Barbary Beach is a long, peaceful section of white sand, ideal for travellers seeking a quiet place to relax along the shore. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon picnic in the beach’s soft sand, walk along the shore and appreciate its relatively untouched natural beauty or embark on a kayaking excursion to nearby Peterson Cay.
Barbary Beach is loosely divided into two parts, with fine white sands transitioning into a more rocky section of coastline. Its sands are dotted with interesting conch shells and the waters off the coast are crystal clear. The beach is protected by rock jetties, which means you can relax in the sands without worrying about the changing tides. Be aware that the beach has no facilities, so if you want to stay for the afternoon, it’s a good idea to bring a picnic and plenty of water.
On most days, the beach is relatively quiet and you are unlikely to run into many other people. Relax in the sun and cool off in the clear waters. Walk to the rockier area of the beach, where you’ll find interesting tidal pools. Bring snorkeling gear to look for marine life as you explore the shallow waters.
As you gaze out over the waters off the coastline, you may notice a small island visible in the distance. Known as Peterson Cay, this island is one of the smallest national parks in the Bahamas and features a stunning reef and diverse underwater life, including barracudas and manta rays. Book a kayak or boat excursion to this tiny 1.5-acre (0.6-hectare) island. These trips usually depart from Barbary Beach, so if you visit in the early morning, you may get a glimpse of kayakers paddling out into the waters.
Reach Barbary Beach on the southwest coast of Grand Bahama Island, just off the Grand Bahama Highway east of Freeport.
