Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This bay is best known for its calm, sheltered waters, perfect for swimming and scuba diving.
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Best nearby
Restaurants
246 within 3 miles
Attractions
82 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Sandra RHarpenden, United Kingdom8 contributionsCrytal clear waters always inviting with the whitest sand.Carlisle Bay goes from Pebbles Beach through to Browns Beach towards Bridgetown. It has the softest white sands and crystal clear blue water. You can sun bath, swim and even dive in safety. The sea is hardly ever rough although that does depend on the weather. One of the best bea c hes on the island for both locals and tourists alike. There are a few bars dotted about you can grab a cold beer. Rum punch or cool soft drink. Worth a visit if you stay awhile or visiting.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 28, 2023
- Al TMississauga, Canada37 contributionsPerfect Beach Day!We love this beach! It was a short bus van ride. You can rent two chairs, a table and umbrella from $15 go $20 Barbados, for the entire day. The water is clear and calm, with a long beach for walking or relaxing. There are a couple of lunch and snack vendors on site, in addition to a small restaurant across the street where you can get hot grub. Again, you need local currency for the vendors but I had yummu chicken roti and burgers. No complaints! Our second visit, we didn't see tables for our chairs, and they went out of their way to find them. Amazing what you get if you ask nicely. On Sundays, it's nice to see families enjoying beach picnics and down time.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 12, 2023
- TClaytonClementon, New Jersey21 contributionsAmazing beachAmazing beach. We stopped for the day on a cruise and taxied as a group of 16 to the beach. We were able to rent chairs and umbrellas. The water was cool but calm. There were water activities on the beach for a fee (snorkeling, swimming with the turtles, jet skis, chair water ride, etc.). The family enjoyed themselves and we would recommend stopping by.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 26, 2023
- PandabuddieUnited Kingdom968 contributionsSunshineWe all had a cracking day here. Sunbeds x 4 people and umbrella each was 40 dollars. Well worth the money. Had access to toilet and wifi and beach bar. Service excellent. Would visit again.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 28, 2023
- Captain HookGrimsby, United Kingdom333 contributionsA good beach to start a cruiseWe were on a cruise so this beach is the nearest to the port to walk to. Takes around thirty minutes. Early in the morning there is plenty of space, and the sea is good to swim in. There are vendors walking up and down but they don't give you a hard time. There are umbrellas and beds at various bars but they just want to sell you a package of beers. Better to steer clear of them if you are only spending a few hours, especially the Boatyard.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 19, 2023
- Lynda WFolkestone, United Kingdom17 contributionsGood choiceDid some research before arriving, as previously had been rather disappointed. Chose Carlisle Bay as it was quite near to the cruise port.Lots of taxis, and a set price of 5$ each way.Taxis wait until they have a full load and we asked to be taken to Brown's beach which is the far end by the Hilton. Absolutely beautiful.Not crowded, and sunbeds not all pushed together.Sea had quite afew waves, people were surfing Sand was just as imagined, so soft.Lunch was a bar just off the beach called Bali Beach Club.Fantastic food and staff, the guy who works behind the bar deserves a medal.Would always want to return.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 1, 2024
- mythosmancManchester, United Kingdom123 contributions30 minutes walk from the portLovely bay roughly 30 minutes walk from the port . Sea a lovely temperature. No point in snorkelling at the edges as no fish . All the fish are a bit further out above the ship wreck and would need to be a good swimmer to access . Also know for green turtles in the area .Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 2, 2024
- Sand MPerth, United Kingdom755 contributionsJust beautifulWe came here for a half day relaxation at the beach. And that’s exactly what we got. The only thing was that for me, the boat tours were too near the swimmers. There are bhoys to segregate boats and people but the boats were turning into the bhoys and a bit too close for comfort for me. The Jet Skis were running along the rope barrier also. But the water is brilliant clear clean and the same with the beaches. Well worth the visitVisited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 5, 2024
- Leelou270Yorkshire, United Kingdom69 contributionsAccessible beach from cruise portGood clean beach and easy to access from cruise port. It cost $5 each way and picked us up as promised. Toilet facilities and bar area. Cost $20 for 2 beds and brolii with free WiFi and party atmosphere in bar behindVisited March 2024Traveled with friendsWritten March 19, 2024
- Diane The TravellerUnited Kingdom30 contributionsPowder White SandPowder white sands and a warm sea for swimming in, because of this it can get busy and is visited by visitors from cruise ships. I would certainly recommend a visit if you like a beach day. We entered via Harbour Lights where we paid for sunbeds and umbrella. One of the best beaches in Barbados.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,737 reviews
Excellent
1,965
Very good
622
Average
99
Poor
33
Terrible
18
deantayloraz
Mesa, AZ6 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked a dive with West Side located at the Boatyard and spent time after the dives on the beach and eating lunch there. The beach is awesome, lots to do and look at. The music was a little loud for our group of 10, but would go back again.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big_Jeff_Leo
St Helens, UK22,648 contributions
Feb 2022
This beach is literally huge with plenty of space for everyone. Sunbeds as usual are on offer for a fee but if you take a trip there then they are usually included in the package. There are a number of bars spread about were you can eat or get a drink. Most have shower facilities to wash the sand away and small also have sections of local products and tourist stalls. The sea itself is crystal blue and you can go out a good 20 yards before it starts to get deep.
Written February 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michel d D
Shediac, Canada402 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Visited this beach multiple times during our recent visit. The beach was beautiful, nice entry into the water, and very little waves. Your beach chair will vary between 15-20$ us for two chairs and an umbrella.
This beach is a little busier - very popular with the locals, and cruise ships also sell excursions there.
You are also close to where the excursion to see the turtles and see wrecks. Within swimming distance
This beach is a little busier - very popular with the locals, and cruise ships also sell excursions there.
You are also close to where the excursion to see the turtles and see wrecks. Within swimming distance
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
staticball
Hamburg, Germany7 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We went to the main beach across the bird bar for some swimming and snorkeling. We brought our own fins and mask and found it very easy to swim quickly as far out to the boats. I saw more interesting things than I expected! Here’s what we saw: flying gurnards, puffer fish, small exotic fish, school of cuttlefish, big red cushion sea star, sea slugs, and a large kingfish. It was a fun day out. There is some boat traffic so be aware.
Prices:
Chair and umbrella rental for two: 20 usd
Virgin colada at the smoothie stand: 10 usd
The bird bar (red building across the street): 12 usd for jerk chicken and rice
I recommend leaving towels on the chairs and head to the bird bar for lunch then return. Enjoy!
Prices:
Chair and umbrella rental for two: 20 usd
Virgin colada at the smoothie stand: 10 usd
The bird bar (red building across the street): 12 usd for jerk chicken and rice
I recommend leaving towels on the chairs and head to the bird bar for lunch then return. Enjoy!
Written May 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A S
11 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
My sister and I enjoyed snorkeling Carlisle Bay. We did not pack fins and they are definitely not needed so save the space in your suitcase. I read reviews prior to snorkeling and had planned to just swim to the shipwrecks rather than pay for a tour, however, when I arrived and saw the swimmers who were trying to avoid the significant boat traffic $35 for a tour seemed reasonable. I also want to warn swimmers that there were jellyfish everywhere! Our guide told me they don’t really sting. I did brush up against one as they were impossible to avoid and just had a mild tingling stinging sensation for 10 minutes or so. My best advice is that if you have the ability choose a time when the hundreds of cruise ship passengers who flood the beach are not there. It is a nice snorkeling site but the experience is ruined by boat traffic and hundreds of cruise ship passengers.
Written April 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TClayton
Clementon, NJ38 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Amazing beach. We stopped for the day on a cruise and taxied as a group of 16 to the beach. We were able to rent chairs and umbrellas. The water was cool but calm. There were water activities on the beach for a fee (snorkeling, swimming with the turtles, jet skis, chair water ride, etc.). The family enjoyed themselves and we would recommend stopping by.
Written November 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mimsi007
Vienna, Austria66 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Carlisle Bay is an overrated beach strip just a few minutes from the cruise port in Bridgetown Barbados. Carlisle Bay is not big. It consists of Pebbles Beach and Browns Beach and you can walk from one end to the other in max 15 minutes.
The bay is full of tourists especially when cruise ships are around.
Additionally to the guests on the beach the are many ‘artificial’ snorkeling mass tourism tours going on as turtles and rays are feeded like crazy. They even offer a shipwreck which looks like it had been sunken on purpose.
Visit this bay if you are on a cruise ship and only have very limited time left.
Don’t book a Celebrity Cruise 3 beaches tour. Two of 3 beaches are on Carlisle bay. You loose more time hoping on and off the bus then walking down the beach.
Don’t book Celebrity cruise Catamaran Tours
Turtle Snorkeling and Shipwreck or similar. 3 out of 4 hours you will stay put in Carlisle
Beach chasing feeded turtles or checking this really unspectacular ‘ship wreck’
The bay is full of tourists especially when cruise ships are around.
Additionally to the guests on the beach the are many ‘artificial’ snorkeling mass tourism tours going on as turtles and rays are feeded like crazy. They even offer a shipwreck which looks like it had been sunken on purpose.
Visit this bay if you are on a cruise ship and only have very limited time left.
Don’t book a Celebrity Cruise 3 beaches tour. Two of 3 beaches are on Carlisle bay. You loose more time hoping on and off the bus then walking down the beach.
Don’t book Celebrity cruise Catamaran Tours
Turtle Snorkeling and Shipwreck or similar. 3 out of 4 hours you will stay put in Carlisle
Beach chasing feeded turtles or checking this really unspectacular ‘ship wreck’
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia18,060 contributions
Jan 2023
Carlisle Bay is situated in the southern part of Barbados capital. From the town center it's only around 10 min walk.
Beach is long and wide with plenty to do. You can stay at one of the beach clubs with a cover fee including a lunch, boat trip to the turtles and a drink, or you can pay only for sunbeds or stay at the free part without spending a penny. Water is crystal clear.
Beach is long and wide with plenty to do. You can stay at one of the beach clubs with a cover fee including a lunch, boat trip to the turtles and a drink, or you can pay only for sunbeds or stay at the free part without spending a penny. Water is crystal clear.
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellie
London, UK29 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Carlisle bay was the highlight of our holiday, it is beautiful. We visited loads of beaches while in Barbados and this was definitely the best one.
The sand is so soft and powdery, the water is crystal clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming. Plenty of sun beds available to rent for about 30$US a day and beach bars/restaurants there too.
We went in Jan/Feb and I’m confident to say you’re guaranteed to see turtles. You don’t have to swim far out to snorkel to find them. If you’re not a good swimmer they’re also boat trips that pick you up from your Sun loungers, take you out to the turtles and the shipwreck and return you at your beds. Overall, a must must, must visit if you’re visiting Barbados.
The sand is so soft and powdery, the water is crystal clear and calm, making it perfect for swimming. Plenty of sun beds available to rent for about 30$US a day and beach bars/restaurants there too.
We went in Jan/Feb and I’m confident to say you’re guaranteed to see turtles. You don’t have to swim far out to snorkel to find them. If you’re not a good swimmer they’re also boat trips that pick you up from your Sun loungers, take you out to the turtles and the shipwreck and return you at your beds. Overall, a must must, must visit if you’re visiting Barbados.
Written February 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver Waters
London, UK24 contributions
Jan 2022
Absolutely stunning. You can lose yourself and a quiet spot or join the fun bustling points with sun loungers, boards and bars etc. Beaches at Barbados are free to all. Clear white sand & light blue water. Beaches have public loos - which were extremely well maintained and clean. The beaches felt very safe - but would always recommend keeping your wits about you. Family friendly and safe for couples or individuals travelling.
Written January 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob_Dee_7
Chatham, UK13 contributions
Hi, has anyone taken the trip to Carlisle Bay from the Marella Discover? Do they organise transport to and from? And rough idea of cost please.
Janicelynn256
Gibbstown, NJ4 contributions
Seeing that visiting Barbados is restricted to cruise or government approved excursions Can I take an approved taxi at cruise port to Carlisle Bay?
Patricia C
Estepona, Spain38 contributions
Hi
We are a family group of 15 and we have used both taxis & buses throughout our stay including airport transfers without any issues, masks must be worn on transport and in indoor places.
Hope this helps
Laura B
West Edmeston, New York, United States49 contributions
Hello. I have visited Carlisle Bay a few times, and never found the free toilet facilities. Where are they located? Thanks.
doc_alg
Maple Ridge, Canada378 contributions
Well you got the correct answers already. Such great help from fellow travellers. Do not be shy to ask locals and other visitors for info when in Barbados. Everyone is helpful.
rwjohn2754
Dunfermline, UK75 contributions
Do you pay to access the beach?
What facilities does it have e.g toilets, bars, food?
Thbanks
All beaches are free in Barbados, sun loungers are 30 Bdollar for 2 and an umbrella. There are toilets which are free, clean and have toilet paper. There are cars and a van selling drinks 3 Bdollar for beer/soft drinks. Turtles straight out in front of the toilets in the sea all free. Enjoy
mabarka321
Boston, MA3 contributions
How far is this from the cruise port and what is the best way to get to Carlisle Bay from the port?
Neil S
Trinidad,West Indies3 contributions
Its roughly just under 2km.
Travel is readily available via bus or taxi...and always on time!
Curious551019
Antioch, CA
Is there food available near Carlisle Bay?
Larry
Maple Ridge, Canada28 contributions
Yes there is the Pennydiver food truck
maxine m
Leicester, UK30 contributions
Hi what's the best way to book a swim with the turtles if you dont want to book it through your cruise ship. Thanks
Simon B
Holton Le Clay, UK18 contributions
Get a taxi or the reggae bus to the bay and there are turtle boats every hour or there abouts for 20 bucks.You get to see the turtles and snorkel on a ship wreck,they can provide the gear also.
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