The Best Beaches in Barbados – Pebbles Beach, St Michael
by Karen Rollins Jun 20, 2022
Pebbles Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Barbados because of its picture-postcard appearance.
Located in the Aquatic Gap on the southwest of the island, Pebbles sits within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bridgetown and the Garrison.
Its dazzling, white sand stretches towards Browne’s Beach to the south and Needham’s Point to the north (where the Hilton Barbados Resort is situated).
The water here is relatively calm on most days and is inviting for swimmers and non-swimmers, although you should be aware of sudden dips in the sand under the water, and on windy days the waves can get rougher and reach quite high.
Sun loungers, beach chairs, and umbrellas are available for rent from vendors. There are also toilet and shower facilities open at set times.
Pebbles Beach overlooks Carlisle Bay which is an ideal spot for water sports including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. There are also six shipwrecks nearby which are great for scuba diving and snorkelling.
The bay is also a popular sailing spot and there are several vessels, from catamarans to luxury yachts, dotted across the water.
Finding something to eat close to Pebbles Beach is easy. Dippers Bar (at the Barbados Cruising Club) is right on the sand, and it offers a range of light bites including salads, wraps and sandwiches, and refreshing drinks.
Cuz’s Fish Stand is also a famous food option located just off the beach in the car park. Cuz is renowned for his delicious fresh fish sandwiches (or ‘cutters’ as Bajans call them) which many people claim are the best on the island.
An ice-cream van and a snow cone seller are also usually situated nearby.
One of the best sights to witness on Pebbles Beach takes place nearly every morning when the Barbados racehorses come down to bathe. Grooms bring the horses from their nearby stables at the Garrison, and they seem to enjoy the swim, which is believed to be therapeutic, especially if they are carrying an injury. You’ll need to be an early riser to capture this unique experience.
