are perfect for hiking and exploring.

Visiting Crane Beach

Even though Crane Beach Barbados appears to be part of the Crane Resort, it’s actually open to the public. In fact, all Barbados Beaches are public access according to the law. This means anyone can visit them. There are two ways to access this secluded corner of paradise.

Guests at the Crane Resort can follow signs around the property to the Crane Beach access point. There is a tall set of stairs (very long) that take visitors from the top of the cliff down to the beach. There is also an elevator beside the stairs that can take people down and especially back up from the beach.

To get to the Crane Beach by car, drive to the Crane Resort and continue down the main road heading toward Cutters Restaurant. Shortly past Cutters, you’ll come to an intersection with Crane Beach Road. Drive to the end of the road to find the Crane Beach public access point. From here, you’ll be able to walk along a rugged path to the Crane Beach.

Things to do At Crane Beach

Crane Beach is a quiet spot that’s best for relaxation, reading a book, and sunbathing. While it’s possible to swim here, the water can occasionally be choppy so it’s better for confident swimmers. That being said, everyone will enjoy watching the beautiful turquoise water twinkle in the sunlight! If you want more adventure, you can take a little hike along the rocky outcroppings on the right side of the beach. This offers a great vantage point to see the entire area and you might even spot some sea turtles! Although it’s not known as a surf spot, Crane beach is popular with bodyboarders and boogie boards.

Crane Beach Barbados Amenities

Crane Beach has all the amenities you could want for a beach of this size. Because it is connected to the Crane Resort, visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, enjoy beachside drinks and food, and rent beach toys. For resort guests, beach chairs and umbrellas are included. There are also restrooms, a bar, and a restaurant on site.

Other Things To Do Near Crane Beach:

There are two things we did not do during our short stay at the Crane Resort that we understand are fun.

• The first is to swim at Shark Hole Beach. This hidden swimming spot is sheltered from the rough sea by a reef, making it the perfect place for a dip on a hot day.
• The second is to visit Sam Lord’s Castle. The Castle is a short drive down the coast. Here you can see the castle ruins and check out the views from the lookout point.

When in Barbados, we can personally recommend visiting Crane Beach and the Crane Resort. The Pink sand Beach at Crane Beach in Barbados is an great place to spend the day!

The Other Pink Sand Beaches in Barbados

Barbados has several other pink sand beaches worth visiting. These are the best beaches in Barbados, and include Bathsheba Beach, Foul Bay Beach, and Bottom Bay Beach. Each of these beaches has its unique features and attractions, making them perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Overall, Barbados’ pink sand beaches are a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a relaxing and picturesque beach vacation. Given these beautiful beaches it is no wonder why Barbados is such a great vacation attraction.

Bathsheba, The Village

Bathsheba is the main fishing village in the parish of Saint Joseph with some 5,000 inhabitants on the east coastline of Barbados. The village and the beach were named after Bathsheba, the wife of King David, who bathed in milk to keep her skin soft and beautiful. However, another possible origin of the name is that it was derived from the Hebrew word “bath sh’va”, which means “daughter of the oath” or “daughter of the seven”. According to this legend, the name could refer to the seven rock formations that are found along the shore of Bathsheba. One particular rock formation, shaped like a a mushroom, is a signature image for the island. 

The town has a number of quaint churches; Saint Joseph Anglican Church was built on Horse Hill in the town as early as 1640 but was rebuilt in 1839 following a hurricane in 1831. Little Saint Joseph chapel was built nearby in 1837 but was restored and dedicated to Saint Aiden in 1904 following a landslide.  

Bathsheba Beach

Bathsheba Beach is the other Pink Sand Beach that we visited in Barbados. It is located on the east coast of Barbados and is known for its dramatic coastline, striking rock formations, and white sand beaches. It is a beautiful and popular destination on the east coast of Barbados. the beach is known for its stunning rock formations, including the iconic mushroom rock.

Bathsheba Beach has spectacular views, and powerful waves that attract surfers from all over the world. The beach is also home to a small village that offers local cuisine and culture. Bathsheba Beach is not recommended for casual swimmers, as the strong undercurrents can be dangerous. However, there are some tide pools that are safe and relaxing to enjoy. If you are looking for a scenic and adventurous beach experience, Bathsheba Beach is a great choice. 

Bathsheba Beach is a popular destination for surfers due to its large waves and consistent surf throughout the year. The Soup Bowl reef at Bathsheba Beach provides some of the best surfing in the Caribbean.

While Bathsheba Beach offers excellent surfing opportunities, swimming directly in the Atlantic Ocean is not recommended due to the strong undertow and rip currents.

Visitors are advised not to swim here unless they are with someone who knows the area well. However, there are a series of shallow coral pools that are ideal for cooling off in.

Bottom Bay

Bottom Bay is located on the southeast coast of Barbados and is known for its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is surrounded by coral cliffs and palm trees, making it a secluded and romantic spot for couples. Bottom Bay is also a great spot for surfing and bodyboarding, with waves that can reach up to six feet high.

Foul Bay

Foul Bay is also located on the southeast coast of Barbados and is known for its calm waters and soft pink sand. The beach is surrounded by coconut trees and is a popular spot for picnics and family outings. Foul Bay is also a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, with clear waters that are home to a variety of marine life.

Overall, Barbados is home to some of the most beautiful pink sand beaches in the world, with Crane Beach, Bottom Bay, and Foul Bay being some of the most popular spots for visitors. Bathsheba is more or a surfing beach and not necessarily great for swimming.

Where to the Rich and Famous have homes on Barbados?

Surprisingly, the rich and famous do not have their homes close to the pink sand beaches in Barbados, They live on the western shore of Barbados near the town of Speightstown, facing the Caribbean, where the beaches are much calmer. Here, we found the homes owned by Rihanna and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Tips and Suggestions for Visiting Pink Sand Beaches in Barbados

Here are some recommendations based on our two visits to the island:​

When to Go

The best time to visit Barbados for pink sand beaches is during the dry season. this is December to April,. The weather is warm and sunny, and the water is calm and clear. However, that is when it is most crowded. It is the peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. We visited in November and it was wonderful.

Items You Will Need

Here are some items you will need. If you want to see our full packing lists please go to our post “Packing our Bags.”

• Sunscreen with a high SPF
• Sunglasses and a hat to protect your face from the sun
• A beach towel or blanket
• A waterproof phone case to protect your device from sand and water
• A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated
• A camera to capture the stunning scenery

Safety Recommendations

It is important to stay safe while enjoying the beautiful beaches. We heard some stories are good swimmers getting caught in strong rip tides. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Swim only in designated areas and pay attention to warning flags
• Look out for strong currents and rip tides
• Wear water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral
• Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach
• Stay hydrated and avoid drinking alcohol in excess

 Other Pink Sand Beaches in The Caribbean Islands and Around The World

Pink Sand Beaches are very rare. However, here are a few others that you can find in the Caribbean, or other places around the world:

• Pink Sand Beach, Harbour Island in The Bahamas. This is a three-mile-long beach with a radiant shade of pink sand, fringed by beautiful boutique hotels.
• Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda. This is one of the most famous and popular beaches in Bermuda, with a crescent-shaped pink sand beach and clear blue water. It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
• La Sagesse Beach, Grenada. This is a secluded and tranquil beach with a light pink hue, located on the south coast of Grenada. It is part of the La Sagesse Nature Center, which offers a hotel, restaurant, and hiking trail.
• Elafonisi Beach, Crete. This is a unique beach with pink sand and shallow water, located on the southwestern tip of Crete. It is a protected nature reserve and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
• Pink Beach, Komodo Island. This is a stunning beach with pink sand and coral reefs, located on the eastern coast of Komodo Island in Indonesia. It is one of the most famous pink beaches in the world and a part of the Komodo National Park, which is home to the famous Komodo dragon..  
• Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur, California. Better known for its stunning views and purple (not pink) sand, Pfeiffer Beach is also a must visit.  Please see our California Post to learn more about this stunning beach that we have visited.

Summary​

The pink sands beaches of Barbados, such as the iconic Crane Beach, offer a unique and unforgettable experience. We will remember our trips for a long time. There is no shortage of picturesque destinations in Barbados, but you need to get out and tour the island to see them. The island’s turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush landscapes make it a top destination for beach lovers worldwide.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. With options like exploring the historic Crane Resort, there’s something for everyone.