Barbados - which beach/area do you recommend?

[Anonymous]

We are Airbnb or VRBO people. I am looking for an area that is walkable to resturants, cafes, shops, etc and safe for teens to walk around. Also, husband and son love to surf so I'm hoping we can find an area that is walkable for shops, restaurants, etc. but short drive to the beach where they can surf. I'd love to find a place that's walkable to both, but I'm learning that may not be possible. Open to any recommendations! Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Of all the islands I’ve visited, I’ve never thought of Barbados as one I’d let my kids walk around. There’s a reason why Barbados is mostly luxury resorts with gates and security guards. Ditto for private neighborhoods.

[Anonymous]

We stayed at a hotel (O2) in between Bridgetown and Oistins and I never felt unsafe walking to nearby restaurants (unless maybe a little from the lack of sidewalk) and people we met were friendly.

I am not sure but I think that area would also be convenient for surfing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of all the islands I’ve visited, I’ve never thought of Barbados as one I’d let my kids walk around. There’s a reason why Barbados is mostly luxury resorts with gates and security guards. Ditto for private neighborhoods.

Really? I’ve been to Barbados many times and it’s a fun island with lots to see and do. There are some areas where people will try to sell you drugs but this is the case in most cities (happened to us recently in Miami). If you stick to the touristy areas, you will be fine.

We went to Barbados last year and snorkeled off Carlyle Bay (a boat took us further out near the shipwrecks). It was amazing! We saw huge fish like eagle rays, tarpon (I think…it was a huge silver fish that swim quickly toward us….scared the heck out of me), turtles etc….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of all the islands I’ve visited, I’ve never thought of Barbados as one I’d let my kids walk around. There’s a reason why Barbados is mostly luxury resorts with gates and security guards. Ditto for private neighborhoods.

Really? I’ve been to Barbados many times and it’s a fun island with lots to see and do. There are some areas where people will try to sell you drugs but this is the case in most cities (happened to us recently in Miami). If you stick to the touristy areas, you will be fine.

We went to Barbados last year and snorkeled off Carlyle Bay (a boat took us further out near the shipwrecks). It was amazing! We saw huge fish like eagle rays, tarpon (I think…it was a huge silver fish that swim quickly toward us….scared the heck out of me), turtles etc….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of all the islands I’ve visited, I’ve never thought of Barbados as one I’d let my kids walk around. There’s a reason why Barbados is mostly luxury resorts with gates and security guards. Ditto for private neighborhoods.

Really? I’ve been to Barbados many times and it’s a fun island with lots to see and do. There are some areas where people will try to sell you drugs but this is the case in most cities (happened to us recently in Miami). If you stick to the touristy areas, you will be fine.

We went to Barbados last year and snorkeled off Carlyle Bay (a boat took us further out near the shipwrecks). It was amazing! We saw huge fish like eagle rays, tarpon (I think…it was a huge silver fish that swim quickly toward us….scared the heck out of me), turtles etc….

"There are some people that might sell you drugs". Most of us don't want to experience this on vacation and this can also escalate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of all the islands I’ve visited, I’ve never thought of Barbados as one I’d let my kids walk around. There’s a reason why Barbados is mostly luxury resorts with gates and security guards. Ditto for private neighborhoods.

Really? I’ve been to Barbados many times and it’s a fun island with lots to see and do. There are some areas where people will try to sell you drugs but this is the case in most cities (happened to us recently in Miami). If you stick to the touristy areas, you will be fine.

We went to Barbados last year and snorkeled off Carlyle Bay (a boat took us further out near the shipwrecks). It was amazing! We saw huge fish like eagle rays, tarpon (I think…it was a huge silver fish that swim quickly toward us….scared the heck out of me), turtles etc….

"There are some people that might sell you drugs". Most of us don't want to experience this on vacation and this can also escalate.

Ok, so don’t ever set foot in DC, or NYC or any Caribbean island (I’ve been to numerous Caribbean islands and this happens at ALL of them).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of all the islands I’ve visited, I’ve never thought of Barbados as one I’d let my kids walk around. There’s a reason why Barbados is mostly luxury resorts with gates and security guards. Ditto for private neighborhoods.

Really? I’ve been to Barbados many times and it’s a fun island with lots to see and do. There are some areas where people will try to sell you drugs but this is the case in most cities (happened to us recently in Miami). If you stick to the touristy areas, you will be fine.

We went to Barbados last year and snorkeled off Carlyle Bay (a boat took us further out near the shipwrecks). It was amazing! We saw huge fish like eagle rays, tarpon (I think…it was a huge silver fish that swim quickly toward us….scared the heck out of me), turtles etc….

We were in Barbados last year and found it perfectly safe (and delightful) to explore. The Holetown area and adjacent towns is probably best for what OP is looking for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are Airbnb or VRBO people. I am looking for an area that is walkable to resturants, cafes, shops, etc and safe for teens to walk around. Also, husband and son love to surf so I'm hoping we can find an area that is walkable for shops, restaurants, etc. but short drive to the beach where they can surf. I'd love to find a place that's walkable to both, but I'm learning that may not be possible. Open to any recommendations! Thanks in advance!

Holetown is a more touristy area where there are lots of shops and restaurants. The better beaches for surfing are to the south but not that far of a drive. If you head that way, try to coordinate it so you can see the horse trainers take the thoroughbreds swimming at Pebbles Beach. You have to get there very early, but it's worth it.

It's a great island to explore, and you should make a point of visiting the Atlantic side. The surf is too rough for swimming, but that side of the island is really lush, with beautiful beaches that have rock formations and tide pools.

It's also a great island for food. We were very pleasantly surprised at the level of quality and service. We did not have a bad meal there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Of all the islands I’ve visited, I’ve never thought of Barbados as one I’d let my kids walk around. There’s a reason why Barbados is mostly luxury resorts with gates and security guards. Ditto for private neighborhoods.

Really? I’ve been to Barbados many times and it’s a fun island with lots to see and do. There are some areas where people will try to sell you drugs but this is the case in most cities (happened to us recently in Miami). If you stick to the touristy areas, you will be fine.

We went to Barbados last year and snorkeled off Carlyle Bay (a boat took us further out near the shipwrecks). It was amazing! We saw huge fish like eagle rays, tarpon (I think…it was a huge silver fish that swim quickly toward us….scared the heck out of me), turtles etc….

"There are some people that might sell you drugs". Most of us don't want to experience this on vacation and this can also escalate.

Ok, so don’t ever set foot in DC, or NYC or any Caribbean island (I’ve been to numerous Caribbean islands and this happens at ALL of them).

Seriously, every single one. They always approach my husband. It’s insane. Not sure what sort of vibe he gives off but they are very open with offering up all sorts of things. Nope, no thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We stayed at a hotel (O2) in between Bridgetown and Oistins and I never felt unsafe walking to nearby restaurants (unless maybe a little from the lack of sidewalk) and people we met were friendly.

I am not sure but I think that area would also be convenient for surfing.

Remembered this neighborhood was called St Lawrence Gap (or just the Gap). We really liked Barbados. If you just stay in the gated resorts like Sandy Lane you’ll miss out.

[Anonymous]

It is the safest country in all of the Caribbean. Don't listen to the idiots on here. Low crime, excellent medical system.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is the safest country in all of the Caribbean. Don't listen to the idiots on here. Low crime, excellent medical system.

This. It’s lovely.