Comments on Great Bay beach,St Martin and Carlisle Bay Barbados

[Rabbitwoman]

Hello all- anyone have any comments on these two beaches that look like easy access from ship port ?

I enjoy water/snorkel and hubby likes to chill/relax

Thank you

[gecko12]

Both beaches are fun and lively with lots going on. If you want a bit more quiet just walk to the far end. I thought Great Bay has clear calm water and the sand was good. Carlisle Bay has a couple of shipwrecks in the cove. We were able to snorkel out to them but be careful there are lots of boats coming and going around them.

[Hlitner]

Great Bay is opposite the cruise port (the beach runs right along downtown Phillipsburg) and you can get there by walking or using the inexpensive water taxi (from the port). This beach is a bit controversial among those that stay on St Maarten because at times (especially after a lot of rain) the water can be polluted. But otherwise, we think its a great option for cruisers because you can take the water taxi into town, rent chairs at the beach, enjoy a nice lunch, do your shopping, etc.. Very convenient. As to snorkeling, we would say do not waste your time as you will see nothing but sand....and perhaps a few fish.

 

As to Carlisle Bay, there are actually several beach spots on this bay in Barbados. You are probably referring to "Carlisle Bay Beach" which is a popular beach with cruisers. Personally, we prefer to quieter Rockley Beach from where we can swim out to the reef area (this is where many snorkel tours come) and do some snorkeling. It is a long swim which should only be done by those with their own snorkel gear (and good fins) that are comfortable with that kind of distance. DW and I (we are in our 60s) can get out to the reef area in about 15 min. The reefs are OK (not great) and they even have a few spots where the locals have caged-in some reef to keep it protected (this is where you will sometimes see a snorkel tour stop).

 

As to the snorkeling at Carlisle Bay Beach....we have never tried it there but have been told it is nothing special due to the lack of decent reefs.

 

Hank

[New Hampshire]

I have done some research on Great Bay Beach and discovered that locals don't swim there because of pollution. Supposedly, cruise ship passengers don't know any better and are the only ones who swim there. It is a lovely beach, with a boardwalk full of bars and restaurants. The water LOOKS beaufiful, but?????? Pre-research, we were planning to spend the day there.