Surfing Guide to Barbados

 

• Summary

• When to go

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/Things to know

• Surf spots

   

Summary

Surfing in Barbados is as dreamy as it gets. This small island from the Lesser Antilles is probably the most versatile surf destination in the Caribbean. From the hollow and powerful waves at Soup Bowl to the long and mellow left-handers at Freight’s Bay, Barbados will definitely be able to please any kind of surfer looking for a perfect surfing experience.

 
To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 
Pristine water, warm temperature and sunshine all year long are just a few other good reasons to head to Barbados. As it remains a Caribbean Island, the swell has a shorter period and will rarely become huge. Anyhow, there will still be plenty of opportunities to find action for beginners and advanced surfers.

 
This island, just like every single island in the Antilles bursts with magical vibrations and the Barbadian culture will definitely get right under your skin.

 

 

When to go

The best time to surf Barbados is from December to March. However, there are waves all year long. You should expect more rain during the hurricane season that lasts from June to November.

 

 

 

 

Where to stay in Barbados

 

 

Right next to Soup Bowl, Barbados’ best surf spot are Rest Haven Beach Cottages and The Atlantis Historic Inn.

Hilltop Apartments is a nice place to stay close to Freight’s Bay.

For higher-end places to stay in Barbados, The Crane Resort (Crane Beach) and Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels

 

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Barbados

 

 

Getting there

Flying to Bridgetown is probably the only way in other than the numerous cruise ships making their way to Barbados for day trips.

 

Safety/things to know

-For visa information, visit the official Barbados website.

 

Surf Spots in Barbados

Freight’s Bay

Located on the south side of the island, Freight’s Bay is a nice surf spot for beginners and longboarders as it rarely gets big. When it does, it becomes a whole different set up where advanced surfers can catch a long and challenging left-hander.

• Wave direction : Mostly left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N
   
   

Soup Bowl

Soup Bowl is the highest level wave in Barbados. On a good day, it becomes a powerful and hollow slab that attracts surfers from around the world.  Located on the east side, it will catch both north and south swells so as long as the wind is right, there should be something to ride.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : N
• Optimal wind direction : S
   
   

Surfers Point

A user-friendly left located on the south coast. It’s a popular spot for surf schools and beginner surfers, with a rocky bottom but generally forgiving waves.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : NW
   
   

South Point

A fast, punchy reef break that works best on mid to high tide. This wave offers both lefts and rights and is best for advanced surfers.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Mid to High
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : N
   
   

Tropicana

A reef break that produces long lefts with good shape. This spot is more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers and works best on north-west swells with easterly winds.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E