Cruise Into Paradise: The 6 Best Barbados Beaches Near Cruise Port
If you’re stopping in Barbados on your cruise, be sure to check out these nearby beaches for a slice of paradise.
What are the best beaches near Cruise Port?
If you are short on time and want to get your beach fix as you dock in the cruise port in Barbados, these are some great nearby options.
- Brighton Beach
- Brownes Beach
- Pebbles Beach
- Crane Beach
- Brandons Beach
- Batts Rock Beach
Whether you’re taking an island-hopping Caribbean cruise or just a quick tour of Barbados, you won’t want to miss the stunning beaches located close to the Barbados cruise port.
Because time can be limited when visiting on a cruise, you can head straight to these seven stunning nearby beaches from the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal!
About the Cruise Port of Bridgetown, Barbados
Cruise lines have made this destination very popular with cruisers over the years. When visiting Barbados a stop in the Bridgetown cruise port is a great opportunity to explore and experience the Caribbean culture. From watersports to guided tours of the attractions and historic sites around the island, there are plenty of options for a day out on the island.
Cruise ships dock in Bridgetown and this will be the town that greets you as you disembark from your cruise ship.
Shopping enthusiasts will love browsing through duty-free stores while food lovers are sure to be delighted by the local cuisine like flying fish curry or sweet potato pudding.
Before popping over to one of the nearby beaches this is a good spot to stock up on snacks, grab some souvenirs, and get a historical lay of the land.
Whether beach bumming in the stunning turquoise waters or sampling local beer with locals at one of the island’s bustling nightspots, Bridgetown provides something for everyone.
Thankfully it’s close enough to explore this port town and still have time to sink your toes in the powder soft sands of the Bajan shores.
Barbados Beaches Near Cruise Port
These are the seven best beaches to make the most of your time in port on the stunning island of Barbados. All but one are under 10 minutes away by car from the cruise terminal.
Brighton Beach
Distance From Cruise Port: 6 Minutes
A port call favorite Brighton Beach is close enough to walk to in a leisurely 40 minutes and will also take you past Brandons Beach on the way. In fact, they are practically adjoining!
The main difference between the two is this one is the quieter of the two, perhaps because more cruise ship guests stop at the nearer one instead! This beach has wide swaths of soft sand beckoning you to kick back and enjoy the view.
There are some inshore reefs with sandy bottoms that are perfect for snorkeling as well.
At the northern end of the beach you’ll find a local favorite, the “hot pot” an inlet of especially warm water great for lounging in.
Brownes Beach
Distance From Cruise Port: 9 Minutes
This is one of the most popular beaches near the cruise port. Overlooking the gorgeous Carlisle Bay, Brownes Beach is a long stretch of sand stretching from The Boatyard to Needham Point. It is super popular with boating day trips and many of the catamarans take off from here.
It would make a great place to lounge before or after a boat day trip on your port of call.
Snorkeling is next level here as there are a few shipwrecks that make a home for a diverse array of marine life. If you just want to relax, then watching the boat traffic and people getting on and off is enough to entertain for the day!
Pebbles Beach
Distance From Cruise Port: 8 minutes
For a great family friendly option, Pebbles Beach makes a spot to lay your towel for a few hours while off the cruise ship.
Another beach overlooking Carlisle Bay, this beach near the cruise port enjoys all the benefits of Brownes Beach.
Here the kids will enjoy seeing the groomers bring their race horses to bathe in the sea!
This is one of the favorite beaches of locals. Stop by the Cuz’s Fish Stand for a midday snack of fish sandwiches (locally called “cutters”)!
Crane Beach
Distance From Cruise Port: 35 minutes
This Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Top 10 Beach, actually used to be a harbor. While this beach is the farthest from the cruise port, Crane Beach is now one of the beach clubs that is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful on the island and worth the trip!
The Crane Resort that fronts this beach has been famously welcoming honeymooners since 1867. Its nascent waves are perfect for boogie boarding or just floating in bliss on a cruise ship stop over.
Brandons Beach
Distance From Cruise Port: 9 Minutes
Brandons Beach is one of the closest to the cruise ship port making it close enough to explore Downtown Bridgetown and the beach in the same day. Because it is close to the port, it gets the brunt of passengers and fills up quickly and beach chairs go just as fast.
Parents love this option for the floating fun park just off the beach. The floating waterpark is perfect for the whole family and great for all day entertainment.
It is great for renting a beach umbrella and lounger and watching the catamarans cruise past. Rascal’s Beach Bar is also close by to keep you hydrated and fed!
Batts Rock Beach
Distance From Cruise Port: 5 minutes
This designated public beach is the quietest and most rugged on our list. Batts Rock Beach is family friendly with swings and slides, gentle waves, and soft Barbados sands.
A beachside pathway going up the hill behind the beach gives a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea and the island of Barbados.
Swimming here is not just a pastime but nature’s theater performance. This beach is well known for spotting local sea turtles amongst other wildlife above and below water.
A wooded tree filled path that is popular with green monkeys connects to Paradise Beach making for a great mini adventure for restless travelers. There are also shaded picnic tables to enjoy a peaceful pardisicial lunchtime picnic.
Key Takeaways
- There are more than a half dozen beaches under 10 minutes drive from the Barbados Cruise Port.
- Downtown Bridgetown is also worth exploring and is walking distance from the port.
- Batts Rock Beach is your best bet for a quiet escape.
- Brandons Beach is one of the closest and full of amenities but fills up with cruisers quickly.