Carlisle Bay, Bridgetown: Hours, Address, Carlisle Bay Reviews: 4.5/5
Carlisle Bay
Carlisle Bay
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This bay is best known for its calm, sheltered waters, perfect for swimming and scuba diving.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Carlisle Bay
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
206 within 5 kms
Lobster Alive
1,179
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Seafood • Gluten Free Options
Harbour Lights
747
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Caribbean • Bar
The Boatyard
678
0.6 km$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Bar • Seafood
Pirate's Cove
206
0.6 km$ • Caribbean • Bar
Copacabana Beach Bar & Grill
284
0.5 km$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Waterfront Cafe
1,047
0.8 km$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Bar • Cafe
Cuz's Fish Stand
1,705
0.9 km$ • Caribbean • Seafood • Fast food
Sahara Arabic Grill and Falafel
361
1 km$ • Quick Bites • Lebanese • Mediterranean
Eat Please Deli
21
0.6 km$ • Caribbean
Mustor's Restaurant
125
0.9 km$ • Caribbean
Attractions
46 within 5 kms
The Boatyard
1,493
0.5 kmBeach & Pool Clubs
Browne's Beach
226
0.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Beaches
Pebbles Beach
282
0.9 kmBeaches
Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Museum
240
1.1 kmReligious Sites
The Parliment Buildings
249
0.9 kmHistoric Sites • Government Buildings
George Washington House
495
1.2 kmHistoric Sites
Barbados Garrison
251
1.3 kmMilitary Museums • Historic Sites
Garrison Savannah - Barbados Turf Club
458
1.6 kmHistoric Sites
The Careenage
111
0.8 kmBodies of Water
Bridgetown Bethel Methodist Church
14
0.7 kmChurches & Cathedrals
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
2,633 reviews
Excellent
1,894
Very good
601
Average
94
Poor
29
Terrible
15
howie999
Darlington, UK598 contributions
beautiful Beach - Very Safe sea Bathing
Aug. 2021
probably the most underrated beach in Barbados.
Safe bathing - nice sand - plenty of bars and snacks available
Safe bathing - nice sand - plenty of bars and snacks available
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Saulius M
2 contributions
Amazing hotel and staff but…..
Aug. 2021 • Family
The location is stunning, rooms are beautiful, comfortable and well equipped. The food is average but with high end prices. There are plenty of restaurant choices elsewhere but if guests have paid for an all inclusive stay most are unlikely to venture out to eat. The beach is a gem but there are not enough loungers / parasols to accommodate all the guests that want them. This results in the typical scarcity behaviour. We used to joke about people getting up super early to put a towel, a book or a flip flop on loungers in order to claim their space whilst they then leave for a few hours go back to bed have breakfast etc. Yes this really happens here. Frankly not good enough for a 5 star resort. Maybe the owners want to maintain the aesthetic of the beach by not filling it up with loungers. The facility has allot to offer and is clearly centred around the beach. The feel of the place could easily be maintained by adding more sun loungers and not having a first come first served principle in place. On the whole I would recommend Carlisle Bay to friends and family. A final suggestion (hopefully constructive) regarding the sun beds issue. Have some spare loungers and umbrellas stacked behind the beach and bring them out when demand and occupancy is high - problem solved.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chelyse
United States6 contributions
This is a Must Go To beach!
Jul. 2021
Carlisle Bay is simply STUNNING!! We were staying quite far away on the island, but we made the trip by bus twice because we loved it so much! The water is clear and exquisite, the waves are soft, and the water is cool. The sand has a tinge of pink to it from the coral, and at sunset it really shows up. It is the longest beach we saw, and has lots of options for a lively beach experience as well as a quiet relaxing one. Absolutely recommend!!!!
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cameron P
London, UK27 contributions
A general review of Barbados vacation
Aug. 2021
We chose the island as it was on the UK green list, and we wanted a change from our normal holiday diet of Europe. We spent 12 nights in total, factoring in a possible 2 day quarantine (in the end, no need!)
The flight with BA was very good out of LHR; we pre-booked economy exit seats for the extra comfort both ways.
The COVID pre and post departure testing was fine. In London, as long as you have your head around when to test and get results in a timely manner, that is fine. In Barbados, the testing was efficient and chaotic at the same time - thorough checking of vaccination status and pre tests, but then a random room where we were told to wait and someone would see us. Having previous knowledge of the Caribbean, we found someone to get the process going!
We stayed at the Radisson Hotel on Carlisle Bay. We opted for a more international brand being a same-sex couple. Whilst we were excited about holidaying in Barbados, we weren’t quite sure of our reception had we been like normal ourselves in London. Our overall experience of Barbados has been very tolerant and accepting. Despite being aware of the FCO website about conservative attitudes in the Caribbean, all locals we came across were welcoming and inclusive.
Our 12 day experience included:
Catamaran tour of the West Coast
Nature and Wildlife tour
Harbour Lights extravaganza,
Oistins Fish Night
Harrison’s Cave
The Beach!
Chill (a lot!)
If the beach is your thing, Carlisle Bay is very popular with locals and tourists. There are several Beach clubs that give you paid entry which includes meals, a drink, and some water sports. We would recommend the Boatyard, and Rascals (Brandan’s Beach which has a water park)
Barbados is a lovely island. You can make your vacation of whatever you wish. If you don’t want to venture out of the hotel, you have everything there. If you want adventure/excursions, there are plenty. I would say everything is efficiently run, but don’t expect to see employees running around. They will help you in a range of ways, but it is hot, so they aren’t going to be running around like hospitality staff until the UK/US.
There is a reason what Barbados is a green list country and undoubtedly will stay that way. Vaccination is encouraged. They accept tourists, but covid protocols are everywhere. You are temperature checked and sanitised in every institution. Everyone wears a mask (no long-listed exemptions..everyone wears one!) You feel genuinely safe. Even with the curfew in place (11pm-5am) means early dinner, early carriages! We managed to get lost on a local bus one evening. The lady sitting next to us told the driver to take us back to Bridgetown to pick up the correct bus. He not only diverted the bus, he also showed us the exact bus to take!
Overall, if you are looking for a Caribbean experience, Barbados comes highly recommended!
The flight with BA was very good out of LHR; we pre-booked economy exit seats for the extra comfort both ways.
The COVID pre and post departure testing was fine. In London, as long as you have your head around when to test and get results in a timely manner, that is fine. In Barbados, the testing was efficient and chaotic at the same time - thorough checking of vaccination status and pre tests, but then a random room where we were told to wait and someone would see us. Having previous knowledge of the Caribbean, we found someone to get the process going!
We stayed at the Radisson Hotel on Carlisle Bay. We opted for a more international brand being a same-sex couple. Whilst we were excited about holidaying in Barbados, we weren’t quite sure of our reception had we been like normal ourselves in London. Our overall experience of Barbados has been very tolerant and accepting. Despite being aware of the FCO website about conservative attitudes in the Caribbean, all locals we came across were welcoming and inclusive.
Our 12 day experience included:
Catamaran tour of the West Coast
Nature and Wildlife tour
Harbour Lights extravaganza,
Oistins Fish Night
Harrison’s Cave
The Beach!
Chill (a lot!)
If the beach is your thing, Carlisle Bay is very popular with locals and tourists. There are several Beach clubs that give you paid entry which includes meals, a drink, and some water sports. We would recommend the Boatyard, and Rascals (Brandan’s Beach which has a water park)
Barbados is a lovely island. You can make your vacation of whatever you wish. If you don’t want to venture out of the hotel, you have everything there. If you want adventure/excursions, there are plenty. I would say everything is efficiently run, but don’t expect to see employees running around. They will help you in a range of ways, but it is hot, so they aren’t going to be running around like hospitality staff until the UK/US.
There is a reason what Barbados is a green list country and undoubtedly will stay that way. Vaccination is encouraged. They accept tourists, but covid protocols are everywhere. You are temperature checked and sanitised in every institution. Everyone wears a mask (no long-listed exemptions..everyone wears one!) You feel genuinely safe. Even with the curfew in place (11pm-5am) means early dinner, early carriages! We managed to get lost on a local bus one evening. The lady sitting next to us told the driver to take us back to Bridgetown to pick up the correct bus. He not only diverted the bus, he also showed us the exact bus to take!
Overall, if you are looking for a Caribbean experience, Barbados comes highly recommended!
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andy W
Motherwell, UK14 contributions
Super scuba
Jul. 2021 • Family
Great time diving was super
So much fun try it yourself . Blue sea sandy beach and great quality scuba
Simply paradise you must go
So much fun try it yourself . Blue sea sandy beach and great quality scuba
Simply paradise you must go
Written July 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Luke
Green Bay, WI6 contributions
Beautiful beaches and turquoise blue waters
Jun. 2021
Carlisle Bay was one of our favorite visits while in Barbados. We relaxed on the beach for a while, jumped off the pier, and then went snorkeling to see shipwrecks and turtles. Would definitely recommend a day trip if you are in Barbados!
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mysara e
14 contributions
Nice calm and well-kept
Apr. 2021
This beach is nice calm and well kept. When I visited there were limited hours though of 6am to 9am, and 3pm to 6pm.
Written April 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Janet
Toronto, Canada94 contributions
Pretty beach, good for walking and swimming
Mar. 2021 • Couples
Very nice beach, mostly clean and not very crowded. Long sandy beach for walking and many swimming sections.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aim R
2 contributions
Crystal clear and tropical fish
Dec. 2020
Great beach with friendly people and crystal clear water with great snorkeling and diving. Beautiful protected marine reserve. We swam with turtles!
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jonathon Brow.
Toronto, Canada7 contributions
Beautiful bay
Jan. 2021
The water there is so calm and warm. Beautiful place to hang out. The beach is really deep, which is great compared to a lot of other shallow beaches on the island.
Written March 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laura B
West Edmeston, New York, United States52 contributions
Hello. I have visited Carlisle Bay a few times, and never found the free toilet facilities. Where are they located? Thanks.
doc_alg
Maple Ridge, Canada380 contributions
Well you got the correct answers already. Such great help from fellow travellers. Do not be shy to ask locals and other visitors for info when in Barbados. Everyone is helpful.
rwjohn2754
Dunfermline, UK79 contributions
Do you pay to access the beach?
What facilities does it have e.g toilets, bars, food?
Thbanks
Daniella D
3 contributions
All beaches are free in Barbados, sun loungers are 30 Bdollar for 2 and an umbrella. There are toilets which are free, clean and have toilet paper. There are cars and a van selling drinks 3 Bdollar for beer/soft drinks. Turtles straight out in front of the toilets in the sea all free. Enjoy
mabarka321
Boston, MA3 contributions
How far is this from the cruise port and what is the best way to get to Carlisle Bay from the port?
Neil S
Trinidad,West Indies3 contributions
Its roughly just under 2km.
Travel is readily available via bus or taxi...and always on time!
Curious551019
Antioch, CA
Is there food available near Carlisle Bay?
Larry
Maple Ridge, Canada28 contributions
Yes there is the Pennydiver food truck
maxine m
Leicester, UK30 contributions
Hi what's the best way to book a swim with the turtles if you dont want to book it through your cruise ship. Thanks
Simon B
Holton Le Clay, UK18 contributions
Get a taxi or the reggae bus to the bay and there are turtle boats every hour or there abouts for 20 bucks.You get to see the turtles and snorkel on a ship wreck,they can provide the gear also.
louisville273
Louisville, KY2 contributions
For those of you who snorkeled from the beach- what did you do with your stuff while you were snorkeling?
Neil T
London, UK29 contributions
There are lockers at the boatyard club.
Giles527
Cirencester, UK161 contributions
Hi there, I notice that you mention that you stayed in a place with only 24 rooms - would this be the Island Inn by any chance. We're thinking if staying there as we've done the West Coast many times. Only worry is if the beach gets mega-crowded at that end when the cruise ships are in. Also, the Island Inn gets pretty good reviews - if you did stay there what did you thing of it?
Thanks for your help
Giles
VangieSNKLnHIKE
Dallas, TX39 contributions
Hi Giles, We didn’t stay at the Island Inn. We just toured the island for one day. Be sure to visit Hunte Gardens and sit on the treetop balcony with the owner for lemonade or his rum punch. Beautiful spot and fantastic experience. The Radison hotel on Carlisle Bay is in a good location but Carlisle Bay is very festive and busy. It’s close to cruise port. We enjoyed it because we like people watching and drink/food service on the beach. Across the Island at Bathsheba it was very jungle filled and scenic. No crowds and scattered restaurants were available with views and good reviews. It was not busy at the Garden either— so peaceful.
Giles527
Cirencester, UK161 contributions
Hello - we're thinking of staying at The Island Inn in December as we've stayed West Coast quite a few times before. The Island Inn looks pretty good but looking at Trip Advisor reviews it looks like the nearby beach can get pretty busy and full of aggravating peddlers. Can I ask what you thought of the beach nearer the hotel? Is it still crowded or acceptably peaceful?
Many thanks,
Giles
retireeVancouver
Vancouver, Canada1,650 contributions
We visited Carlisle Beach in January and used the facilities at Harbor Lights. Since we were on the beach early - 10-12:30 - there was no one selling stuff in the area. However, the peddlers might know about the policies that Harbor Lights has towards their customers patronizing peddlers, so they don't come around that northern area. Carlisle Bay is wonderful!! Read my review under Carlisle Bay in Tripadvisor to hear about its merits. I did meander a bit south on my beach walk and didn't come across any peddlers either. Perhaps the reviewers for Island Inn could answer your question more precisely than I can. Have a lovely holiday.
Best beaches in Barbados for a relaxing holiday in july?
simon b
Selsey, UK257 contributions
carlisle bay
the beach by John moore bar towards speightstown
and great snorkelling near surfside bar in holetown
avoid the south coast in July.
