Carlisle Bay Beaches, Bridgetown (must see)

Carlisle Bay stretches from the cruise ship port to the north down to Needham's Point, the location of the Hilton Barbados Resort. The bay is a natural harbor and was Bridgetown's primary anchorage and port location in the early days. You'll likely still see visiting yachts anchored here, but it was full of British Navy and merchant ships back in the day. The location is mostly protected from the prevailing easterly trade winds.

The bay is named after the Earl of Carlisle, James Hay. In the 1600s, he was the Lord Proprietor of Barbados.

South of the river known as the Careenage, the bay's shoreline is one unbroken beautiful sandy beach. You will find many beach clubs and resorts along the shore. The Bay Street Esplanade is a landscaped path that follows the bay's shore. Locals love to gather here after work and watch the sunset.

There is a marine park located in Carlisle Bay that is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. Along with an abundance of sea life and coral reefs, six shipwrecks lie on the bottom of the bay. You can find the wrecks between 12 and 65 feet below the surface.

Browne's Beach is a calm-water beach with soft sand. It's the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun. The Boatyard is a popular spot if you want to try some watersports, like renting a jetski or trying a sea trampoline.