Barbados is famed for its James Bond-style resorts, cocktails in coconuts, and clean, crisp stretches of snow-white sand. It is, in every sense of the word, paradise. And as if it doesn’t already have enough going for it, it’s also one of the most consistent and versatile surf destinations. There are shallow reef breaks that produce powerful tubes, and there are sandy beach breaks where beginners can take their time and enjoy their first waves. So, grab your wetsuit and book a flight–surf’s up!

1. Bathsheba Beach–Wild and Rocky

This is a very popular Barbados surf spot; it’s quiet and not overrun with tourists, and the surf is perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers. It’s also home to one of Barbados’ most famous surf spots, The Soup Bowl, which produces strong, sucky waves that can swallow you whole. Bathsheba is as famous for its magnificent rock formations as it is for its surf, so even on a flat day (which is rare) it’s still an incredible site to behold.

2. Crane Beach–Consistent Waves for Experienced Surfers

A frequent posing spot for the rich and famous, Crane Beach has been rated as one of the best 10 beaches in the world. The water is crystal clear and the sand is super soft, clean, and as white as it looks in your dreams. Rugged cliffs line the sure and palm trees offer a slither of shade to hide from the heat of the midday sun.

The waves can get fairly large here and attract experienced surfers and body boarders who come to indulge in this idyllic surf spot. The undercurrents are very strong at Crane Beach which is what makes it more suitable for strong swimmers and experienced surfers.

3. Dover Beach–Learn to Surf in Paradise

Dover Beach is a fun and lively part of Barbados with fairly calm, safe waters to play in. It’s also a great place to try your hand at a new water sport, there are plenty of local companies offering surfing and windsurfing lessons–and there couldn’t be a more beautiful place to learn. The beach is also surrounded by some of the most luxurious resorts in Barbados, so make sure you stay nearby and spend as much time in the water as possible.

4. Freights Bay–Longboard Heaven

If you like your surf sessions to be slow and mellow then Freights Bay is the ideal spot. Longboarders rule the waters here, and the atmosphere is warm and friendly (which makes it ideal for beginners too). The water is super clean and the bottom is nice and sandy, so you don’t have to worry about catching yourself on a reef or sea urchin.

5. Tropicana–Reef Breaks, Adrenalin, and Tubes

Perhaps you’re an experienced surfer and are in search of something a little more extreme, in which case Tropicana on the west coast will be more your thing. It produces shallow reef breaks and sucky tubes, and also attracts some of the more competitive locals. You should also watch where you put your feet and be careful not to bale in the shallows, where you’ll get cut up on the reefs and spike by the urchins. But you did say you wanted adrenaline!

By Ben Holbrook.

Image courtesy Nucleus Surf Snow Skate