Pounding surf draws skilled surfers to look for big-wave rides. Don’t swim here, but enjoy the unmatched scenery.
In contrast to the gentle swell of the western beaches, the waters of Bathsheba Beach boil with large breaking waves. The Atlantic Ocean pounds the shore with a force powerful enough to draw competitive surfers.
If you’re a topnotch surfer, follow the lead of others to find the best, and safest, spots. You’ll see distinctive mushroom-shaped rocks rising out of the water. Beware that hidden beneath the surface there may be more huge boulders of coral broken from the reef surrounding the island. There are also nearly constant, extremely strong undercurrents.
If you’re not an experienced, very skilled surfer, it’s best to enjoy watching rather than boarding. Make a game of it and predict which surfers will catch a wave first or go the longest. With the warm sun, refreshing breeze, and turquoise ocean view, you may want to spend several hours relaxing here.
When the tide is out, soak in the pools that form on the inland part of the beach. With sun-warmed water and gentle swirling from waves, they form a natural hot tub. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade or visit one of the casual restaurants on the cliff overlooking the beach.
Be sure to bring your camera for beautiful landscape shots capturing rock cliffs, island foliage, blue sky and turquoise waves topped with white foam. One of these will surely show up as your computer screensaver when you get back home.
Bathsheba Soup Bowl is an especially popular surfing spot. Regulars call it a “Surfer’s Paradise.”
Getting to Bathsheba takes effort but is worth the trip. Join a tour from Bridgetown or take a taxi. A public bus from Bridgetown arrives and departs hourly during the day. If you rent a car, be prepared for rough roads on the 12-mile (19-kilometre) drive. The limited parking fills quickly on great days, so arrive early to get a spot. If you return toward Bridgetown by midday, plan a stop at Hunte’s Garden to enjoy a valley of colourful flowers while you sip a rum punch and listen to soothing background music.
