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.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers All surfers
Air temperature 26°C
79°F26°C
79°F26°C
79°F27°C
81°F26°C
79°F26°C
79°F
Water temperature 27°C
81°F27°C
81°F28°C
82°F29°C
84°F28°C
82°F28°C
82°F
Crowd Fairly crowded Fairly crowded Fairly crowded Very crowded Fairly crowded Fairly crowded
Swell Consistency 95% 80% 70% 65% 75% 95%
Swell height 7 ft 6 ft 5 ft 4 ft 5 ft 6 ft
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
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Rocks
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : SE
Optimal wind direction : NW
South Point
Wave direction : Left and right
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Mid to High
Skill level : Advanced
Optimal swell direction : SE
Optimal wind direction : N
Tropicana
Wave direction : Left
Bottom : Reef
Best tide : Any
Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : E
Maycocks
Brandons
Crane Beach