Your Ultimate Guide To Barbados

One of the longest and widest stretches of beach on Barbados' South Coast, Rockley Beach or Accra Beach is situated in the parish of Christ Church, with Sandy Beach, St. Lawrence Gap, Dover Beach, Maxwell and Oistins lying along the coast to the east. The Garrison Savannah and the Barbados Museum are amongst a number of Barbados attractions to the west of Accra Beach, and Rockley Golf course is north of Accra Beach. The next significant beaches east of Accra Beach are further around the southern tip of the island, past Needham’s Point Lighthouse. 

Set in a beautiful bay, with white powdery sand and calm turquoise seas framed by Casuarina and sea-grape trees, Rockley Beach is popular with tourists and Bajan people wanting a day of swimming, sunbathing, watersports, relaxing, or simply 'people watching'. Leaving your car in the car park near the beach you will soon notice the busy, lively, energetic atmosphere at Rockley Beach in Barbados, so perhaps not the best beach if you're seeking peace and quiet.

Water sports equipment - beach chairs - beach umbrellas - beachwear - local crafts items - jewellery - souvenirs - all of these can be purchased from the colourful vendor kiosks that were provided The National Conservation Commission in Barbados (NCC) to prevent beachgoers being pestered.

Apart from swimming in the beautiful warm sea, there are a number of other watersports you can try when you visit Rockley Beach in Barbados. Why not try windsurfing - sunfish sailing - snorkelling - boogie boarding - body surfing - Hobie Cat rides? 

The waves at Rockley Beach can be higher at certain times creating excellent surfing conditions without the undertow and hazards generally found at other surfing spots in Barbados. In case of difficulties, there are lifeguards on duty at Rockley Beach. The water is usually calm and safe for swimming though, good news for families with children who can play safely in the shallow water near the shoreline. 

If you're there for the day you will probably want sustenance. There are several beach bars and roadside snack wagons selling local food and drink, and seating and picnic tables at the beach edge where you can enjoy your refreshments. There is also a Chefette and quite a few hotels nearby if you prefer something more substantial than a snack.

The public changing facilities, toilets and showers will also allow you to stay longer at the beach, or to freshen up if you want to visit another part of Barbados or just cross the road a short distance from Rockley Beach and browse through Bajan art and giftware at the Barbados Gift Shop in Quayside Centre.

For children still needing to burn off some energy, there is also a playground with climbing frames and a slide, and an indoor play room at the Chefette restaurant across the road from Accra Beach in Barbados.

Finally, the recently constructed one kilometre South Coast Boardwalk lying parallel to the shoreline is excellent for walking or jogging, or simply sitting and watching the sunset.