Shark Hole

The basics

Much of Barbados’ rugged, cliff-lined southern coast is too rough for swimming, but Shark Hole’s unique coral-protected cove makes it a great place for a dip; despite the name, rest assured that there are no sharks in these waters. That said, be cautious as lifeguards are not on duty here—it’s best to not swim beyond the coral and don’t venture into the water if conditions appear to be rough. At dusk, the rocky cliffs above Shark Hole are a great spot for watching the sun go down.

Things to know before you go

• There are no vendors at Shark Hole, so bring your own snacks and drinks.

• Be aware that you have to go down stairs to reach the beach, so it’s not accessible for travels using wheelchairs or with mobility issues.

• Shark Hole doesn’t have restrooms.

How to get there

Shark Hole is in the Saint Philip Parish on the south coast of Barbados. From Bridgetown, it’s around a 40-minute drive east across the island. Head down Marine Drive and turn left on Ocean Drive, where a sandy walkway leads to the beach. Parking is available on the surrounding streets or at a gravel parking lot, which is a 2-minute walk away.

When to get there

Even a few visitors can make Shark Hole feel busy, as it’s a small beach. Weekends are the most popular time for locals to visit, so plan a weekday trip for a more peaceful experience. The dry season of December is May is considered to be the best time to visit Barbados.

Nearby beaches

If you want to explore more beaches on the southeastern coast, you’ll find Crane Beach just a 5-minute drive from Shark Hole. This stretch of pink-tinged sand is often said to be one of the island’s most beautiful beaches and its powerful waves are popular with body boarders. Foul Bay is another popular option, which is less than 10 minutes by car from Shark Hole.