Barbados West Coast Boardwalk
Click/tap to walk along the boardwalk....
Starting In The South
Hop on to the boardwalk at the southern starting point just north of Sandy Lane beach.
This quiet beach, with calm clear waters perfect for kids, is shaded by magnificent mahogany trees.
It's also a nice spot for snorkeling.
Maybe take a quick dip in the calm waters before we start our walk?
Fishermen
As we start our stroll along the boardwalk we might spot some local fishermen wading out into the sea to cast their lines.
They're usually happy to chat and show you their catch.
Have A Seat And Enjoy The View
Let's have a seat on the wooden benches, stopping for a while to enjoy the refreshing ocean breezes, watching the waves gently sweeping onto the rocks lining the boardwalk.
We're likely to see glass bottom boats leisurely making their way along the coast giving guests an amazing opportunity to view the underwater wonders without even getting wet!
Tropical Blooms Abound
This section of the boardwalk is bordered on the land side by beautiful tropical flowers, colourful shrubs, and mature trees.
Suntanning and Seabathing
We quickly arrive at another beautiful beach, this one wider and longer than where we began our walk. Let's stop to soak up the sun (beach loungers are available for rent) or go for a refreshing swim.
Unlike the continuous south coast boardwalk, this west coast boardwalk is divided into sections with beaches in between.
Tempting Restaurants
Coming off the beach and back onto the boardwalk we pass tempting restaurants - The Beach House and Tides. Both offer exquisite ocean-view dining and have menus posted outside. Stop and have a look. You may very well choose to return for a delightful dinner.
There is also a wonderful art gallery at The Tides which is well worth a visit.
Enjoying The Boardwalk
Let's pause for a moment and have a look back along the boardwalk. We'll soon be back on the beach.
Notice the huge, colourful boulders which line the boardwalk on the sea-side. These are a favourite spot for small crabs which you'll see scurrying around.
Casual Dining
Step onto the beach just in front of Zaccio's restaurant. This is a lovely spot for either lunch or dinner and is especially popular with families. The diverse menu has something for everyone.
Beach Time
Now we're in the heart of Holetown and on probably the nicest beach along the west coast boardwalk.
Here you can safely swim in areas designated for seabathers, or try some watersports activities such as jetskiing, kayaking, or water skiing.
Surfside Restaurant and Bar
Let's stop for a drink at the Surfside Restaurant and Bar. We can sit on the shaded picnic tables, at a table inside (with beach views) or just pull up a chair at the bar.
Mangroves
Just off the beach are the mangroves and estuary known as The Hole (from which Holetown gets its name).
This is where the English first began their exploration of the island in 1625.
Somewhere To Stay
You'll notice there are several hotels along this stretch of the beach.
Holetown is a wonderful area to stay, with its calm beaches, excellent restaurants, bars & clubs, and duty free shops.
Sailing Along
As we stroll along the boardwalk, several catamarans make their way languidly along the coast just offshore. They'll stop further north, giving guests the opportunity to swim with sea turtles.
Another Tropical Beach
Another wonderful beach with crystal-clear waters awaits just before we rejoin the boardwalk south of Folkestone marine park.
Folkestone Marine Park
Let's hop off the boardwalk for a moment and visit the Folkestone Marine Museum! This small but interesting musuem explains the importance role that the marine world plays in the life of Barbados.
An Icecream Treat
After exploring the museum, we'll select an icecream from the gift shop and enjoy it on the shaded picnic benches before resuming our walk.
Turtle Hatchlings
This is a popular area for sea turtles to lay their eggs. If you're out for a morning stroll you may even spot some turtle hatchlings who have not long emerged from their nest.
If you see one or two of them stuck on the boardwalk, place them on the sand and allow them to walk down to the sea. If you see a large number of hatchlings call the Barbados Sea Turtle hotline at (246) 230-0142 to report the sighting.
Winding Wall
Our walk takes us past the winding wall of Coral Reef Resort.
This exceptional hotel features beautifully landscaped gardens and first-class accommodation.
On The Beach Again!
We step off the boardwalk for the final time and onto the soft sands of Colony Club beach, also known as Heron Bay.
Although the boardwalk has ended, you can continue walking northwards along the beach.
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Recommended Accommodation
- For an adults-only vacation we recommend The Club Barbados, an all-inclusive resort located on a quiet beach at the southern end of the boardwalk.
- For a self-catering stay, Tropical Sunset Apartment Hotel is the ideal choice, combining the convenience of self-catering accommodation with the facilities of a hotel.
- For a luxurious escape, stay at Coral Reef Club where comfort and elegance in a tropical beachfront setting awaits.